Fourth and Final loop.

When I arrive to the Start/Finish area Gailanne was dressed and waiting for me. I made an attempt at fueling up and soon, we were heading down the road for the last time. I was able to actually run a wee bit. By 'run' I mean shuffle at very low speeds. I can't recall how long I was able to actually run. I know that it did not last long.

Gailanne told me stories and we talked about the last time we ran here. We talked about our lives and what we'd been up to. I wasn't able to talk very much as I could barely concentrate on putting one food in front of another. Every time I stubbed my toe (which happened a lot more frequently due to exhaustion) I used very loud, colorful language. Colorful, foul language, not befitting a lady. Gailanne did an excellent job keeping me distracted (and pretended not to be shocked about the profanities). It's not like I think about swearing.... it just comes blasting out. Ooops!

I remember that my breathing became very labored. Every step was horrible..... I just wanted to crawl into a hole and die. Fortunately, I had Gailanne there telling me that I could keep moving and that I was doing fine. I don't know what would have happened if Gailanne weren't there. I certainly wouldn't have finished.

I want to thank you so much Gailanne. You pulled me through girly!

With 10km to go, I should have been able to finish in a decent time. BUT, my body continued to break down and I got slower and slower. I realized that my goal of beating my previous time was impossible. Bummer. A few miles later, I realized that coming in at my previous time was not going to happen either. BIG BUMMER.

I had to focus on getting in under 12 hours.

Heading up the last 400 meters was very surreal. I wasn't connected to my body anymore. I could see people clapping , I could hear their cheers... Everything was in slow motion, very surreal. Eventually, I walked through the finish line. I was dazed, very emotional, and so relieved to be done.

11:56:10 was my official chip time.

Thanks to everyone.

It meant so much to see friends and family as I completed that journey. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and motivation. Even though you may not have been there physically, I felt your positive energy.

Last but certainly not least..... thanks goes out to all the volunteers. You're tireless efforts do not go unnoticed.


Gotta reflect.