Goodbye Leadville

At the beginning of the summer if you would have told me how difficult it would be to leave Leadville, I would have shaken my head. At the time I had no idea how the mountains would change me. Tana and I had an amazing summer there and we were both sad to leave. There are so many things I am going to miss from being there. The number one is the views that I was treated to each and everyday. No matter what direction I looked the scenery was soul filling. Morning walks with the dog won't quite be the same. There was no better way to start the day than gazing at the mountains. Until we meet again, thanks for the awesome summer! 

Morning walk

2013 Leadwomen

Mile of Tears

Running 100 miles gives you lots of time to think about your journey. I was overwhelmed with the support I received in reaching for the goal of Leadwoman. Throughout the day, the night and into the day again I couldn't believe how many people were pulling for me. I had 4 guys who came here to crew and pace me. I don't know what I did to deserve so many wonderful people in my life but I am grateful daily. I was able to hold it together emotionally until the last mile. All the thoughts of well wishes and the cheers from the sideline spectators brought me to tears and they didn't stop flowing. I've lost it emotionally at a finish line before (in 2010 I cried all the way down the hill to the finish in the bike race) but this was different. I felt such an huge wave of love and support from all my friends and family far and wide. I set out to do something that was well out of my comfort zone. Something completely unknown and scary and I made it to the finish. I savored all the cheers and was so happy to have earned the title of leadwoman. That last mile I shed some tears of joy, of exhaustion but none of pain. I I didn't leave my soul on the course, my soul expanded by each and every race and experience in this series. Of the all the miles I covered the mile of tears will always be with me. Thank you to everyone who made my dream a reality. 

Coming into the finish with one of my awesome pacer (mules). 

One Year Ago

Last year during the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike ride my friend Chris was on Powerline inbound watching the riders. She kept sending me pictures of all the riders and spectators out on the course. It made me feel homesick, for a place I had never lived but had left my heart. We decided that day we were going to attempt to become Leadwomen. For a year now we have been on the journey together. This weekend we undertake the final event. No matter what happens at the end of this journey you can't take away the amazing experiences we have had along the way. 

After the 100 mile bike ride last weekend, we got to run a 10k. It seemed only fitting that we finish it up together and spend some time reflecting on the journey. We have now done 4 of the 5 events and it has been incredible each step and pedal stroke of the way. Thank you Chris for embarking on this insane voyage with me. I wouldn't have wanted any other travel partner:)

Yes, we always are having fun:)

One more buckle for us to nab!