ultrarunnergirl: In Memory

Showing posts with label In Memory. Show all posts

Wordless Wednesday: MMT100

This weekend is the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile race, put on by the VHTRC (my trail running club). I'm doing my part by volunteering at an aid station.

It's quite the social event. All my friends will be there, running, volunteering, crewing or pacing someone. Runners have 36 hours to finish this tough, rocky ultramarathon with 16,200 feet of ascent over 100 miles.

If you're running, I'll see you at Veach Gap. Good luck out there!

Looks like a fun way to spend a weekend, right?


Helping a runner change shoes late in the race. Photo by Bobby Gill

Of course I'll have to get some apple cider donuts from the Apple House

Jen Jacobs will be running her 4th MMT100

Spring came early. Which wildflowers will be in bloom in the mountains this year?

Hubz helps Keith Knipling at an aid station. He finished 4th in 2009.

Part of the MMT100 trail at Gap Creek.

Crews and volunteers at Gap Creek aid station. Note the rocks on the trail. That's typical at MMT.

The irrepressible Gary Knipling will be running his 15th MMT100!
Will he carry the mango bikini bottoms again?

MMT100 always brings back memories of Mike Broderick. We miss you, friend.

A Run for Sherry

On a cold, cloudy Saturday, I ran for Sherry Arnold.

I met up with friends Kris, Yonas and Merhawi at Teddy Roosevelt Island parking lot. We pinned on our bibs, talked about Sherry, and started our run in her memory.

Yonas, Kris, Me and Merhawi

As we ran, we chatted, but Sherry was in my thoughts. I thought about her family and friends. About how unfair it was that a morning run ended in tragedy. I thought of how much it sucks that women still, and always will, have to worry about their safety. There's no way to guarantee that something bad won't happen to us, even if we never leave the safety of our home.

I decided that being friendly, open and trusting is better than living in fear.

I took a moment to offer up my gratitude to people like Sherry -- women, teachers, mentors, runners -- who have had a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others.

I thought about what Sherry's cousin Beth (Shut Up and Run) said about this run: "Despite the circumstances that will bring us together, smile because we are collectively doing something that symbolizes compassion and connectedness."

I was glad to share these miles for with friends. It was comforting and reassuring and life-affirming.