Saturday, September 13, 2014
Today I run the BoldrDash – for the 3rd time. In many ways, each time is a first. A first, not only because Lynn Hall the race director and her team keep coming up with a new and improved course, but because each time another layer is added to the reasons for why I choose to be BOLD.
My 1st BoldrDash was more of a spiritual quest, a journey to unlock the metaphysical chains that bound me emotionally, a freeing if you would, a “let it go” to a way of thinking and a way of living that didn’t quite go all the way through. I prepared mentally and physically for that challenge and when the starter pistol rang on September 15th, 2012 I was in the best shape of my life. I tackled every obstacle (except one –the monkey bars) with zest, a smile never left my face and my mantra of “anyone can do one more,” ringing in my head. I crossed the finish line with the best mental focus I had had in years. And while I may have entered the race by myself I never felt alone. With each stride I felt the strength of all those who love and support me.
It was done. My challenge complete. I could put it behind me. But something happened. A band of people came forward to join me, to form a team, to be BOLD. In 2013 we were small in numbers but we were mighty in spirit and we were Torinados. I was not nearly in the same physical shape as the year before and to my delight my race partner was more than willing to push, pull and drag me along when needed. One of my favorite moments captured on film is a picture of my partner and I standing on pegs on opposing sides of a wall leaning in, shoulder to shoulder, bound to each other making our way down the course. My son and I navigated that course and crossed the finish line hand in hand. There are no words to describe that feeling.
The Torinadoes are a force to be reckoned with. Our numbers have grown. At Yawgoo Valley today among hundreds of other runners and spectators there will be a team. This team is comprised of friends, old and new and family. On the start line today will be my son, sisters, my brother, nieces and nephew. I will be running with friends, friends of friends and those I hope to come to call friends. Cheering us on from the sidelines will be a huge support system sending love, best wishes and bearing witness to our accomplishment. With my daughters name on our chests how can we go wrong.
And today, the third time – the charm. 2014 has been a challenging year. I’m not where I would like to be as far as race ready. I haven’t gotten back to the Cathy of 2012. But that’s okay because I won’t stop trying to reach my goals whatever they may be. That’s what I learned from my 1st Boldrdash. Whatever your obstacles are in life the only time you fail is when you don’t try. If you can’t go over it, go under, if you can’t go under, go around and sometimes you just have to go through it.
Someday I would like to run faster than a speeding bullet, jump higher than a small building or at least onto a box, but for now being able to get “up” a ski slope rather than down it is a triumph in itself. The athlete buried inside me hasn’t given up yet. Maybe it’s the 4th year. Whatever your goal is go for it, be BOLD. That’s what the Torinados are just about to do – wish us luck!
