Monday, July 21, 2008

feelin' the love of 45:18

Here I sit, feet propped up, gleaming buckle up on the mantle, and teacup at my elbow. 
The 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon was everything I had hoped and dreamed it would be. I had three goals: 1) Finish under 48 hours.  2) Have love and harmony happening in the crew vans. 3) Have lots of fun on this mega classic adventure.  Okay, I will admit to reducing this list to only one goal on my way to the start Monday morning. 
It simply became, "Don't embarrass myself or my crew."  
We accomplished all three of my goals in grand style. I can't emphasize enough how important it was to me that our little Badwater Family of 7 come away from this shared time together completely supported and empowered by one another. If we had failed in that respect, this shiny buckle would be a constant reproach and a reminder that the team did not flourish. I loved the hilarity, silliness, seriousness, attention to detail, creativity, and willingness my crew embodied. Because of their care, I finished this race in better shape than I have finished any of my other 100's. Wow! My husband couldn't believe I was going up and down the stairs in our home without that awkward post-race "hobble and grab the handrails with a groan" I usually display. Yeah!!! 
Thank you, Anthony, Eddie, Meredith, Mike, Paul, and Peggy.
It was a privilege to follow in the footsteps of the Badwater Greats. Though I am and always will be a climber first, I love 100's because of the character they reveal to each individual who submits to the layers of personal challenge they present.
A special thank you to Lisa Smith-Batchen & Denise Jones. I am feelin' the love, girls! 

13 comments:

Laurie said...

You rock! Congratulations on a beautiful race. You went every step of the way with style and grace. Every time I saw you on the course you were determined, smiling and strong - so impressive. Enjoy some much deserved rest and relaxation.
Cheers!
Laurie

Colleen said...

CONGRATS, JFLO!!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of you. Can't wait to hear more about the race!!!

Love,

cw

Jacqueline Florine said...

Hey girls,
I figure that I should retire from ultras now that I have had the perfect Badwater (for me). Keep checking in as I will be posting the details and discoveries!
Thanks for all your encouragement and support!
It is beyond wonderful!
xxoo J

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

I love 100's because of the character they reveal to each individual who submits to the layers of personal challenge they present.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Very Well Said Jackie...I have many layers & umm characters to submit --haha

...So happy for you and your crew on a job well done!

Enjoy that buckle, CONGRATS!!! and look forward to more BW insights from JFLO!!! ( I like that CW)

audreycamp said...

I'm in awe. We've only met a couple of times, but when I heard you were taking on this amazing challenge, it thrilled me. Jonathan and I were pulling for you every step of the way! Congratulations on meeting and, indeed, surpassing your goals, and thank you for setting such a wonderful example of realized human potential.

Meredith murphy said...

Jacki,
You rocked it out there. I was impressed by your race and how you handled it. You made running Badwater look easy!!!!!!!!!!!The almost week i spent with you was incredible and an experience which will stand alone as one of the best ever.

RunSueRun said...

Congratulations on another successful adventure, Jacki!!

:)

Jamie Donaldson said...

Hi Jackie!

It was so great to see you in action and to finally get to talk with you after the race. You did an aesome job! SOOOO amazing! Your crew was rock solid and very good at multi-tasking! Anthony even managed to run with me for a bit.
Enjoy your recovery!

Lisa Smith-Batchen said...

Well done my friend!
Much love
Lisa

Olga said...

Darling, I bow my head to you. I now know - I don't want to do it anymore. I say, I live through you:)

Lisa B said...

A belated congrats to you and your crew on such a fabulous well-executed race at Badwater, Jackie! You got the right stuff! I just love reading about how runners and crews work *together* to finish this race. It's just amazing as you say. Way nice. Congrats. The gratitude will ooze for a long time!

Anonymous said...

big chica... all i can say is you da baddass!! for finishing the badwater race. so impressed with your love and resolution to run it. been thinking about you all summer knowing you were going to run and it made me happy...funny thing that.
hugs
li' chica

Navya said...

Thanks for sharing...
regards
SBL
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