Running out of my comfort zone

We all know that Ryan has become an avid trail runner.  He spends hours and hours on the trails training for some incredible races and as the months pass by he only gets better and stronger.  This year I finally got the courage to register for a distance that stretched my comfort zone.

I'm not a big runner - in fact, I am completely comfortable with the fact that I'm a fair weather runner.  If it's too cold - no run.  If it's too dark - no run, too wet - no run.   I've competed in a Trail 10K race in Eldora twice and really enjoyed it (although the altitude about 10,000 ft hurt me).

This year my friend Melody and I decided that we should do a 1/2 marathon on the trails.  Mel talked me into registering for the Leadville Trail Heavy Half (just under 16 miles).  Now, I live with and love an ultra-runner - he wakes up, sneezes and he's gone 16 miles.  Me?  Not so much.  This distance was scary to me.  Not only was the distance scary, but the fact that the race STARTS at 10,200 ft above sea level and climbs a mountain pass made my insides shake.

Here is a profile of the race:

Melody and I had such fun training for this race.  We spent many hours in the Flat Irons and Eldorado canyon enjoying great conversation and incredibly beautiful scenery.
 
This race really put things in perspective for me.  It's really hard not to compare yourself to your closest friends and family when it comes to running.  The fact that Ryan runs (what some may consider) insane amounts of miles training for the Leadville Trail 100 makes me feel like a "slacker" in comparison.  Ryan is incredibly supportive and constantly reminds me that I can't look at what he's doing, I need to look at where I started and where I am now.  So, in an effort to listen to my loving husband, I embraced my own journey (which I dubbed my "Super Mini Leadville").  In the end, although I know that my accomplishment is measly compared to so many of those around me (i.e. Ryan ran the 26.2 mile distance of the same race), I am really excited that I stepped out of my comfort zone.  Never have I had so much fun!

The race started at 8:00am on a Saturday morning under blue skies that only Colorado can produce.  The temperature was perfect and the energy amazing.  The course starts in the heart of Leadville and as we took off running I quickly realized that there was going to be a good amount of "power hiking" in my journey.  The scenery was breath taking and the course was amazing.  I carried my iPhone with me to take some pictures so I'll let them tell a better story:

Just a glimpse of the beautiful surroundings

Start of Mosquito pass.  This stretch climbs and climbs for about three miles

View from about 1/2 way up Mosquito pass looking back at the start

A very nice man offered to take my picture.  I figured that since I wasn't breaking any land speed records I should have some pictures to commemorate my experience.  I continued on the trail with this man and learned that he completed Chemo just four days before!!  Talk about strength and determination!

My trusty Garmin tells me that we went 7.92 miles up to 13,234 feet. 

Top of Mosquito pass.  Time to turn around and head to the finish!

We did it!  Melody was such a great training partner and race buddy!

I love, love my Garmin. 

After the run I eagerly waited for Ryan to finish his marathon. He was hoping to finish in 6 1/2 hours.  He ended up beating his goal by 45 minutes and had a really great race and felt strong.  Wahoo!!!

Cody couldn't quite get his hand out of the way - but at least we have a pic of us at the finish!

Now that my quads have recovered I'm looking forward to two more short trail races this year and to crewing and witnessing Ryan's second attempt of the Leadville Trail 100 on August 18 and 19th.   I know he's going to finish this year!!