African Proverb: “If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together.”
I was nervous. I’d wrecklessly agreed to accompany my friend Andrea over the final hours of her 103 mile trail running event. Her last 33 miles would be run in darkness in an area of the country I’d never visited before, much less navigated through.
I was nervous because quite apart from my own physical challenge of running 33 miles, I wanted to make sure that Andrea had all she needed for every single step of her journey. I didn't want her to worry or be anxious for anything. I was there so that she could get the job done.
In Andrea’s own words…
"I had
already been on the move for 15hrs when I met Jacky at 9pm on Saturday night.
It was the 70 mile point and I felt cold, exhausted and in shock about how
physically and emotionally gruelling the event was, but I was nevertheless
still determined to make it to the finish line at 103 miles.
In the
week leading up to the race I was anxious at the news that Jacky might have to
drop out of the role of pacer on the dreaded night section. No one else would
do, it had to be Jacky. I wouldn't let anyone else see my vulnerability at the
depths that I knew I would reach that night and no one else could give me the
encouragement and companionship that I could safely expect from her. I trusted
her completely, I knew I needed her and I knew she was completely
reliable.
Jacky
dragged and hauled and coaxed me gently through the night, step by painful
step. I ached all over. We worked slowly from one dangling way marker tape
hanging down in the pitch black woodland to the next. Her patience was
incredible. Her support was vital. She challenged, she entertained, she
distracted, she comforted. We shared silence, laughter, secrets, a shooting
star, a glorious full moon and a misty low-lying white blanket far beneath us
as we traversed a sloping field.
As we turned into the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford with
just 500 metres to go, I choked up, I could hardly breathe for the tears. My work was done. I’d run shoulder to shoulder with Andrea all that way through the
night and now I could let her go. She didn’t need me anymore, I knew she would
finish her race and I dropped a few paces behind to let her run. She ran across
the line, strong, smiling, victorious, and deserving of her medal.
Those 33 physical miles were straightforward - but it’s the heart
miles that I’ll remember forever.
And apparently I poop diamonds
Come and run with us, it might just change your life...
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Andrea's 'Thank you' card |
Come and run with us, it might just change your life...
Pretty amazing stuff. 103 miles, I can never even imagaine! Well done ladies. Mich x
ReplyDeleteI know, it’s a strange day when I feel like a whimp for running 33 miles! 😀😀😀
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading!
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