Day 120 & 121: Second Wind

(Mile 2012 to 2037, Woodpecker Trail = 25 miles; Mile 2037 to 2064 = 27 miles)

Mt. Jefferson, here we come!

There are four moments that stand out for me during my first marathon -- the Chicago Marathon when I was, what, twenty-two?!  The first was at mile 15.  I was getting pretty worn down and the route was feeling monotonous when, all of a sudden, I heard someone from the crowd shout my name.  It was a coworker from Nordstrom!  Darrin, if I remember his name right.  A new energy surged through me with the familiar face and the cheering from the sidelines.  (There were 35,000 runners that year, mind you, and the course was lined with spectators -- that anyone could spot me or I them was a small miracle.)  At mile 18 it was an aid station.  In addition to water and Gatorade, they were handing out Power Gels.  I was starving and had two strawberry-banana packets.  I had never tried them before, but quickly fell in love when, twenty minutes later, a rush of energy restored my body.  At mile 20, I realized I only had 6.2 miles to go.  Two Heritage Days 5K routes.  I had done it a million times.  I gave a holler and took off, making the second half of my race significantly faster than the first.  Mind over matter.  The last moment that stands out was crossing the finish line.  I cried.  I had put to so much into the race in the months prior, it was an emotional release to finally finish.  Those were the moments -- an unexpected cheering on, fuel for the body, realizing I would succeed, and crossing the finish line.  Today, I realized that all of these phases were happening on trail, too.

Jefferson from its base. I've never seen it from this angle.

Support and cheering in Oregon came first from my good friend, Jim, and then my second "mom," Carol.  These were my first familiar faces in Oregon.  Once we hit mid-state and Santiam Pass, a crowd of ten gathered to cheer us on.  Earl, Betty, Jim, and Janet, followed by Jennifer, Lori, and Manny, and then, for a repeat visit, Carol and her husband, Greg.  After 2000 miles and 120 days, it was both relieving and motivating to see so many familiar faces.  It may seem small, but it makes a huge difference.

The only thing better than saying hello to Jefferson again is doing so with a loved one.

Fuel for the body also came with each of these visits.  Sweets, treats, and full meals, fresh food and pop.  I am constantly carrying extra food because of the trail magic we are receiving.  Did I mention on-trail massage?  That doesn't hurt, either.

Same place, different time. A return to Jefferson Park is always emotional for me.

My tenth visitor and perhaps biggest supporter arrived at McKenzie Pass and stayed with us until Jefferson Park.  If this trip were a television program, it would have a tag line announcing, "This trip made possible by support from Guy Rodrigue."  Guy came bearing tubs of Thai take-out, my personal favorite.  He joined us for resupply and washed our laundry, and then hit trail with us, carrying extra gear and surprising me with treats.  He's been working on this trip in the background for half a year -- it was a joy to share the reality with him.  And, more than the tangible things he brought, it is the intangibles that have made the most difference -- enjoying silences and laughter; talking about our lives, present, past, and future; giving and receiving affection; sharing a journey with the one who made it possible.  There are people who renew our minds and people who renew our bodies and people who renew our souls.  And then there are those rare few who renew all, our minds, bodies, and souls. 

Paintbrush. The meadows were covered with wildflowers.

I am a lucky hiker, a lucky woman, having so many people supporting me physically and mentally through this trek.  I could not do this without everyone.  I am certainly not doing it alone.

The Waterfall 2 Fire that nearly kept us out of this area. The trail reopened only days before.

I am now ready and looking forward to those next two phases -- rallying as I cross the Bridge of the Gods into Washington and crying tears of joy when I reach my destination.  Thanks, everyone, near and far, for sending support on trail and off.  We are entering our last leg.