The intention of registering for Point Bock was "motivation" for the winter, well... needless to say training lagged for most of the dark, cold, icy, days of december-february. My goal was a sub 55minutes or just to finish, either way I was going to enjoy the "destination" run in Steven's Point. My goal of sub 55 was accomplished in 53min 11 seconds, but at the end of it all that really seems irrelevant. Please indulge my story.
I registered with 2 Team Challenge teammates and was super excited, primarily for the beer, but also the thrill of the race.
As the starting gun went off I was chilled, nose was running, and tired from the long trek up "north der". As I started moving like molasses with the mass I felt good. I mean, I randomly ran 7 miles just 2 weeks ago... this should be easy. About half way my legs started feeling heavy, like concrete, but I think the cold kept me moving. At the turn around point I was excited to see my TC teammates pulling up the rear. I first spotted Sara and waved and cheered for her, she was super close behind me. So pround of her! Then out of NOWHERE my good friend Lisa, the girl that wanted to back out and be a "cheerleader" was plugging along. I was so happy to see her a) not quitting b) kicking butt c) with a smile on her face. It was great!
I thought "less than half way to beer" best horse and carrot I can think of. As I headed back a long straight away I got super hot. I took off the ninja mask, did I mention I was ninja running? And wanted to unzip my jacket but my race bib was affixed to both sides of the zipper. I wanted my TC singlet to show through at the finish line, and boy, was I hot!
As I reached the home stretch I felt really good~ I was almost done and pushing through the cold. I ran down the middle of the road on the double yellow line as if it was a fishing line pulling me to the finish. It was great. Then I remembered my free beer. That felt REALLY great. :)
After the finish I tought about going to our designated "meeting area" but decided the beer tent was a better option than the light pole next to the port-o-potties. I picked up my first of too many "dark ales" and chugged it down. I thought I would be perfect timing to see Lisa cross the finish line and cheer her on. I walked out of the tent and saw that Sara had just finished and was chatting across the way. I headed over to meet up with her. No sooner that we met up did I see Lisa coming down the straight away. We made our way closer to the fence and cheered her on!!
As we chatted and mingled in the overcrowded beer tent, a woman saw my Team Challenge singlet. She disclosed her daughter was just diagnosed with Crohn's a year and a half ago. She described all the obstacles, pain, and treatments she has gone through. She happily reports she was finally able to study abroad after 2 trips were post-poned because of her health issues. As tears streamed down our faces it was yet another reminder of why this whole experience is so life changing. You never know who you are going to meet or how you will change their life. My thoughts and prayers go out to this woman's daughter, that she can enjoy the remainder of her trip abroad and return home healthy.
Challenge. Change. Cure.
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