Me and my 12 pound pack training for the PCT
Me tearing it up on the Horse heaven trail.
The best water along the Ohlone Wilderness trail, horse heaven trail.
This is heaven.. 10 miles with a pack isn't easy. But it's fun!!
March is a very tough month for me. March 24th marks the 25th anniversary of my Dads death. He left me to soon, he was only 48. He died of a masive heart attack. I know I have made him proud but wish he was there to pace & crew me during my races. I know he would totally be in to it.
He is always with me during my races. I call on him when I need his help. He always comes through.
March 31st marks the 5th anniversary of my Moms death. I found her dead of a bacteria infection that got into her blood. She was a young 70 year old. I miss her each & everyday. I always shared my adventures with her. I took pictures and would show her. She thought I was crazy because I was so into running. But she knew it helped me get through the darkest days of my life.
This month I will run for them and celebrate my Mom & Dad for giving me the best gift ever. Life.... They are always with me and I know they are always watching me and making sure I'm safe.
16 comments:
Check out Scott Dunlap...
http://runtrails.blogspot.com/
His dog is Rocky too. And you mag mug is posted.
I'm very sorry to hear of your losses. :-( However, the best way to take your mind off of that is to add two 10 lbs sacks of flour to your backpack getting it up to 32 lbs. Run with that and you'll only think of how fricking heavy your pack is! ;-)
Hey Jeffo-
Yeah, I kno Scott has a dog named Rocky too.
Thanks for the link. Gotta thank that boy for giving me props.
Catra
Hey Snakebite-
My pack will weigh 20 pounds. I weigh 110 so that's a lot for me.
When I ran Marathon Des Sables in 2002 my pack weighed 23 pounds. I had to carry that shit 150 miles through the Sahara desert.
I know what it's like ;)
XOXO,
Catra
Hi Catra,
We don't know each other, but I've been reading your blog for a while. While I enjoy all of your posts, this one struck a cord with me.
I lost my dad suddenly last April. He was my strongest running supporter, and I'm confident that he is still helping me along the way. During the tough spells of races, I pray to him for strength, and he always gives it to me. I think it's his spiritual way of supporting me now, because he can't do it in the living world.
I'm glad that you still feel the support of your loved ones now!
Your power to heal never fails to amaze me! I personally take forever. Good luck with all your adventures for 2007 and a big hug for your month of March.
You're honoring their lives by the way that You're living your life right now...... :)
P.S. Yep, if you ever come up to Alaska You will certainly have a place to stay.... :)
Namaste,
Tom
That's hard to loose both parents you so dearely love. Good healing is running in Nature, Catra. I am sure they are so proud of you - look at you go!
Looks like your already raring to go for the PCT. By the way, I've always been afraid to drink from that water tube on Horse Haven.
I'm sorry to hear about your parents, I can only imagine how much they must be in your thoughts during this month. My wife lost her mother last summer and I know I still don't take the time to see my parents as much as I should (especially since they only live an hour away). I'll be visiting them this weekend and will give them extra big hugs when I see them.
Hi there,
Found your blog through RW and I recognized you from the AC 100 last year. I was there supporting my friend in his first 100.
Your post hit home for me too. I lost my Dad to cancer on November 17, 2006. We all thought he was going to beat it, but the chemo was too much. There are days when it still seems too unreal.
I ran the Auburn Trail Marathon last October in honor of him and as I pushed to the finish my mantra was "your're going to beat this thing, you're going to beat this thing...."
That was a beautiful race and now (when I run) I seek out the dirt.
I'm planning a series of run to race in his memory and to generate funds for cancer research. Looking to do most of them on dirt.
One of them I'd like to do is the Mt Dissapointment 50K or 50 miler. 50 miles (yikes). A bit daunting for me if I think about it too much.
Anyways, I enjoy your blog and appreciate your outlook on life.
Happy Trails - Shreddy
My running has suffered,despite the fact that I know it helps me process things.
First of all, beautiful views in those pictures! I wanna run there!
Secondly, my heart pours out to you on the loss of both your parents. I'm so glad you carry their spirits with you wherever you go, especially as you run. You know they are both very proud of you! It's obvious that much of your strength comes from your love for them and their love for you.
I lost my mom March 31st too. Four years ago. I feel your pain girl.
They are watching you and with you always!
You are honoring their memories so beautifully!
I was interested to read about your PCT hike. I hiked the trail way back in '96, and now I live and work very close to the trail on Donner Pass. (Actually, my classroom practically sits right on top of it!)If you need any support as you come through this area don't hesitate to contact me. I was given so much kindness as a hiker, I always look for the chance to give back.
Also, saw you at WTC on Saturday. Thanks for the sponge girl!
-Gretchen
you are in my thoughts and prayers tonight; and always.
your slug-friend, john.
My thoughts are with you during this time. As a parent, the thing I wish most for my child is that they find something they find to make them happy.
And you look pretty happy running those trials.
Those pics of the countryside are pretty sweet..
I thik it rocks that you still think and talk about your parents that way. I lost my father the year I did my 1st Ironman and race day was awesome knowing I could "call" on him when I needed him the most. I just hope my 2 children think about me like I think about my parents! p.s. nice interview on Zen!
Post a Comment