I told myself I would train. Fail. I told myself I would go to training runs. Fail. I told myself I would run each day. Fail. Sooner then I
could say Pikes Peak, it was here. I found myself standing at the
starting line, directly under the "Welcome Pikes Peak Ascent Runners"
sign.

Again, what the HELL was I doing here? It was like a dream, and so, the dream began. Wave one of the Ascent included many of my friends
and my husband. After they were well beyond sight, I started to get
really nervous. I tried hard not to look west, but the Peak just sits
there, starting at you, seeming to call your name and say
"Randi.....RAAAAANDI.....come here Randi.....I won't hurt you!" like
some evil trick your older sister played on you in high school. And
then, the gun. Before I knew it, we were off. Well, not really. It was
more like a herd of cattle stampeding to the watering hole. I had so
many feelings at this point; fear, nausea, excitement, fear, nausea.
I've made the trek up Ruxton to Barr Trail numerous times before but
this time was different. It was going by so fast! I didn't know if it
was the crowd that seemed to carry me or my own damn adrenaline. After the W's, the race just seemed to go by in a blur! So, like I said, a
blur...and the next thing I remember was the Rock Arch
and giving it a "good game" smack as I ran under it. Like it's going to
give me good luck or something, must have been a college volleyball
thing. Anyways, my motto during the race was "run when you can, hike
when you have to", which for me, worked great. Before I knew it, I was at one of the major aid stations at Barr Camp and really couldn't believe I was doing this and STILL going! I was so excited!!

The rest of the race was a little long but I kept pushing myself until I got above tree line and was absolutely mesmerized by the view. (Mind you, this is my FIRST time up the peak AND FIRST 14er....ever!!!) :) A lot of people started sitting down at this point and I did my best not to fall victim to that idea. Then, the rocky switchbacks of the summit. Yuk! It was tough work but I powered through and stayed focus, even running on the flat parts when I could. As soon as I could hear the announcer's voice, I let a few tears roll, knowing that I was tired, stressed and depleted of all necessary nutrients...but that also my husband was waiting for me at the finish line !!

The next thing I remember was a nice person draping a purple and gold medal around my neck, telling me "good job" and then receiving a nice, warm hug from my hubby!

It was a day I will never forget and it always helps me through some tough times because if I can do that, I can do anything!! :)