A Skunk Run Write-Up by Rae Hedlund
We all
started our running journeys somewhere, whether it was in school on the track
or later in life; for a health-related reason, or just for fun; to lose
something or to gain something. These journeys have as many uphills and downhills just as the runs we set out to conquer. The thing is, running can stop here. Running can
become a habit that we enjoy, something social to add to our days that also
improves our lives. And that’s wonderful!
Running can stop here, or it can become something more. It can become
your passion, the fire that pushes you to do more. It can become the thing that
makes you dig deep and discover not only what your body can accomplish, but
also what your mind and spirit can endure. You’ll find yourself asking, What’s next? What more can I do? The
word “can’t” will fade from your dictionary.
A while back, I wrote my marathon race report that went
something like, “That was really f*ing hard!” I am still proud of that
accomplishment, but I need to be honest and say that I spent some time
afterward doubting my abilities. I hadn’t gotten the time I’d hoped for, had
bonked for more miles that I expected, and wasn’t sure if I’d ever run another.
Trail running clicked with me through this doubt, and though I was still unsure
about certain aspects of running, I knew I still loved the sport.
When the Skunk Run (hosted by the wonderful Idiot’s Running
Club) was brought up, I was in! Eight hours to run as much (or as little) as I
wanted sounded great! Little did we know, the running conditions would be
unexpectedly... damp.
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| Stacey at one of the numerous creek crossings... okay, okay, skunk & alligator NOT included! |
Okay, it was pretty saturated. But you know what? It was
incredible! The atmosphere was more that of a party where people also happened
to run: there was a massive “aid station” complete with a delicious array of
sweet and savory options, a fire pit, and tons of fun people to hang out with
and cheer for.
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| Oh, it was a beautiful sight to behold! |
After the national anthem was sung by a very talented young
lady, the word “GO!” was yelled and people got on their way. My goal for the
day was anywhere from 16-20 miles, just because I didn’t know what the trail
conditions would be like, or what terrain to expect. Those first 11 miles were tough, and I was ravenous
when we got back from the challenging climbs, fast-moving creek crossings, and
rocky, muddy downhills.
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| Focus, determination, HUNGER. |
Arriving back at “base” after the first loop, Stacey and I
took a little time to get drinks and some food. Oddly enough, I felt a little
concern about grabbing food and heading back out; though I knew I wanted more
miles, I didn’t know what food would sit best in my stomach. Some peanut butter
sandwiches called my name, though, so I scarfed down half a sandwich and an
orange slice. We headed back out to brave another long, laborious loop. We weren’t
too far in before I had a little grunting and complaining to do. Stacey
reminded me that we had about five hours to do this loop- in her words, “We
could sit and have a freaking picnic if we want!” We had all the time in the
world! Later on, she reminded me that none of the DRCers attending had specifically
trained for this run; we were just out
here, logging major miles, un-tapered, after our regular week of running (which included a six-mile hill workout for some)! With
that thought, my level of awe went up and my complaining went down. I was
humbled by this thought, but also floored—completely ecstatic!—about our
abilities as runners!
During the second loop, Stacey pointed out we would be at 23
miles, and that just didn’t seem right. 26.2, right? But why not 27, to
get me my first “ultra”?! We had time, right? Yes, we did! I wasn’t sure, and
took my time thinking about it until we got back to base. At this time, I
informed Stacey that we “might as well” head back out to get those last few
miles! She was so excited and I was, too! A little ways into this, she realized
I was in for 27, and then we were more excited!
Running into Andrea and Mackenzie was a special gift as we
headed into this last part of our endeavor. There was some screaming and
excitement before we took our selfie and continued on our way.
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| Running into each other gave new life to tired legs! |
We kept hoping we’d run into Meghan as well, but didn’t know
where she was at on the course, or in her mileage. To our pleasant surprise
(after coming across one woman we thought was
Meghan but wasn’t), we found her! We didn’t stay with her for long, but she had PR’d her 50k time- what awesome news! We told
her I was getting my first ultra-distance, got all psyched up again, and we
continued on our way. Hitting our distance we needed to turn around and head
back, we enjoyed the sound of some peeper frogs as we took another pic...
And the my watch died! It was incredible that it waited
until we were on our way back before it died, so we knew we would get those 27 glorious, well-earned miles! It felt
like we were flying on the way back (mostly because it was more downhill than
up), and we made it to base feeling way
better than I would have ever expected! It was done! I received my medal and
began happily stuffing my face.
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| Finished! Stacey was incredible, her kind encouragement and foul mouth kept me going! Ha! |
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| I received my medal and was dubbed an Idiot-- hooray! |
These numbers are huge accomplishments for everyone, and I
really believe that there is something in the DRC “water” that lends itself to
an encouraging, uplifting environment that helps us all to push past what our
perceived boundaries are. On Saturday, March 14, eight members of DRC lost the
word “can’t”, at least for a day, and thought, “What more can I do?” Running
became something more; it became what we did for the day, what we loved doing in the company of others or
on our own, reveling in the beauty of nature and a community of runners kinder
and more energetic than anyone could ever ask for.
