To pry myself open

Forrest Gump starting running after his childhood friend and lover Jenny left him. He ran to the end of the street, town, city and the state until he reached the coast and ran out of roads to continue. His journey opened up opportunities to interact that helped other people find their own answers.

During my Ragnar runs this year, I learned some things about myself. During my first run up some steep hills, I learned that often times things are not as they seem. I wore a Spider-man costume that had padding on the chest and arms to simulate muscles. Many commented that I must be really hot and uncomfortable. I moistened those pads with water and they evaporated so quickly in the heat that I was kept cool enough that I didn't sweat!

On my second run at 2 am, I changed into thermal underwear. In the cool dark hours, I struggled against a deep fatigue. The overwhelming desire to sleep was always with me as I ran. My thoughts and reasoning slowed down into the simplest forms. I remembered last year's run in the dark without a flashlight and feeling abandoned, on my own to sort out the dangers of passing cars and runners wanting to finish their leg. My Diamondback Sprinter headlamp worked flawlessly giving clear and bright illumination. It certainly makes a difference to be prepared and to use reliable gear. I felt like I was running slowly but I passed so many runners.

I finished the leg and Chandler started his run. Tara called Dan and learned that they were running a little behind. He asked if anyone would be willing to run in his place to avoid losing time. I was half asleep but didn't feel the volition to volunteer. Chandler would have continued running if he had been informed. I know that I could have ran the leg and saved us a 30 minute penalty but I don't know that I should have. We all have to be accountable for our failings. Even if we are stuck in traffic or something comes up. We still placed 6th in the corporate division.

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