Insanely Sane

There are people, believe it or not, that say running 31 miles is insane.  Of course, there are people who say that running down to the corner is insane as well!  I am writing to dispel the myth that running 31 miles is insane.  On January 5, 2013, we arose at 4 AM (now that is insane!) to get to Winston-Salem by 6:30.  We are Shawn, my nephew, Cindy, our crew chief and me.  Cindy is probably the most insane one because she got our of bed at 4 AM just to go hand us "stuff" and take pictures!  Shawn is on the verge of insane because he drove 5 1/2 hours, paid $35, got up at 4 AM, ran 31 miles and then drove another 5 1/2 hours home the next day.  Me?  I have always said that running, no matter what distance, keeps me sane.  I don't know where I would be these days if running wouldn't have been part of my life over the years.  Here is why the Frosty 50 was insanely sane.

• The company of Shawn running and Cindy crewing (love them!)
• The other runners with their joy, determination and perseverence (even the guy who won in 3:00:10 (What?)
• The venue - 5 miles of lake front amid trees and brush resting in the winter
• The idylic Frosty 50 where the start was truly frosty at 29 degrees but warming to 50
• The blue sky and bright sunshine making sunglasses a must
• The winter wildlife in the lake
• The volunteers and race organizers who always provided (I was starving at mile 23 and the volunteer offered PB&J!)
• The burning of 3300 calories
• Burgers and Beers at Tribeca Grill to celebrate
• The soreness that said that the body did something truly diffuclt but rewarding
• Sandstone medals instead of the big marathon gaudy ones

Sitting is much more insane than this! There is more "sanity" to come this year and I look forward to every mile!

 ...The sun rising over Salem Lake...

 ...Shawn and me, halfway to 50K...

 ...Our Crew Chief and my girl...