Dirt Diva

HOW I RAN AND FINISHED MT. DIABLO ON LESS THAN 1.5 HOURS OF SLEEP.
Me at my darkest hour on the trail
Friday night I was in my room and I heard Rocky jump of the couch and let out a yelp. He came limping into the room. He seemed fine like maybe he just twisted his leg. I thought I hope he's not seriously hurt. I picked him up, and put him on the bed. I finally decided I better get some sleep, it was already 12am and I needed to be up at 4:30. I got into bed where Rocky was already asleep. He all of a sudden woke up crying. I picked him up, put him on the floor and he was crying and limping.
I thought maybe he just slept on it weird since he was hurt. I tried to get him to go to sleep and finally at 1:30 I called the emergency pet clinic. I knew there was no way I could run the race, knowing he was hurting. I just needed to make certain it wasn't serious. It really broke my heart to see him crying. I took him in at 2am, they gave him an exam. The doctor said he just jammed his shoulder most likely, when he jumped. He didn't do major damage, but was crying because he pain. They gave him a shot for the pain and to help relax him.
They send me home with some doggie advil, and said if he is still having problems in 7 days, take him to his doctors. We came home and I pulled out the sleeping bag ,so we could sleep on the floor, since I didn't want him to try to jump and hurt his shoulder more. For the rest of the night he wined off and on. I kept waking ,only to see him staring at me.
Finally at 4:15 I got up to get ready. I felt bad leaving him, but my Uncle would be home all day with him.
Chet and I heading to Finly aid station
I met Joe & Mylinh as planned at 5:30 to carpool to the start. We got there and parked next to Julia ,who was celebrating her B-day. She was planning on running the 50m but like many others cut their distance short.
It was hot, our first hot day of the year, no one was heat trained. I was not feeling well do to the lack of sleep, and consumed with guilt for not being home with Rocky. I just kept praying the whole day that he would be totally fine and 100% when I got home.
On my way to Rock city aid station mile 24 I felt like passing out 3 or 4 times. At one point I laid down in the shade on the trail flat on my back thinking I wanna quit. This damn Devil(Diablo) was trying to drag me into HELL...I got up after what seemed like forever and continued onward and upward.
I was happy to see many old friends and meet new ones like my blogger pal Leslie from Alaska running her first 50m race. She finished strong.
I was happy to see Jim Winni at Rocky city my all time favorite pacer and crew person. He was the aid station captain there. Oh also it was great seeing Michelle and Morgan working Juniper.Thanks for being there.
The two studs at Finley. (left) Will, me, and Ryan
I headed out to the Finely road turnaround point. It's a 6 mile out and back. On my way out I hooked up with Chet from Reno. It was great to be with someone who was feeling like shit too.. We stayed together that whole section. We did a good time going down to Finley. I was happy to see Will(fast old guy) and Ryan(young fast guy) ;) I actually went to school with Will. I even had a crush on him when I was a teenager.
Chet and I headed back up to Rock city, the climb was hot but I think by then my body had adjusted to the heat. It was great on this section because you got to see all the runners.
We arrived into Rock city in a good time. I was feeling much better since I had Chet to talk to the whole way. Jim Winni had my favorite smoothie for me a mango tango. I shared it with Chet. I was feeling 100 times better. I ended up taking off and loosing Chet.
The weather was great and I knew I could get by in my sports top and MoeBen sleeves.

Trail junction where I last talked to my Mom before she died.
There is a spot on the trail, it's part of the trail through time, at this very signpost was the last time I heard my Mothers beautiful voice 6 years. It's a special place to me and I always place a rock or flower when I pass by it. I called on my Angeles often during the race. I even prayed a lot for my little Rocky.
I made it to the Juniper aid station 9 miles to go, there I saw many many runners not looking good. They looked like they wanted to call it a day. I tried to get them to leave but no one left with me. A few later went on to finish.
We all had to battle our demons out there on that trail. Many times during the race I felt like that Devil Mountain was pulling me into the depths of HELL. I just kept fighting and clawing my way out, hour after hour.
There where times I had 10 reasons to quit but I had 15 reason to keep going.
I was stronger than I had been all day those last 10 miles. I ran free all the way to the finish knowing I had beat the devil once again. I finished in 15:02. I survived just like most of the runners ,who managed to finish.
By the time I got home it was 1am. I walked in the front door and there was my little Rocky running around like a little mad man as though nothing was wrong. And just some 20 hours ago he couldn't walk. My Angeles answered my prayers and healed him.