Blogging from Home

Hello from South Carolina; it’s great to be back. The trip home was long, over 24 hrs and my feet were less than cooperative with nasty blisters and swelling to twice their size. But things are returning to normal, the swelling is going down and I can walk around with a sense of normalcy.

It was such an amazing trip; from the incredible rain storms to the mountainous sand dunes. Although my feet ached I felt strong throughout the race. I do wish I’d had more experience running a 50 miler; I would have attacked that day differently with some experience. But overall I’m happy with my results and the overall experience. They say you face your demons while out there and I suppose that’s true. I’m not sure what my demons are; maybe fear of failure but if that’s the case, they have come and gone. I’ve posted a picture of me after my finish. I’m a little (a lot) dirty and skinny but truly happy.

I meet so many wonderful people and became inspired to participate in some additional ultra races (greater than 50 miles). I’m not sure I’ll head out tomorrow and log in a big fat run but I am looking forward to lacing on my shoes soon, running without a back pack and enjoying the beauty of South Carolina.

I am most proud of all my running partners and how y’all were with me every step of the way. I thought a lot about you while there. Whenever I was feeling weak or sorry for myself I would think about you all and my responsibility to those of you who got on board with this effort and supported me. I knew I would do everything I could not to let you down. It helped during those weak moments. So thank you all for standing by me, for supporting Girls on the Run, for logging those miles, for the cards and letters and emails, for the gifts, and send offs, and the great show of love. I am overwhelmed by my good fortune to have you all in my life.

Happy Running.

One Last Blog - April 5, 2009

Back safe and sound in OZZ. The feet r starting to heal but when I look around at everyone it looks like the night of the walking dead with all the hobbeling. We had hot showers, a nice dinner and wine last night and it was glorious. Now we all wait for the final ceramony tonight then its off to the good old USA tomorrow. North Africa has been amazing, beautiful, sad, heartwarming, but I am ready to come home to my family, friends, and DOG Sam. Thanks to you all for following along. Its been an incredible journey that I will never forget. Thanks also to my running partners. Go Tate! You guys rock.
Love to you all and happy running!

Marathon Day - April 3, 2009

Well today was the marathon day. it's also the last day. they called off the short stage due to water crossing, which we had today. It was a great day, blisters and all. I think I came in 15th but that's prelim. I felt wonderful and the terrain is a geologist dream. It was all I could do not to pick up rocks while running. Tonight they are feeding us and giving us WINE! what a treat. We leave tomorrow for town and a hot shower; truly needed, I think I'll take 2 or 3. Thank you all for the emails, support and good wished, they helped so much. I was the envy of all my tent mates with my emails and even shared some. I'm so thrilled with this experience. It was worth it every dollar and blister.
Love to you all.

Newest from the Desert - April 2, 2009

First let me thank you all for the emails. I finialy got them last evening and it was such a treat to read them. I almost cried but of course didn't :) Keep them coming, they are much appreciated.
So today, or rather yesterday was the long stage, 54 miles (or 56 , they can't quite get it straight). I was reallly ready to go and kicked it for the first 36 kilometers. As the dark came and we had to climb a mountain and crawl up 5 story sand dunes. It was fearful and my feet finally gave way to blisters. They cover them toe to heal. It's very odd and beautiful and scary to be in the desert by yourself with only a head light to guide your way. I made it to the last check point and then had the doc trotters work on my feet. I'd only let them have at the heal but MAN it hurt!! I finally made it in around 6:45 this am. Everyone in camp is limping and cringing so at least I'm not alone.
Keep up the good work run partners. Love to you all from the Sahara

March 31, 2009

what a beautiful day but hard. my feet are starting to hurt and that slowed me down a bit. For clarificaiton I was the 2nd american woman yesterday. another girl kicked it and is in third place. I probabably dropped a few places but i'm giving it my all.
It was a cold and windy night in the tent but it could be worse. My tent mates are all good sports and no one snores! It will be an early night tonight, tomorrow is the 50 miler so I probably will not be able to post tomorrow. I'll do it on the rest day. I'm a bit nervous about the 50 miler. The dunes are brutal; they really take it out of you. I need to keep a slow and steady pace. today I was singing out load; most people are french to they don't understan d me any way.
I hope my running partners had a good day today. Hang with me tomorrow. I'll need your help for sure.
Love to you all.