My Duel with the Raccoon: An Unconventional Approach to a "Podium" Finish Followed by a Stern Warning to Raccoons Everywhere
What I will remember most is the moment at mile 80. It was 7:48 pm in Hunstville, Texas, and my world-view as an ultrarunner was turned upside down. For a very slight moment, almost imperceptibly short, it spun frantically at high speed and then stopped just as quickly. Suddenly, everything was clear. Though the tent was lit only by Christmas lights, camping laterns and whatever could run on a generator in the woods, the light was bright. The colors were clear and the outlines sharp. Everything came into sudden, stark relief, and finally, finally , I knew. And I could never have imagined that I had so very much more left to learn. **** I’m spending way too much time on this IT band; way too much time managing the pain. Four hours and ten minutes. I have four hours and ten minutes to break 19. I can do this. I can do this. By the first aid station, the painkiller had kicked in last time. 40 miles ago. Can that be right? Down the gauntlet, stuffing my face with chocolate and ...