If you're lucky enough to be in the mountains, you are lucky enough.

When something bad happens, you have three choices: let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.

Monday, June 26, 2006

A short version

And even this is not mine - it came from Craig-The Mental Runner:

All I knew from checking in on the tracking page was that the first part of the race seemed to go slower than I assumed you wanted. After a while I had a feeling that you were grinding it out.

Thanks to all who kept track of me. This and the fact I had two pacers waiting kept me going, even though I am still not sure it was worth it. I just couldn't be defeated in front of so many eyes...

I'll take a nap on it and write a report later.

14 comments:

psbowe said...

Olga you rocked! I read how you did on BackOfPack's site, that's amazing you pulled that off. It doesn't matter you feel like you didn't do as well, you still whipped it out!

Backofpack said...

Olga,
I was hurting for you - I knew those weren't the times you wanted, but I also knew you were going to make it through. You are awesome!
Michelle

Anonymous said...

You fought a battle out there of a magnitude I can't fully comprehend. So you have my admiration for what that's worth.

Ben, aka BadBen said...

You are one tough cookie!

Unknown said...

Whether or not it was worth it is not something that any of us can answer for another person. It is easy for me to sit here and type that I think to finish, no matter the conditions, is better than dropping out, but then when I read about Brian Morrison being taken to the hospital because he was unconscious at the finish line it makes me question our sanity as a group. Obviously since you were out on the course I am sure you are questioning it much more deeply than I am and since I have put ultras on hold for awhile it is easy for me to dismiss the question at the current time.

I am proud of you nonetheless and whether or not that has meaning is for you to decide. Maybe walking it in does not feel that heroic, but in my opinion it is better than walking off the battlefield.

Kendall K said...

I would echo Rob's sentiments. As I told Carol O'Hear last year, anyone can finish when things are going well, to tough it out and finish when nothing is going well demonstrates a rare toughness of character. A heartfelt congratulations to you Olga. KRK

Kim said...

Wow, I think it was great that you did it Olga. Tough tough tough conditions out there.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Anonymous said...

can't wait to hear the long version...way to go, Olga

Love2Run said...

Have a nice nap! Looking forward to the report too ;-)

Rick Gaston said...

"I just couldn't be defeated in front of so many eyes..." Amen.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations- I can't wait to hear your report. Sounds like it was a really tough day out there.

Johnny Lyons said...

Well, I imagine it will at least be a learning experience of some kind :) You're one tough chica! Or maybe you're just loco. Or maybe they are one and the same.

Sarah said...

You were awesome, Olga! Since I was out backpacking I couldn't track after the first few hours. But when I came back and saw that many had dropped I just knew you would have pulled it out. : )

RR said...

Hi Olga

My friend and I chatted with you at the Sac Airport on Sunday evening. I just wanted to reaffirm the fact that you should be very proud of your accomplishment. Being part of only 56% that finished puts you in elite status. Sometimes we learn the most under the most adversity. Hope you recover fast and kick butt at AC.

Dave Bursler