Redwood 50k

I am feeling sentimental. Maybe that is what happens when you spend 10 days in Colorado, away from routine, and surrounded with new people or just people in a new environment and then return to Oakland, routine, and the life I've made for myself. This year has been a year of change. It has been a year of acceptence. A year of unexpected outcomes. A year to let go and get lost in my passions. I never expected to be where I am at, but in the end who ever expects to be where they are at? Sometimes things have a funny way of appearing, becoming, and blossoming into your life.

On another note, I ran Redwood 50k on Saturaday. My leggies were feeling good after Transrockies and I hadn't run a 50k since Ohlone (end of May) so I thought what the fuck. It was rather mellow, I just went out with the whole purpose of enjoying myself. Time seemed to go by so fast and before I knew it I was rolling into the finish, first woman in 4:11:52 right behind first place overall Nathan Yanko who ran 4:09:58. Legs were feeling a bit tight and a long nap was in order after a bit of mingling. I was really happy to be on those trails, in my backyard, seeing Sarah and Wendell and other familar faces. And just happy to do what I love, run, and to be where I am at this year... socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Damn, what a year and I still have four more months 'till 2010! I plan to race in Germany in November and then I will focus on the North Face 50.

I just keep thinking of my sixth grade track coach who thought I was a distance runner. I really wish I could get ahold of him and tell him about this year. Overall I am so grateful for the encouragement I've gotten from folks over the years and the experiences I've had with people. I never thought I would be where I am, but so grateful that I am and look forward to where things carry me. It is amazing where the heart takes you.