More Trail Trouble...

Yup that's us at the finish...just so you have some proof that we actually did it...

Oh yeah

And there are prizes!!!!!

But in a sad twist of fate, in the safest place on earth, they were stolen...

:(

Trail Trouble

So it's been an intense couple of weeks with long runs and hikes and cross training, but we finally went to Singapore for our crazy race this weekend.

I just want to begin by reminding myself why we decided to do this race:
1) Shorter distance than the Gobi
2) Trail Race
3) Singapore is flat
4) By October it will be fall and cool


So those first two were true, but the second two were not.

I am pretty sure the race organizers found all of the hills in Singapore and included them in this race. I am also thinking they talked to the big guy upstairs and asked him to turn the heat up a notch just to make sure no one thought this was going to be easy.

And easy it was not. It was hard as hell.

We started with a gear check at 6am. I had an early morning contact lens disaster but fortunately I brought an extra set. The gun was off at 7am and we were on our way.

It was a long and hot course, but in my typical fashion I met a bunch of people along the trail including:

1) A pediatric oncologist
2) A real estate agent
3) A Sri Lankan civil service member
4) A banker (ALWAYS)
5) A ship broker

If you ever need any of these professions in Singapore let me know. I've tried to block out much of the course but there were all sorts of animals including monkeys lining the path to cheer/steal food from us.

The last ten kilometers were tough! Direct sunlight, hills, roots, and 100 degree heat. I tripped and did a somersault on kilometer 8km, but as we came around the reservoir to the finish I found a little reserve of energy and sprinted to the finish.

Just a little over 7 hours...amazing...

My partner Amy Small won the whole thing for the women. It was awesome.

Oh yeah and we came in first place....not bad for our first ultramarathon...

Running around Suburbia

Wildlife I passed:

1) Cardinals
2) Deer
3) Wild Turkeys

Whole new running life experiences:

1) Sidewalks
2) Less than 200% humidity
3) No pollution

I could get used to this...

Pining for the Moon

Three days. Four countries. Five flights. 20,000+ miles. Started on a beach in the South China Sea last Sunday wrapping up over Jamaica Bay Saturday afternoon with interludes in Xintiandi street stalls and Apujeong soju parlors. Power plants and coastlines bookmarking strong flavors and personal frontiers.

This week I cartwheeled across shark nets in the Lamma Channel. I raced old men on bicycles through the streets of the French concession. I danced down the Incheon aisles.

Following last Sunday's moonless night, I've found the soft warm glow before Pearl Tower and after PowerPoint presentations. I have been pining for the moon- imagining a dark and distant dream could be better than the fiery sun that sits squarely on my street.

I am finally figuring out how to enjoy the sun's warmth and embrace the constant joy that sits inside me.

I'm going to Graceland.

Addicted?

Lately I've had a lot of people asking me, "So are you addicted now?" My response always comes out as a hedge, something along the lines of, "Ah, um, I don't know. I don't think so."

Growing up in the "Just Say No" 80s, the word addiction instantly conjures images filled with vials of crack cocaine (if they even come in vials) , needles, and strung out people writhing on the ground of burned out factory buildings. Clearly my American youth was filled with after-school specials and made for TV movies.

But how could I possibly be addicted to running? The first time I answered the question, "Are you a runner?"in the affirmative was last week in my office building elevator when someone spotted me with a Raidlight backpack. How do you go from existential hesitation before a simple question to full-fledged addiction?

That would seem a bit much to me.

So I decided to check out the warning signs of addiction:

1. Usage increase- well i'm now running 4-5 times a week

2. Change in personality

3. Social withdrawl- i definitely don't go out like i used to

4. Ongoing use- first thing I did when I got to Shanghai was to go for a run.

5. Time spent obtaining the drug- i spent hours planning runs and looking for new gear.

6. Change in Daily Habits or appearance- my schedule has changed and hopefully I look a little different.

7. Neglects responsibilities- i definitely would rather run than do dishes.

8. Increased sensitivity- i get super grumpy if I haven't had a satisfying run.

9. Blackouts and forgetfulness

10. Defensiveness

I' m over 50% on the warning signs.

Uhoh...It's true- running does make me feel better and helps me cope with challenging emotional situations. After a long day at work, I wake up craving the solititude, the movement, the free space in my head, and the endorphins which pump through my body. My lifestyle is altered ; my priorities are rearranged; my approach to everything from friends to work to food is different.

But for now I'll stick to enthusastic, excited, or exhilarated about, by, or from running rather than addicted to it. I'd like to think that I'm still in control.

**Addiction is a very serious condition, and addiction to drugs, alcohol, prescriptions, gambling, and the internet are all harmful to you and your loved ones. If you need help, seek out the support of professionals who are qualified to assist. I am happy to help in indentifying the appropriate resources if you need someone to help you navigate.

Of course, if you're just having a lousy day, you are always welcome to run with me.

The Why

It's funny- two months after the race, and people are still asking me, "Why?"

I generally offer one of the following explanations:

1) I wanted to see Kashgar.
2) Why not?
3) I did not want to be the big bridesmaid.
4) I decided to try work/life balance.
5) I wanted to see what HK had to offer outside of Al's Diner.
6) Thought I might meet some interesting people.
7) Quarterlife crisis.
8) Get back to being an athlete.
9) An excellent excuse to buy shiny new gear
10) Find some free time to think about what's important.

All of these are sort of true and sort of simplistic.

At least with the Singapore race, the answer is easy:

Singapore is flat, and I have an awesome team name.

Oh yeah and I wanted to see if I might possibly like this sport of running...

The answer: YES.
(see previous post)