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.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

An out of this world experience


"Our next finisher, in 46:09, will be doing research on space-time continuum for Hardrock 100..."

Yup, that's right. Because, when I finally planted that kiss on The Rock, it seemed all that happened in the past 2 days didn't happen to me, didn't happen just now and didn't happen here. After sleep-walking for the last 2+ hours I was pretty drained of any emotions, and it was like looking from above on all the happenings in a faze...

Hardrock 100 was all I imagined it to be and then some. I would love to tell you the story. As I was driving back, everything moved so far away, and became even more vague. It took me another 2 days to realize it was real, I made it, and the dream I had become a reality, yet still like a dream. May be this is how Hardrock is. A Dream. More than anything else. An experience. And not even simply because of how tough it is, or how beautiful, or how special the people are around it. San Juans, strung together in a single 100 miles of push is truly special and divine. I am blessed to have shared it with so many...

One day, I hope, I find time (and computer - which I don't have at home, and I quit my job now) to say more. I don't want to waste empty words without fully describing these mountains and these people, all the thoughts and revelations. Hardrock 100 deserves so much more. With over 300 photos to download it might - just might - express a tiny bit of emotions. For now - I am extremely happy and satisfied and wouldn't want to take anything back, from marking course days, dear friends, Larry's support, good and ugly, race and walk, smiles and tears...without it all I wouldn't be who I am, and I kind of like who that person is:)

31 comments:

Backofpack said...

Wow Olga! Congratulations on achieving your dream, and on completing a long and arduous race!

rustyboy said...

I was watchin' your progress - WAY TO DO IT!

I can't wait to read all about your adventure.

Sarah said...

Congrats!! I was watching your progress too.

Some things are so special they can't be put into words, but are tucked away in our heart and soul. And you definitely have heart and more! : )

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the finish. Glad to hear you had the expierience of a lifetime.

Danni said...

You rock!!! I can't wait to see pictures and read more.

Stuart said...

Awesome! Looking forward to the pix!

Pam said...

Nice work, Olga! Sounds like it was a fantastic run on many levels.

Rick Gaston said...

We were following the updates online. Congratulations on your hard fought finish and the fulfillment of a dream race.

Thomas said...

Sounds like you had a really outstanding experience.

Being a Hardrock finisher is special. Congratulations!

Dmitri said...

Olga, you rock! 46 hours! Congratulations!!! I hope we will have a chance to read a more detailed recap from this race. I bet this one should be special. Did you take any naps at all during these 46 hours?

LK said...

Never a doubt in my mind you would kiss the rock! :)

meredith said...

Bigest congrats on a wonderful journey! Now on to Texas ;)

amy said...

Congrats Olga! I never thought I'd be saying 'I want to run Hardrock' but reading your report and others has me ready to throw my name into the lottery. Enjoy the recovery. I hope to see you out there someday.

Jacqueline Florine said...

Glad you didn't crack your teeth! : )
Congrats on your proud finish.

Julie B said...

You Hardrocker, you! Olga, I am SO proud of you ! Cheers to you! A deep soul heartfelt congratulations to you :)

Moogy said...

Super congrats Olga! I am so happy for you...you fought for every step and stride!!

sea legs girl said...

Olga, Congrats! Sounds just incredible and I can't wait to hear more. And how could you not kind of like the person you are? You are just so funny sometimes and yes, extremely likeable!

R2B said...

W'oh!

JeffO said...

Enjoyed watching you slug it out and never doubted you'd finish. You were very steady and strong, except for Grouse to Ouray (which you blew away as if flat ground).

Gretchen said...

Yay Olga!!! You are so hardcore. That is awesome! I can't wait to hear more about it.
Yup, we like who you are too. :)

SteveQ said...

Wow!

Make that WOW!!!

Donald said...

Awesome job, Olga! I saw your name on a finisher list and I was so happy for you. You deserve it. Rest up, enjoy your accomplishment, and fill us in on the details whenever you can.

Peter Lubbers said...

Fantastic run, Olga! Wow!

BSH said...

You rock Olga!! What a joy to spend time with you and get to know you better! Congratulations on kissing the Hardrock! I'll send photo's.
can't wait to do it again!
Love, Beth

Lisa B said...

Olga. Olga? Olga!!! Whoa! Wow! Yowza! Whippeeee! Fanfuckingtastic! You ROCKED Hardrock! I will bow humbly to you now. Love it. Just love it. Congratulations!

home exchange said...

What a beautiful experience and told with such a human touch. I really like the way you've conveyed this, it sounds like a wonderful journey :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Olga. We're really happy for you.

brownie said...

Welcome to the club, Hardrocker!

Hone said...

Nice! Congrats on finishing the hardest mountain race in the world. You are tough as nails.

Lisa Smith-Batchen said...

beautiful..just beautiful!

George Ruiz said...

Olga I love it when dreams come true! Congrats on a Hardrock finish. Savor it forever.