Death and Resurrection

As the event drew near, I realized the larger the investment, the more pressure to produce a favorable outcome builds. What is the point of doing this if it isn’t to ride over the finish line? Most of us know on some level this is not the whole truth. Still, it is a struggle for the goal driven to not only believe there is more to life than a favorable outcome, but to live (and ride) in the peace that larger reality brings.

The Time Has Come

Last November, the idea of traveling to Vermont for the historic 100 mile endurance ride seemed like a great fun adventure goal; now that we leave in two days my feelings have shifted some. 

The questions hover near the surface of my mind: Am I ready? Is she ready? Is Matt ready? Do I have everything I need? Will I have enough time to get it all together and actually haul out of here to make it to Vermont before the trail opens?

A Beast of a Test

I might have noticed some warning bells when ride morning was so unusually warm and humid. The last time I was at this ride it was in the 40s at the start! I noticed within a mile that Khaleesi was not her usual “on fire” self. I knew she wanted to run with the pack, but she felt heavy and clearly unable to fly up the mountains like she has in years past. We were riding through thick humid air from the starting line, and her lack of energy concerned me from very early on.