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, January 28, 2006

Calm before the storm.

The week of regular training routine is rounding up nicely. I did that second run on Thursday for 10 miles, although unlike Rob's "tempo" pace, mine was at 8:30, and it was super-exciting! I don't remember when I ran that long that fast and felt that I could go for much longer. However, the negative things about running roads (besides shin splints and tight calf/hamstring muscles) is that there are no bathrooms! So I had to really push it to get home and then decided against going back out. I had more running planned ahead anyway.

Last night we had a torrential downpour with knocking winds, and I woke up at 2:30 am certain that the 6 am meeting with my running partner Gail will be cancelled. I set on a couch for a couple of hours calculating how the heck will I do a 4 hrs run on treadmill before dosing off again, and woke up to a total calm...no rain, no wind, and I am late! I am never late, so I grabbed my stuff and was out of the door in 5 min, arriving at Gail's 5:55, as usual, early (this is my trademark, and I am not giving it up). We went to Columbia Gorge, we call it "mental health place", besides been one tough trail system with hundreds 3 mile hills at over 10% grade. It is gorgeous! The snow started below 2500 feet, and after crossing a few creeks our feet went numb. I screamed to shake it off - I do that - and after about 3200 feet gain (5 miles) we turned to a different route. The soft pine needles felt much better...

It was great to see her. Gail was the first person in Portland to accept me in an ultra community when we moved here, introduce me to runners and trails. We fit great running together. She is fantastic uphill pusher, and I pull her downhill, and neither one of us ever have to feel sorry if we need to split up for a workout - we have different goals for the season, and when I am at my high, she may not be. I am also stronger on technical down hills, so, just as usual, she just yelled today: I know the way, I'll see you by the car - and it felt right. We were still together, but working as separate units, and we were able to spend some time with our own thoughts. Because the most for what I love Gail - she is my mentor in life. I share everything with her, and I couldn't wait for today's run after a few weeks break - there was so much to tell. She gives best advice without it sounded like one. She never makes me feel inferior at that either. Just chat, open up...I needed it.

Things are sorting out. It will be tough, but it needs to be done. I might be out of posting for a bit. Or may be not. It soothing me, to hear the keypad typing, and concentrate on simple words...
Until then - I will just run on.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh how I would love to run on trails in the snow. However, you know a long stretch of pavement is calling me this summer so I need to make sure my legs are ready for it.

I am glad to hear that you had a good run with Gail.

And I am not that fast, yet.

Hilda said...

Finally found the way to post on your blog... I don't know why but I couldn't do it sometimes.
I keep reading your site, even if you can't post re-reading your words inspires me so much, you are the guru-runner!

Lora said...

Olga, I'm thinking of running my first Ultra in May and am enjoying your posts tremendously!
I was looking thru my old Marathon & Beyond mags and found your story! How wild!! Loved it!!
Any recommendations on trail shoes? I'm about to buy my first pair.

Rick Gaston said...

Running/Training partners are awesome, I've had a couple of good ones myself in the past. It's like you said, a person you not only train with but hash over life issues; vent, laugh, cry... They're gone now, moved on, got married (not to each other), doing other things but I treasured them while they were around.

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