Limberlost #6: it was a dark and stormy night.

* part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5*

dan decided to run the 14km race within the week before.

three of us would be running.

the boy would be with me and dan would be on his own - first heat, 

and running to see how fast he could do it.

it was going to be a different mindset than the 56km.

Last year:
 there were huge thunderstorms the friday night before The Limberlost Challenge (TLC).

the rain continued throughout the day of.

the mud was crazy awesome!

such a difficult but amazing race.

i wrote about it here.

This year:

 the weather reports were calling for thunderstorms for Friday.

the boy voiced:

"i really hope the thunderstorms come so the trail will be muddy"

well...

he got his dream on friday night.

it was a dark and stormy night...

power was lost to many in the area.

our power came back on at 3:30am.

i did not have a good sleep.

the thunderstorm didn't last all night but it was muggy and humid.

and as i said i know the time the power came on.

i dreamt about the race..

but as dreams go, 

none made sense.

I was just happy the boy had fallen alseep easily.

morning came way too early.

but excitement peaks when one realizes what the day holds. 

the girl got up and was so excited for the day.

we were bringing her to friends' at 7am on our way to the trails, 

and she was so excited to go.

they would bring her to the race later.

the boy woke a little later, 

but without any problem.

he woke up excited!

since we had readied everything the night before we had nothing but to get dressed, 

eat a little breakfast, 

brush teeth and make a bathroom stop before we headed out the door.

dan came to me and put his arm around me and spoke quietly.

"have patience with him."

i needed to be reminded of those 4 little words.

i assumed i would be, but if he has a hard time at all then patience will be needed big time.

finally...

we were off!

the boy in the new shirt i made for him, and his dad in the matching hat.

Front

back

***

these photos show the shirt looking dirty because i took them on sunday night...after it has been washed.

those are stains, 

that i didn't try too hard to get out.

***

daddy's hat: it says 'trail runner' on back.

we drove our little one to our friends' house and away we went.

chilly morning, 

but no rain.

in the past we always arrived a good hour before the 56km race, 

so this was strange to be arriving when the majority were arriving.

after parking we headed over to get our race numbers, and shirts.

how exciting to see the boy's name on the list.

the boy and i got our t-shirts but since dan registered late he would have to wait to see if there were any shirts left.

we chatted with some of the MARs runners before the race.

i love that group of people.

they have been so encouraging over the last couple years.

i know i am not in their class of running, 

but the excitement and encouragement i receive from them, 

even when not being a member,
has pushed me and encouraged me so much.

and they have been amazing for dan and his running.

Race Time.

dan had estimated that the boy and i would take about 2h 15m.

as long as everything went well.

the first heat of the 14km lined up and the boy and i went to cheer his dad on.

and all the MARs runners.

then it was time for us to line up.

i reminded him to take it easy at the beginning.

that he will be happy later if he does now.

3..

2..

1..

and we were off!

running slow.

pacing myself.

he did not want to run slow.

he ran ahead of me and even ran backwards for some of it,

wanting me to catch up to him.

i always go slow on the road part.

then we turned onto the trail.

he started leaping over roots and rocks...

i began running with lighter feet too.

once i enter the trail it becomes fun.

so easy to speed up without meaning to.

the trail was not crowded this year, 

last year was ridiculous.

i think having the three heats helped.

we ran across the first bridge without having to wait - 

i have had to wait the last two years.

usually i don't race with the camelback, 

but this year i had the camelback with gatorade in it,

if needed.

i also had Clif Bloks and a couple Clif Bars.

when training the boy usually gets a Clif Blok at the beginning and then every 2km after.

at the first aid station, 

my favorite aid station,

the one girl was chatting with me and him.

"he's only 9 and he's running this...

and here i am just sitting here."

she was quite impressed.

i told her that we couldn't do this run without her, 

and i thanked her.

by about 5km he had slowed down.

he was walking easier, 

and i asked him if he was tired.

he said yes.

i told him he could make it to the 6km marker and get his next blok.

we stopped at 6km and he ate it...

after that his energy and excitement rose.

he had consistently been running slightly ahead

and then waiting for me.

then running with me...

until he sped up a little and then had to wait for me.

at 7km...

the half way point, 

i wanted to take a quick photo.

just one photo on the trail is all i wanted.

but we couldn't get the 7km marker in it and didn't want to take too long to try.

i found that i spent most of the race keeping up with him, 

instead of me setting the pace.

but maybe those moments where he had to wait for me actually helped him keep up the energy.

there was mud on the trail,

just as he hoped.

he spent as much time running through the mud puddles as he could.

while others worked their way around them he ran right through.

i decided to follow his lead.

except at one.

the largest and deepest puddle from last year now had a boardwalk over it.

i ran on the boardwalk...

he ran through the puddle,

laughing the whole time.

he passed people at every puddle.

we got to the 10km marker and he had his next Blok.

this was the farthest distance he had ever run.

and he still had a crazy amount of energy.

i checked the time and realized that we hadn't even reached the 2 hour mark yet.

when i told him he was so happy.

he wanted to try to be faster than 2hr 15m as he knew dad estimated.

so we decided to try.

he began to speed up.

i began to too, but it was so hard.

just past the 10km we were surprised by a cheering squad of Dan, the girl and a bunch of friends.

he ran past them first.

i heard them cheering.

then i came running past and blew a kiss to my girl.

it was such a wonderful surprise to see them.

at the 12km marker we stopped for the last Blok.

once i gave it to him i gave him permission to run ahead of me.

to run to the finish and beat the expected time.

he was so excited to be allowed.

i know...

he was supposed to run with me.

the last 2km i was not worried about him.

he was strong, had tons of energy and i was starting to hurt.

i'd see him at the finish line.

i was full of mixed emotions as he took off and i lost sight of him.

i was so proud of him.

he had worked so hard for this.

his attitude had been amazing.

but i was a little sad that i wouldn't be crossing the finish line with him.

i had thought about that feeling of running through the finish with him - i'd probably cry...

i was pretty sure i would.

but now it wasn't going to happen.

i had tried keeping up.

i couldn't do it.

he picked up speed with ease.

i ran the last 2km thinking about all the people who had cheered him on throughout the trail.

the young moms who hoped that one day their kids would want to run with them.

the girl at the first aid station.

the girl who gave him a high-five as she passed him.

the people laughing with him as he passed them at a mud puddle.

the 'way-to-go' and the 'are you running the 14km?  great job' comments.

about his smile and infectious energy and attitude.

no one seemed annoyed that they were passed by a nine-year-old.  

people were impressed and encouraged him.

we had prayed, just that morning, that we would be an encouragement to those around us that day.

now he was out of my sight.

and he'd finish before me, 

not with me.

i was sad, 

but so proud of him.

i thanked God for this opportunity for him.

i knew his dad would be waiting for him at the finish.

the last three years the boy has run across the finish line with his dad.

this year his dad would be there to run the last bit with him.

that was enough to let him go on ahead.

his dad didn't cross the line with him, he left that part for the boy!

i ran with another girl for the last, and longest, km.

we encouraged eachother and crossed the line seconds apart.

Dan had completed his race: 1:13:07.  8th overall.

i finished my race: 2:16:35. better than last year, and i'm happy with that.

the boy...

did he beat the estimate?

estimated time: 2:15:00

the boy finished his race:

2:10:47

he had done it!

he beat the estimate and beat me by 6 minutes...

something he will not let me forget

and completed The Limberlost Challenge.

it has been an incredible journey.

tough, 

but incredible.

if you were to ask him what he thought of the race he would say:
"it was awesome!"
but he also says that

he doesn't plan on running it again until he's 12.

when dan went to get a shirt after the race he decided on a ladies small and gave it to the girl.

she was thrilled to have her very own TLC shirt.

the girl wants to run it next year.

we told her not until she has run at least one Band on the Run 5km.

i love everything about The Limberlost Challenge.

the volunteers,

the other runners,

the trails,

the aid stations,

the food,

the mud,

the lakes,

seriously, everything.

i love having the opportunity to hike the trails with my family all year long.

but racing them with the boy...

wow.

whole new level of love.

i am so thankful:

to God.

first off He created that beautiful place.

he placed people with a passion for outdoors and caring for His creation right there,

and they take care of the trails beautifully.

he gave people a passion for creating this event in the first place.

to run these trails, 

surrounded by the beauty.

for the passion of running my husband has.

it has inspired me

a former hater of running.

it has inspired my children.

we wouldn't have been on this journey in the first place if Dan didn't love running so much.

i am thankful

to the powers-that-be.

for saying yes to my plea that my boy have an opportunity to run this race and fulfill his dream.

for the friends and family that prayed for us as the training happened and then the race.

for those who were able to be at the race that day to cheer him on.

for AmyLynn who encouraged me to keep a blog about the journey to post after the race.

for Rhonda and Theresa who captured the finish line crossings.

for Jason who captured the video of the boy running out on the trail.

i can't believe this is all done.

onto the next journey...

whatever that may be.

See the results of TLC 14km race here

Check out how the Muskoka Algonquin Runners (MARs) did at Limberlost Here

School Days: Gr 4

age: 9

year in school: 6

grade: 4

class: 4/5 split

to see how last year started click HERE

a new school year has dawned.

the summer was a lot of fun but now it's time to be back in the routine that school brings to life.

my boy was excited to get started back into school.

to find out who his teacher would be.

to see his friends again.

even to get on the bus again.

grade 4 was going to be amazing!

we had a great first morning.

they got up well and we were ready early.

we went outside for the first day photos.

beautiful sunshiny day.  

--> fast forward now to October. 

almost 2 months into the school year as i continue this post.

My son loves school.

but...

He has had some anxiety so far this year.

math is hard.

it has had him in tears.

it has had me in tears as i cuddle him, pray with him and just cry with him.

i encourage him as his favourite part of school is now a struggle.

he isn't finding it to be 'easy math' anymore.

it is getting better.

he is doing better, slowly.

he struggles with the sentence questions.

give him numbers and he is a wizard.

write them out and it gets difficult.

other than that struggle he has been enjoying school.

he was a part of the cross country running club this fall.

two races, five weeks of wednesday 7am runs.  

his class has been to Algonquin Park and to a morning called Racing Against Drugs.

i have the honour and privilege of volunteering in my boy's class this year.

one morning a week, and any extra activities.

i have been able to take reading groups, and individuals to read.

i love being in his class, and he seems to enjoy it too.

he has a good group of kids in his class.

he has a full class of kids, so that too is different than the last few years.

his current favourite subject in school is:

gym.

not surprised.

oh my boy, i pray for you daily.

you are in fourth grade.

that is crazy!

when did you get so big?

enjoy your year, 

do your best, 

have fun,

love others,

respect your teachers.

love you buddy.

see you when you get home.

*1st day of school photos taken by me with Gertie.

photo on the rock taken by me with Chester.

Limberlost Challenge

this year i ran The Limberlost Challenge.

i ran the 14km.

it was fun.

i loved it.

i had to go through a big big big big big big big big big big mud pit.

i got muddy.

i finished my race.

dan ran the end with me.

i passed the finish line, i finished my race.  

i was so happy.

*as dictated by my girl*

*my turn to tell you how it was*

I had originally hoped to be in the top 10 of my age group this year.

but i did not train enough.

i went into this year with not having run more than the 10km i ran at Band on the Run one month before.

i was not prepared but i was planning to run it anyway.

i love the Limberlost Challenge.

my hubby made the decision to run the 56 one week before so we signed up.

(obviously even though i was planning to run it i was hesitant to sign up)

Dan hadn't been feeling the greatest and was planning to take it easy, and not push himself too much.

he was aiming for a 7 hour finish.

i was just wanting to cross the finish line, i didn't care how fast, although i will be honest, i wanted to break 2 hours. knowing that would be crazy hard.

the night before the race happened.

thunderstorms.

rain.

lots of both.

the morning of the race happened.

rain.

we set up for the kids to hang out 

(a friend was coming to hang with them)

and got ready for the race.

a wet morning.

but everyone was excited, and spirits were high.

the 56km race headed out.

dan hung back and didn't rush.

the 28km race headed out.

our friend showed up so i could get ready for my run.

my turn!

off we went.

last year i was determined to be at the front at the beginning so i didn't get caught behind the crowd entering the trail or crossing the first bridge.

but, i forgot that this year - mainly because i wasn't ready for the race.

i love running trails.

i spent a lot of time running with people who had never run it before.

i chatted with many of them.

we ran similar pace for a bit.

i really enjoy the many people on the trail.

so many encouraging people, and i love also encouraging those i pass or who pass me.

i am so thankful for everyone who run the aid stations.

the trail was pretty much one big trail of mud!

hills to slide on, puddles to go through.

mud, mud and more mud!

I think I wore the right shirt for the day

it was beautiful.

and exhausting.

i was running and chatting with a couple in the last 2km.

i felt done.

i hurt.

i was walking a little more often than i wanted to.

when suddenly someone jumped on me.

i now had less than a kilometre and someone jumps on me.

it was Dan!

he was finishing his second lap.

i was going slower than last year.

and he was faster than originally planning to run.

we ran together for the end.

i told him to go on, 

but he wanted to cross my finish line with me.

i was about to walk the last little hill when he took my hand and we ran out of the woods together.

i finished my race with my husband!  

it made me so happy.

I didn't make the top 10 of my age group.

but i am happy with my time, and results.

Results 14km (look up my bib #329)

and off he went to lap 3 of 4.

i will train better next year.

i think.

when dan was on his 4th and final lap we went to see him at the one mud hole.

which was even bigger now.

we saw the first place guy pass.

pretty sure it was him.

but the second place guy didn't pass us.

(we were pretty sure he hadn't already gone by)

and then Dan came.

we were pretty sure he was in second.

he was hurting but doing well.

we headed back to the finish to see him.

He came in 2nd overall.

1st in his age.

he had a great run.

Results 56km (bib #766)

so that's what taking it easy looks like.

haha.

i absolutely love that race.

i am already looking forward to it again next year.

Petzl inspired me...

My boy asked me a great question and i wrote about it HERE.

since then i have been thinking long and hard about people who have inspired me.

i have been blessed with many people who have provided me with inspiration in my life and for each of them i am extremely thankful.  

therefore, i may not write about some.  

but their inspiration lives on in my life and is passed down into my kids' lives.

today though i am going to write about a crazy lady.

Sharon.

we met back in 1997.

She had finished her year at Summit College and we worked at Camp Widjiitiwin.

We were prayer partners for the summer.

lots of laughter, chats and yes, prayer too.

Her camp name was Petzl.

she did the rock climbing.

this is us at the end of the summer.

fast forward to 9 years ago.

we hadn't kept in touch the greatest but she was now married with a little boy and twin girls.

i was married, no kidlets yet.

her babies were a year old and she needed someone to watch her kids.  

she called me up and i went one day a week to hang with the girls while their brother was at school for Junior Kindergarten.

i adored each one of the kids.  

i remember her telling me how she had taken up running after the twins.

(she looked spectacular)

but that was all in passing.

soon after was pregnant with my boy.

i stopped hanging with her kids once my little one was born.

we went to the same church and saw each other now and again.

after my kids were born, and my husband encouraged me to run, i would think back to that very brief conversation about Sharon running.  

one day she sent my husband and i a message about a race we may be interested in.

The Limberlost Challenge.

  My husband loved the idea, i thought the distances were too far.

the next year dan ran the 56km.  

what an amazing trail to run on.  

*my husband inspires me to run.*

over the last couple years as you know, i've become a runner.  

running distances i never thought i'd ever run.

i have seen her at the band on the run held here in town.

and the fun runs in the spring.

we have encouraged each other as we both were training for races and runs.

i have enjoyed our chats and her encouragement.

when i was training for my 40km she was someone who i talked with a lot.  

we were both training and our runs were challenging.

i may never have run the limber lost challenge if she had never sent that email.

i LOVE that trail and am excited to run it again this July.

thanks Petzl for the encouragement and inspiration you have been for all these years.

*first photo taken by someone at Widji.

on a film camera back in '97.

photo in the blog taken of the photo by me with Chester.

2nd photo taken by K.V at '14 band on the run.

posted on Facebook.

mommy, who inspired you to snowboard?

there was fresh snow.

we were out back at our sled hill.

my girl and hubby were down at the bottom.

i was walking up the hill, carrying my ancient snowboard.

my son was sitting at the top putting his board back on so he could take another run down the hill.

we were chatting as i got closer.

i told him how i loved watching his sister ski and him board.

i informed him that i didn't learn to snowboard until i was about 21.

and that was after only downhill skiing a couple times in my life - which i hadn't really enjoyed.

i told him i loved that he was starting out young.

he asked me if i was a good snowboarder..good like him.

i laughed and told him i could stay up - most of the time.  i was good.

then he continued and asked me a question that has stuck with me since that moment.

"mommy, who inspired you to snowboard?"

i told him i couldn't pick anyone specific, but when i first saw the sport i loved it.  

i hadn't like skiing and it looked like skateboarding on snow.  

**i had always wanted to skateboard - but i'm chicken.  

i used to watch the guys (and girls) skate and always wanted to learn but didn't want to get hurt.  

i didn't want to fail. those were some thoughts that passed through my mind but didn't make it to words**

i told him i liked that my feet were together - unlike skiing.

and then i went to college and snowboarding was an activity encouraged and instructed a little and i loved it.

i told him that since i met daddy that he has inspired me to keep trying.

i asked him who inspires him to snowboard?

he shrugged.

i asked if his daddy does.

he smiled his big smile and nodded.  

then down the hill he went.

what a great question.

not just who inspires me to snowboard but, 

who inspires me?

i have actually been thinking about that question for a few weeks and his asking of it has given me the idea.

over the next little while i am going to write a few posts about people who have inspired me in some way or another.

some may be in crazy huge ways, 

others may be some small thing that has stuck with me, 

or some may be just about enjoying this silly thing called life.

i hope as you follow me on this journey it will bring to mind those people who have been an inspiration in your life.

So, as i begin i guess you can say that this post was about the one who inspired me to pursue these future entries.

MY BOY!

thanks kid.

i probably won't share about my husband or my dad - - 

i have told you many times how i've been inspired by them, but who knows where i'll go with this mini series.

*photo taken by me, 

with Gertie.

daddy's girl

i adore my dad.

always have, always will.

i am married to a man whom i adore and we have a daughter.

She adores her daddy.

there are moments when he may question how much she truly adores him, 

but even in those moments she does.

she has always adored her daddy,  

i pray she always will. 

love these two turkeys.

*all photos taken by me

with Gertie

except the one at Limberlost, i think mom took it.

*just less than* 4 months to go

last wednesday i realized that i had 4 months exactly until my 40K run.

that's not very long.

i had been slacking in my running schedule so that realization hit hard.  

i had just run 11K the weekend before.  

that was a difficult run, i was pretty worn out after.  

so the thought of running 40K began to scare me.

yet, not enough to abandon the plan.

i ran 12.3K this past weekend 

- it was supposed to be a 13K run, but i missed a section - 

completely forgot about it once i got out there running.  

but man, i felt good.

tired and worn out but felt strong most of the run.

my 6k this morning was a little tiring.  

may have something to do with the fresh wet snow that we got overnight.

or may have something to do with 12.3k did tire me out.

and snowshoeing with the family yesterday added to my body tiredness.

but the fact that i checked my schedule this morning and said to myself

"oh, it's just a 6K"

ya.. just a 6K.

i had to check myself and realize i truly did think it's JUST a 6K, that a 6K is an easier run for me now.

that encouraged me as i have less than 4 months until my 40K.  6K better feel easier.

in 2 months my husband is running his first 50Mile race.

the Cayuga50.  it looks like it will be an amazing day:  check it out

we have just booked our campsite for our trip.  

i am so excited for him.  He is training so hard for this race.

and i'm excited for myself... 

i'm bringing my camera so while he runs i will be hiking and adventuring with my beloved Gertie.  

in 2 and a half months i am running my first ever half marathon here at home: check it out here

*note my toque in above picture. got it for registering early*

yes, the thought currently scares me but i know i can do it. 

i will do it.

so instead of focusing on my 40Km run i'm needing to focus on my half marathon.  

it's a smaller goal.  

it is in line with my training for the 40K so i just need to think of the half and concentrate on being able to do it.

i pray that my new found love for running is an encouragement to my kids, and husband. 

yes, i took this upside-down and it's staying that way

for my family and friends.  

i'm doing something i never thought possible... actually i never thought about it at all.

i'm excited to have this goal.

yes, there are other things out there in life and the world that are more important than a lady wanting to run 40KM.  i get it.  

this is not a world changing event.  

but this is a personal decision, a personal goal.  

a goal to be healthier, to encourage others, to be proud of the woman God made me.  

to push a physical limit, and rely on God to give me strength, courage, determination.  

i can't do it without Him.  

my running has been a gift from Him.

i feel better about myself after a run.  i wrestle with Him during a run sometimes.

He has gifted me with the ability to run.  

He has given me a husband who loves to run and it has been amazing to be able to be encouraged by my husband and to encourage him through our runs.  

i get it when he wants to go for a run to clear his head.  or to do a 50M race.  

sure 50M is crazy... but i get it.  

and to run on a trail in the middle of our favorite place to be - the woods.

running has given me the ability to grow my endurance.  

i can hike out back with the kids and be the last in line because they want daddy to lead 

- not because mommy is worn out and needs to walk slower for a bit.  

my kids are both running at Band on the Run too.  and they are excited about it.  

so no, i'm not going to solve the world's issues with my run.

but i believe that for me it is making me a better wife and mother.  

and that, my friends, is very important to me.   

*unfortunately i will not be doing my 3rd Tough Mudder in Aug as i had hoped.  

maybe i'll be back at it next year.