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.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Mama's pride






After 33 hrs, 5 of which I spent trying to sleep in some rusty motel and 6 - talking with and feeding my son Alex - I am back. It is insane how airplanes changed our world. One moment, I am home, another - visiting my kid, soon - back home, and in 48 hrs - with my family in Russia...I am not sure where I am now and what time zome in:)

Alex is doing awesome, so proud of his looks AND his thoughts. He grew and matured immensly. Small school Victory Forge, family operated, is a great revenue for trouble younth trying to learn life a bit. He wasn't allowed off grounds (not yet), so he showed me every detail of this small place (17 kids), described minute-by-minute their days, talked about "right and wrong" decisions and some future plans. I had to run out and buy lots of food, what he consumed rather fast:) Palm trees smoothened out the military style, and it was sad to leave. Next time I hope we can have more time together.

Long run tomorrow, last for the year, and off to another set of planes. May you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year!

p.s. Bryon and I came up with a great idea of forming a pacing team, and Bryon went further and thought of an awesome name for it: "Pacific and Atlantic Companions for Endurance Runners", aka PACERs? Koneshno, more often than not we'd go by our nickname - "The PAC"! You may join if you had done pacing duties in the past - hopefully, successful - and enjoy it as much if not more than racing itself. We will collect our resumes and recommendation letters to present to future runners:) If you are the one who had experienced either one of ours pacing, please do not hesitate to send in a praising letter! Looking forward to hear fun remarks for the New Year's resolution too!

18 comments:

TonyP said...

Enjoy your last long run of the year, and have a safe trip.

For "The PAC", I suppose I paced Bob G. through the JFK 50 this past November (the entire #%%$@^ thing), which, was successful as he finished within his goal time. I'm also going to do some pacing duties at ODM 100 in May (after I finish the ODM 50). I can be on The PAC's "non-elite" pacing team.... :)))

As for Bryon's pacing...I can't say enough. He is an amazing pacer. Totally pulled me through GTR 100.

New year resolution #1 for me...stay away from the beer and candy !!!

Have a Happy New Year.

TonyP said...

Olga - check this link out...

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/URNR/Pacers2.jpg

Unknown said...

Alex looks good! I hope that what he learns he can generalize it to the world outside, which is a little less forgiving, as he has already learned.

Have a safe trip and enjoy the holidays with your family.

I like the pacing team idea.

Sarah said...

So glad that Alex is doing well! Have a safe trip to Russia and Happy New Year!

Backofpack said...

Alex looks wonderful! Have a lovely time in Russia, enjoy your family there.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear Alex is doing O.K. Hope you have a Merry X-Mas.

DawnB said...

No matter what, they make us so happy!! Glad to see you both so happy!!

Happy Holidays!!

Sarah Elaine said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas - knowing your baby is doing well. He looks great.

Have a safe trip and merry Christmas to you.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you are able to visit family Alex and those in Russia. Hope all are well and that you have a great time together.

Ben, aka BadBen said...

Have a great holiday, Olga.

Happy trails,
Bad Ben

Anonymous said...

Olga_

I am so proud of you for the progress that was made this year! We (Marcy and Adry) love you. You were tough as nails at Bear100 and a guardian angel at SD100 (OK--maybe a drunk frigin' angel.) Bless you. :) I love that we have 52 planned wkends (dates) together next year! -Adrien (DD)

~concrete angel~ said...

So wonderful to hear Alex is doing better! I'll join a pacing team...have paced several times before.

Meghan said...

Olga,

Happy holidays to you and your family. I'm happy to hear that you're having a great time so far. Your boy looks all grown up in his fatigues. It must be so lovely to see improvements.

Your pacing team idea sounds great!

Meghan

shawn said...

Aaww, Olga, what a handsome son you have. I can see where he gets his good looks :) I'm glad he is doing well and that you got to visit him. I can't imagine your exitement on your plane rides!

I want to be a PACer! What a cool idea.

Happy New Year and best wishes in 2008 to you!

Lori B said...

Hey Olga,

I want to be a dancing queen, I mean pacing queen. Love to you and your family here and in Russia. Happy New Year! I miss you guys, see you soon.

Lori B

PS why is Adrian's handle "dirty diapers" and do I want to know?

Rick Gaston said...

Totally left you a comment but nada, not here. So here goes again. I hope you are enjoying your trip home. As for my pacing resume. You're the only person I've paced so put me in for AR50 and Rio del Lago.

DawnB said...

Happy New Year to you and yours Olga.

Unknown said...

Hi, I found your blog while reading another runner's online journal. Great blog and what a wonderful quote by Howard Thurman. Have a great 2008!

Phil