Last weekend, I ran a marathon on Saturday and a half-marathon on Sunday. Both were off-road trail runs over hilly terrain. It’s now a week later and I’m still feeling those miles. I think it was the heat on Saturday that hit me the hardest. The temperature peaked at 94 degrees. The marathon on Saturday was in Graham, Texas. That’s a six-hour drive from Houston. The half on Sunday was in Bastrop, which is about 30 miles east of Austin.
On Saturday, I knew it was going to be hot. We were all talking about it at the starting line. The course was composed of four out and backs. By 1030 AM, it was evident that the heat was taking its toll. Everyone’s pace slowed and the people on the course thinned quickly. There was no shade. Afterward, I discovered many runners who were registered to run the marathon dropped back to only running a half-marathon. They essentially threw in the towel upon completing their second loop. I don’t blame them. It was hot. I thought about it too, but I kept going. My sister, Kelley, who is a P.A., drove down to watch me run. I think she was worried about me because of the heat. I’d also been sick with a head cold for two weeks. It was fun having her there. Twice on Saturday, I had people working the race tell me that I was making it look easy. Looks are deceiving. One said, “Your job must have you working outside in the heat.” I replied, “Yup! I’ve been in hot water at work for the past three years.” Then when I finally crossed the finish line, a lady said, “You look like you could keep going. Like it’s nothing.” I told her that I was a good faker. I smile when I run. I’ve found that if I smile when things are crappy it keeps the demons at bay.
The name of the all-veteran team is Skeleton Crew. I asked myself, “Now how do I know this name?” A quick Google search provided me with the answer. Last year, I watched a documentary about a guy who bought an old sailboat and had a goal to sail it 10,000 miles around the Cape Horn of South America. The waters around Cape Horn are treacherous and a place where few go in small boats. He had very little sailing experience. That guy was Taylor Grieger, and he was now sitting directly in front of me. It’s an amazing documentary called, Hell or High Seas. Taylor had a couple of people along with him on the journey. If you want to see someone display real courage and determination in pursuit of a dream, watch the documentary. You’ll be glad you did. When Taylor got back home to Galveston from his 10,000-mile journey, he started an organization that introduces veterans suffering from P.T.S.D. to sailing. That’s been going on for years and he and his team has helped many. Not one veteran who’s gone through their program has committed suicide.
As I said, I sat down with Taylor and Marc a little over a week ago. I wanted to hear their story. I also wanted to see if there was a way I could assist them either with the race or their veterans with P.T.S.D. mission. Turns out they need to raise about $50,000 more by June 10th. Taylor and Marc then showed me their boat. Marc said, “She ain’t pretty, but she’s got strong bones.” I asked them if they had a strategy to win. Taylor said their strategy is to outlast the others. To find a way to keep going regardless. If you’ve got a weakness, the sea will find it. I told Marc and Taylor that’s a strategy I’ve always used and I preach it to my kids too.
It’s a deer blind. In Texas, it’s common to use a deer blind. This one though had an airconditioner. Hmmmm. So soft you can’t even sweat a little. I believe the saying goes, soft men create hard times. One last thing, another requirement of the Ocean Globe Race is one crew member must be a woman. Her name is Emma Walker. She’s a veteran of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. To Team Skeleton Crew, I wish you fair winds and following seas.
Until next time, I hope you Find Your Adventure and Live Your Life.
PS-I set a goal to run 12 marathons this year. I’ve done 9 1/2 so far. My next marathon is June 3rd. Another hilly trail run and it seems to be really difficult. The fastest time for a 57-year-old is 6 hours 23 minutes and 46 seconds. That’s my goal.
