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, February 01, 2009

I AM IN!!!

I am psyched. I am sickening psyched. I got into Hardrock 100!!! No wait list, no surprises, I AM IN!!! Runners and hopefuls are HERE. I screamed, shaking. It was like some 5 years ago, when I saw my name on WS100 list, I, a total newbie with a few 50k under my belt and a road 50 miler...holly cow, what did I get myself into???

But I am in. It's time to step up and forward. Very timely. I finished my second week of 60 miles (and that despite being sick for 3 days), I ran a 20 miler in Forest Park and 11M loop on icy snowy blow-down covered Gorge trails. I felt great both days. It is coming back. Not speed, not spring in my step. Simply endurance - and joy.

I am coming back...and these will keep me honest.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wahoo Olga...Congrats. Yeah...time to step it up now. Let's go kick a$$.

Bret said...

Good for you! Now you have a goal. Back into the mountains you go!

Darin Swanson said...

Awesome...what a cool challenge!

Steve Ansell said...

I saw your name on the list. Congrats Olga! You are going to do awesome out there in the big mountains!

Anonymous said...

congrats olga!! that's awesome!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations, Olga! How exciting.

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

I just got winded looking at the pictures again :-)

Well YOU know what to do now, train YOUR RUSSIAN ASS OFFFFFFF -lol and get in to Silverton a few weeks early to acclimate...other then that no biggie--haha

SO Excited for you Olga, I will call u this week.

Time to Rock_"IT"_HARD!

Danni said...

I'm so so so so happy for you Olga!!! This will give you the inspiration and motivation to get back on your game!!! You are a kick-@$$-er.

Jack said...

Congratulations Olga, it will be an exciting journey for sure!

TonyP said...

Congrats !!!

Ronda said...

Yahoo! Now that's a great summer vacation....or should we say working vacation. Congrats!

Damon said...

In 2004, when my name showed up on the list, my wife screamed with excitement and inside, I was conflicted. I was glad to be in but scared out of my mind. But, after five very intense months of training, I kissed the rock. I'm sure you will too.

LK said...

All I know is the harder the course, the more it feeds your soul. I think my sudden awakening at 2:30am last night was part terror and part excitement, and I'm not even running it. Regardless, I am very excited for you. Not very often (like never) I make several phone calls during a long run to tell you how psyched I am about you getting chosen to run in the San Juans in July. :)

Backofpack said...

Whoo-hoo Olga! This is gonna be fun...big congrats and lots of cheer for you!

Sarah said...

Congrats!!! I think everything happens when it's supposed to. You were meant to run Hardrock this year! : )

Lori B said...

Congratulations, Olga! I can't believe we both got in and not on the waiting list. I had a good feeling about it. I am so happy to know few familiar faces down there and know you will be there yelling at me to keep going. We better get working, July isn't that far away.

xoxo

Kevin Luu said...

Congrats on getting in! I look forward to reading your posting on the training leading up to Hardrock and the post-race thoughts!

Luc said...

Congrats Olga!

Travis said...

man, this is great! Congrats on getting in.