It would be an exaggeration to say that I couldn’t do anything without theMAN. In many ways, my venture into Spartan/OCR events was an exercise in standing on my own. Besides being nervous about doing the 8-10 mile event with YaYa that summer, I think a part of me needed to reclaim a little confidence and independence as well.
On one hand, I was scared of taking on that experience (volunteering AND the race) all by myself. On the other hand, I was excited and a little empowered to go it alone.
Sometimes, you have to stand all alone just to prove that you can still stand.” -Unknown
It was at that first Spartan experience where I lost my car parked in a dark grassy field, in the middle of nowhere, on a rainy night, with no cell reception after my volunteer shift. When I finally found my car, I realized that I couldn’t find my way to my AirBNB without cell service (which I didn’t get for quite some time driving). On race morning, I was scared sh!tless to jump into the starting corral all by myself to take on that race. But I did it anyway. I had no idea what I was doing or how I’d manage, but I had a desire to prove to myself that I was indeed capable.
We’re now 2 months into the friendship thing and I am beginning to feel okay about it. I can’t explain it but it is similar to finishing that first Spartan Race and realizing that I had what it took to make it through — learning how to ask for help when needed while discovering my own strength and agility for the rest. It’s pretty damn cool to realize that you can stand alone and still be okay.
An old song came on the radio this morning while I was driving to work. On this day in particular, the words ring true loud and clear. I began singing along — and soon I was crying as well.
After checking in at the volunteer registration table, we found a sunny place to prepare for the race – securing our headbands, timing chips, and start wrist bands. We checked our bags, emptied our bladders, did a mini stretch and warm up and reconnected with Jen & George.
The Herc Hoist was next, followed by the Multi-Rig (All Rings for the Sprint). Then came the Hurdles. After each trying to hop up to the pointy crest, Carol and I helped each other over the lot before we went on to the Atlas Carry. Remembering the technique of rolling the stone from the ground up one bent knee then across the other raised knee, I managed to lift mine off the ground without my back taking the brunt of it. It was a nice change for me.
We walked a bit before hitting the Bucket Carry. This has never been a favorite, but I picked up my bucket with hope that it wouldn’t be as bad as the last time. The hill we carried our loads up and then down was steep. I focused on firming my core and pelvis as I made my way and I had to stop a number of times to give my back a break or let the crowd ahead thin out so that I could choose my path of preference. This was important as it was hard to see over my bucket on the way downhill. Robert and Carol waited for me to finish before we climbed the next hill.
We arrived at the Spear Throw next. I set up my throw, aimed at the target, but somehow managed to hit my pack and head with the spear at the end of my throw. Thirty more Burpees for me…and Carol. But Robert hit it straight on. He went ahead of us towards the [uphill] Barbed Wire Crawl – which was lower to the ground than other races.
I ran across this photo of young YaYa and me from many years ago. Those were tough times — yet somehow we found reasons to smile. At least that’s how I remember it.
