My sister and I had come across the race, and we really wanted to do it. Neither one of us really knew 10 other people who would want to do it. Lucky for me, I posted it on Facebook, asking people if they would want to race. No response...boo :( However, the next day, I was asked if we would want to race on a team from Riverton that was already started. After I said, yes, I started to have my doubts.
The logistics of finding babysitters, working with my husband's schedule, traveling with people I didn't know, and just the overall doubt of whether or not I'd actually be able to race for two days all started working it's way into this experience. Finding someone to watch four kids during the day and overnight is not an easy task when you don't have family around. Lucky for me, I have friends here that have become like family. I had Friday covered and Saturday night covered, so my husband could come watch us cross the finish line. Okay, the logistics were taken care of. Now it was time to focus on my internal doubts. Why was I fearing this? I've been training for triathlons, I'm in good shape, and I'll be running with my sister.
I reached a point about two weeks before the race where I just wanted to bag it. I didn't want to leave my kids for four days, I felt selfish for leaving, I wasn't going to be home to take care of things, and I decided after my foot injury that long running races were absolutely out of the question. Why would I agree to this?! Besides my sister telling me she'd kill me if I didn't race, I knew that this contrast was happening for a reason. I had some fears to face. This race was going to help me do that! Not only was this going to be a chance for me to experience a new racing event, but it would also help me with fears I have as a wife, mother, and athlete. I was leaving for four days. My fears would be faced head on.
We arrived to Rexburg late on Thursday night. I stayed in a hotel with two women I had never met before. I was worried about feeling awkward, but they were so fun to be around that the fear slipped away, and I hadn't even remembered being worried. I knew it would be a challenge with how I normally sleep. I tried to wear pajama bottoms to bed. Sorry, girls. They came off later :)
It was up and at 'em before 6:00 a.m. Lots of butterflies! I was excited to see my sister. She was bringing Brock (a former student of mine and son of a very good friend of mine) with her. We arrived at the starting line in Ashton, ID. Some teams had already started, others would be arriving and starting later, but we were starting at 8:30.
Mary gave me an awesome necklace that said, "Sole Sisters: Definition of a great run: Sun on your face, wind at your back, sister by your side."
I wouldn't have it any other way!
I was runner three. Here I am running my first leg of the race. 7.5 miles with 3.5 of that uphill. It was a hard leg, but I felt great! Finished in 72 minutes :)
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| I'm on my third and final leg! Check out that view behind me (and I'm not talking about the cars). Wish I could have seen that on my run. I was flying through this one, because I knew I was done :) 3.2 miles in 27 minutes. Not bad for no sleep, 2 days of running, and 13 miles on my body already. |
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| I was told the whole trip that I look like Sarah Connor from Terminator when I wear my aviators. Clearly I'm exhausted, because here's my impression of that. Mary doesn't seem too impressed. Give me a shot gun, and I think I'd have her made! |
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| Van 1 is finished! Megan, thanks for being so fun spirited. Mary, for sharing this experience with me. Jenny, for being so motivational (and sharing your husband's sweet driving skills with us), and Sarah for being my x2. |
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| Not only are we "Sole Sisters," but we dress to match. |
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Here we are running together to the finish line. I was so moved by the experience: watching Brittney run in on the last leg--facing HORRIBLE heat and rocking it until the end, seeing my husband cheering us on, watching other family and friends cheer for us, knowing we had completed 184 miles...what's a girl like me to do?! Cry. That's right. We've established that I'm a crier. It was so empowering!
"2 Dozen Scrambled Legs" finished the race! 15th out of 49 teams. Finishing time of 29 hours and 33 minutes. 11 runners completing something together.
I finished! Another new experience. Better yet, Ethan came to cheer us on at the end. It was the first time we've been away together without our kids since moving to Wyoming. Two years! Never again. He's too important :)
Oh, and that fear? Gone, long gone. This experience helped me find the balance between self and others. My kids survived, the house didn't fall apart, and I did something for me. It's natural to feel fear, but it is uncomfortable for me. I know this. This race showed me that I can accomplish great things for myself when I face my fears head on. How can I fail when I do that?
------------------------------I just took a break and cleaned out my office. I came across a card Mary gave me two years ago that had this awesome quote (perfect timing, as always).
"I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself. I am here cheering you on all the way."
That's what this relay was all about: doing something for ourselves, but all of us cheering each other on all the way :) Thank you to my husband, my children, my sister, all my teammates, family, and friends for cheering me on.
I know my story isn't anything special or unique, but it's mine. My hope is that it reaches those who need it the most. ~To those moms who struggle to make time for themselves or feel guilty for doing so. To those women who are trying to find their own way to empower themselves. To those husbands who need to know that their support matters. To those who just want to go for it. To those who are on the same path and want to know you're not alone. Know that I'm here cheering you on all the way. ~
Cheers to all of you!
Sarah (aka Mom of Four)
Here is a video of our team if you're interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcfE5FiH9zI
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