197 miles on foot from Mt. Hood to Seaside with 12,000 other crazies. That was how I spent last weekend. Somehow I got roped into "The Mother of All Relays" this summer.It's basically complete mayhem from Friday morning to Saturday evening. There are 12 people on a team and two vans per team. Each person runs 3 legs that average 6 miles each to reach the beach--running around the clock. Let me paint the picture: It's 3:00 in the morning. This is your 2nd run since the sun set. It's cold and dusty and you're trying to find your teammate amongst the crowd. Once you find her, you wonder why you were in such a hurry because now you're running 5 miles on a gravel trail at 3:30 in the morning. It's pitch black except for the head lamp on your head which seems to illuminate nothing except for the dust particles flying at your face. Occasionally a participating van drives by to light up the road, but just as you are grateful for the extra light, you are eating the dust that it kicks up in its wake. Lovely.
Actually, the "midnight" run wasn't the worst. At least it was cool. By the time I ran again later that afternoon, it was blazing hot and I had more miles to cover, less food in my stomach and no sleep to my name. Needless to say, the last 8 miles were brutal. But like any good mother of future missionaries, I soldiered on and cranked up my tunes to the likes of Baby Bash and Optimus Rhyme with a throw back to ACDC, Van Halen and The Beastie Boys.
The party on the beach was worth the suffering. It was a beautiful evening and it definitely felt good to squish the sand between my tired toes.
I owe my survival to my Mom who treated me to a surprise pedicure, facial and massage the day before the race (and babysat with Aunt Darel during the race). This allowed me to venture into my "happy place" while pounding out 19 1/2 miles.
I owe my survival to my Mom who treated me to a surprise pedicure, facial and massage the day before the race (and babysat with Aunt Darel during the race). This allowed me to venture into my "happy place" while pounding out 19 1/2 miles.
I can't end a post without new pics of the boys or else the aunties will have my head. Plus, I'm afraid C and K will outgrow their Moto Jammies soon and I had to get some pictures for Uncle Clint.
As soon as he sees it, Cole makes a beeline for the camera with that determined look on his face. This makes picture taking interesting to say the least.
Keith is content as long as he can smear raspberry jam all over his head and squish it between his fingers. At least he's eating something!
11 comments:
YOU ARE AWESOME! I'm about to go to the Lexington track with a friend but I'll be walking slowly. You are an inspiration! Think about running the Boston Marathon...!!
Darcee you are a stud! I am proud to call you my sister-in-law. You are definitely tougher than all of the Burnett men (they probably wouldn't admit it, but they know it's true :))! I love the pics of the boys in their moto jammies! I'm glad they haven't outgrown them just yet.
WOW D! I'm so impressed, you look amazing! Thanks for the great details, I feel like I was right there at 3am. ;)
Way to go. What an goal to set. The boys get cuter everyday.
Darc!!!! Congrats on the race! I heard about that race! It's set up the exact same as the one I ran here in UT... it's insane huh! It's really fun though when it's over and you look back on it! Your boys are adorable and I'm sure your mom is eating up every second of having them closer now!!! Congrats again! Love ya!
My DArcee! How did this big event SLIP through our phone conversation?!? Look at you go! This is such an interesting/fun way to do some running! Who were the girls on your team? Great job!
Darcee, you amaze me!! What a super mom you are--how did you ever find time to train?? What an amazing experience!!
To answer Heather's question, the only way I had time to train is because of my sweet husband. He watched the boys on his lunch hour and in the evenings so I could run. He was and is super supportive of all my crazy ideas.
To answer Jeannette, I only knew 2 of my teammates before the race. I got on a team put together by a friend of mine in our church. She had someone drop out and saw me running one day and I ended up on the team.
Hi Darcee!
That is incrediable! Way to go! I don't think I would make if I tried to run a mile.
Your boys are darling and getting big!
Darc, way to go!! You are an inspiration to all. And I agree with julies comment on the Burnett men!!- Annie
You are awesome Darcee. I mean, duh, why else would I like you so much? And it has nothing to do with how great you look post-baby cause I am just jealous.
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