A harsh lesson in resiliency

With both my parents becoming ill simultaneously, training for this event did not look like my original plan. Instead of training runs being long days in the mountains of BC, I barely squeezed in runs between hospital visits (two different hospitals) while in Ontario. Instead of feeling stronger during my training runs I felt like my world was falling apart. I now wonder: Is running while crying a new method of breath control? 😅 I then had to say goodbye to my dear Mama in the middle of my training. In spite of training during the hardest chapter of my life, I went into this event feeling proud of myself- no matter the outcome.

Luckily, on the day of the event, I was blessed with the best crew and cheerleaders a gal could ask for. Coming into aid stations to see so many people I love smiling at me and cheering for me is a feeling I will forever be grateful for. My crew even wore custom-made shirts to honour Mom. I could not have done it without them. 🥹

I surprised myself on this adventure. I am shocked that I never entered a pain cave nor did I have to hop a ride on the struggle bus. I had a ton of fun. Was it hard? Absolutely. Some climbs were challenging, the descents were technical, and it was 80 kilometres with 3,000 meters of elevation! Yet - I was so grateful to be alive and able to put one foot in front of the other. Similar to when I hit sticky points in my training, I was often heard saying: “Thank you legs, thank you body, and thank you hill for this opportunity.”

I brought Mom with me in the small ways I knew how. Although I didn't find her on the trails, I know that means I get to keep looking for her. I think she knew I'd be okay without her because of the awesome people that were caring for me. This was the last big thing she knew I was doing in my life. So now I enter a new era of living a life completely unknown to my mom. 🥺

I am proud of myself. I am honoured to have the friends and family I do. I am grateful for the opportunity to experience this event and am endlessly grateful for the volunteers. I am stronger than I ever could have imagined. Lastly: I love a finish line!