Dear Whiskey Row Marathon / Thumb Butte Mountain,
I'm elated we had a chance to meet. Even though you make a horrible first impression. Seriously? only 10 paved miles the whole race? It's okay . . . . I forgive you. I forgive you for scaring the crap out of me Friday night when I drove all over you. I knew our "date" wasn't until Saturday but I was hoping an early introduction would help us get off on the right foot.
I was wrong.
I let you fool me into thinking I should be scared of you. Yes, I chuckled [mostly as a defense mechanism] when I saw you were going to try and get me to walk as early as mile 3. You know the road I'm talking about. The road that could only be described as the road to hell. You left little to the imagination. I knew what you were going to try to do with me & I was ready.
Yes, you took my breath away [wish I could blame 100% of it on altitude]. Yes, more times than I'd like to [or will ever] admit.
I hated you at 6. Cursed you at 10. I can't even write what I said at mile 14.5. What I will tell you . . . you were MINE after 16. I owned you. I know, that was only for the remaining 10 miles, but I loved every minute of it.
At 18, I remember laughing [don't take it personally], you do deserve respect BUT it was my turn. It was my time. Your turn to respect me.
By 22, I think we found common ground. However, I did find it slightly humorous that you threw in that last awesome hill for good measure at 24.
No worries, I'm not holding a grudge.
Now, now, now . . .to the woman who was volunteering at the race packet pick up who told me: "You may have bitten off more than you can chew with this one honey." [BTW, I HATE, HATE, HATE being called "honey". Unless you are my grandma or aunt you are not authorized to call me honey].
What I'd like to say to you . . . . . Bite me.
WRM, I thank you. Thank you for helping me realize I AM STRONG [and maybe that I need to do more hill training]. It ALL has been noted.
Until April 30, 2011 -
Emz
*Your 5th place overall finishing female & very sore new friend.* : )
