Sunday, May 23, 2010

The longest race!

The mister and I just completed an incredibly intense adventure trail running race.

Whew.

It was one of those races that was sort of secretive in that you really didn't know the course ahead of time. We were excited but also a wee bit wary. I mean, how do you train for what you don't know?

True to form it was hard. Really really hard.

There were climbs that made my heart feel like it was going to explode right out of my chest. Then there were downhills where they posted a black double arrow down sign on a tree (that you may or may not see) to signal rough terrain ahead.

Rough? Ahem.

We were slip sliding and skidding and falling and catching ourselves and did I mention tripping? And it hurt, because we both fell hard a few times. Really hard. I gashed myself a few times on rocks--major bleeding-- and so did the Mister. Those are gonna leave scars.

Then there were more hills. Did I mention the hills? No amount of training could have prepared our lungs for the hills! I felt like I couldn't breathe, like I needed an oxygen mask. So much for thinking I was in shape!

There were water crossing! Sheesh. The water was rushing and we had to figure out how the hell to get across without going in. We were a soggy, defeated mess.

I wanted to walk. The mister pushed me on. Then he wanted to walk, and I pushed him on. On the tough climbs he pulled me along and if he could've carried me on his back believe me, I would've let him!

Part of the mystery was not knowing the distance. That's scary stuff for a race. I'm ok with short-ish runs but I am no marathoner. I usually max out at 7-8 miles. I guess that's why we had to sign our lives away on consent forms...in case one of us actually died during the race well, it would be nobody's fault but our own. What kind of fools are we?

We didn't win the so-called prize. We didn't even come close.

When we got to the finish line there wasn't anyone actually cheering us across. Sucked big time, because I was visualizing that finish line with all the crowds lining the path, cheering us and slapping us on our backs, propelling me forward those last few steps and then celebrating the victory with us.

When we went through what we THOUGHT was the finish line, we saw our time (dismal) and looked around.

And that's when we saw it.

The sign.

"Second half of race THIS WAY."

STFU.

There is more?

And it turned out to be a mountain biking race, for which we had not really trained....

So we looked at each other and smiled, shaking our heads. After chowing down on some mega-reinforcements, giving each other a "we're in this together" pep talk, we donned our helmets and got on the bikes.

We're still on the bikes....

We're adopting!




Much much more to come on this--a whole backwards posting probably of how we came to this decision and the mega process that has taken place--but for now, we'll just leave it with 'the news.'

*And thanks to Brenda, who a long time ago made a similar analogy about going from IF treatment into adoption, and it just stuck in my brain and came out here :)

54 comments:

  1. LOL! That was a slip-in if I've ever seen one! I love it! I'm so excited for you guys. I can't wait to hear more about your journey.

    Best wishes!

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  2. Brilliant! It was the Edinburgh marathon today, so I was totally in the "running" frame of mind (not that I could or would ever do such a thing), but when I got to the last bit of you post . . . wow! I'm so chuffed for you. A good friend of mine has been through IF and pregnancy loss and she and her hubby adopted this year and they are so happy. You can check her out at http://carriepreciouslittle.blogspot.com/

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  3. WHAT?!?!?! YEA!!!! I am so excited for you guys!!

    And to make you laugh, I was reading this wondering if you did some version of the MB (it was there last weekend and your description is very similar). And then when you said there was a second part with bikes I was trying to figure out what was going on- like were they giving you random bikes to use? HAHAHA!! Can you tell that my brain is total mush right now?

    When I finally read the part about adopting a HUGE smile ran across may face! I cannot wait to hear more about everything!!

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  4. I am SO happy for you! Your post made me both laugh and cry. Can't wait to hear more. :)

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  5. I am impressed with your endurance :) Congratulations on your new journey. Can't wait to follow along.

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  6. That is wonderful, wonderful news. And, your creativity is really astounding. I have no doubt that whoever is lucky enough to have you as parents will be extremely lucky.

    We attended an overwhelming, but helpful conference on adoption last fall. Happy to share any of the info if you're interested.

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  7. excellent analogy. congrats on your decision and your new journey.

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  8. Congratulations!! Love the analogy!

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  9. I am very very happy for you both. Your onward journey has picked me up and has me facing the week ahead with a restored optimism.

    Your analogy was great. I was reading it and some where in the back of my mind was daring to hope that it was an analogy and that you had news for us.

    Referring back to a previous piece you wrote; You are a light and example to us.

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  10. Woah, you totally got me! Congrats on the news, and I hope your "bike ride" goes well!

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  11. I had to re-read this with your real journey in mind, and it brought tears to my eyes. What a PERFECT analogy. You will have people cheering you on as you ride your mountain bikes though. I can't wait for what happens next. Congratulations on your decision!

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  12. You both are such amazing people and some child is going to be so lucky to have you as their parents...Congratulations!

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  13. SO happy for you guys! You will be awesome parents.

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  14. Great news! Can't wait to hear more about the process you've chosen.

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  15. I am crying as I read this. That was a brilliant post and I am beyond thrilled for you!!! I can't wait to follow along with the second part of your race.

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  16. Holy shit - what a funny post. When you saw the sign for the rest of the race, I laughed out loud. Good for you and the mister - I applaud you!

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  17. Delurking to tell you how happy I am for you, and I agree that you and the Mister will be wonderful parents, and you will continue to be a light to the blog community. Congratulations, and so glad that you brought along your helmet and kneepads, because who knows where the onward journey will take you. So happy for you both.

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  18. I know how much you like your trail running, so I was reading along amazed at your endurance. Then I read those three major words. Then I re-read your post, and your words were so, so special, so telling. The new journey has begun, both of you side by side. Beautiful words. Beautiful you.

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  19. Congratulations!!!! I am so very happy for you & can't wait to hear all about this last leg of the race!

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  20. woop-woop!
    The "point" of your story is that you're an @$$-Kicking couple, even when it gets to be what some would say "more than you signed up for"!!
    I'm so excited; I know you'll have so much to say on the subject and amazing parents. I feel truly lucky to "know" you and know your story.

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  21. Replying to your comment: Of course I'm still reading!! I am horrible about commenting these days, so please forgive me on that as well! Thanks for checking in on me and maybe one of these days we can finally catch up. We will be in A over the summer again at some point. We should have come for the MB :)

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  22. Oh Mrs. LC! I'm so excited for you and I am glad that you have found the next pathway to take. You have been to some very dark places but I just know that your path is going to lead to some happier times. You're going to make great parents!!

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  23. You know I have the biggest smile on my face! You two will be the most amazing parents. And we'll be here cheering you both every step of the way & celebrating your child(ren).
    B

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  24. This is amazing! I am so happy for you both!!

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  25. Best analogy EVER.

    Welcome to the second half!!! And I guarantee you, there will be crowds at the end of this one :)

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  26. You are so cute - that sounds like one hell of a race...and Iove, love, love the surprise ending!

    I am excited to hear about the decision - and to read about your new journey.

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  27. I had to read the last part a few times. How blonde of me! WOW, that is fantastic news! Cant wait to get more updates!

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  28. this is the post i have been waiting for! so glad to know that things are happening that make you smile. and glad you are off your feet and on your bike! things can go much faster that way, and you have more control, imagine that!

    ill be here at every bend in the road. thinking and hoping of and for you guys.

    xoxo

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  29. WOOHOOO!! What great news:) I can't wait to hear the rest of the story!

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  30. OMG! I totally thought, "this girl is nuts for this trail running thing!" AHA!

    Wow - this is big news! I'm super-excited for you guys, and can't wait to hear the details!

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  31. I am so thrilled for you! You both are going to be such amazing parents! I can't wait to read more about this new journey!

    P.S. You did NOT overstep your bounds with your recent comment on my blog.

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  32. Wow, what a post!!! You have a real gift for writing. Congratulations!!!

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  33. Congrats! What an awesome post - I kept thinking it was about running and when you concluded I thought that was the best description of IF that I've ever seen!

    You have a gift for writing. If you ever decide to write a book on your experiences, I'm buying it.

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  34. Clever, clever, clever. And insightful, and funny. Just like your typical posts. :)

    I was just getting ready to post something like '...and for additional fun when you got home you flagellated yourself with birch branches' and then my next-door neighbours will have been able to hear the clang of the world's largest penny dropping.

    I am so happy for you that you'll get some real progress towards your goal of parenthood now. My brother and his wife are happier than they could have thought possible after successfully adopting, and there's no doubt whatsoever that you'll provide the most amazing, loving home.

    One thing though - you said you were disappointed at the lack of crowds cheering you on. Couldn't you hear every single one of your dedicated readers shaking their cow-bells of encouragement with real supportive gusto? :)

    (and re-read hopeonastick's comments - I still think the book's a real possibility!)

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  35. Loved the post ~ you totally threw me for a loop. I went back and read the paragraph before a second time to see if I missed something :)
    This is incredible news and I am so happy to hear that you have made this decision about your future. You were meant to be a mommy! Sending prayers your way.

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  36. WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Such WONDERFUL news. Can you feel the love?? All around the globe, people have smiles on their faces after reading your news. I cannot WAIT to hear the details. LOVE LOVE LOVE Nora xxx

    PS: Ah yes, the book. That'll come too, you'll see

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  37. Holy cow you had me going!!! What a fantastic surprise slip in you have there! I cannot wait to hear all the details!!! So excited for you!!!

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  38. Congratulations, I am so happy for you and hope that you'll include us in this next leg of the journey. Let's hope it is short and sweet!! You are a real inspiration to us all. -Christina

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  39. wow!!! such exciting news!!! i am so happy for y'all. at first i was thinking...this must be an analogy...i mean, are there really races like that? but then i thought...you never know in our locale!

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  40. I am beyond thrilled for you two! Congrats! I can't wipe this grin off my face! Yahooooo!
    Lara

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  41. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! Congrats on the decision to adopt!

    mrsb

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  42. I love analogies and this one has stuck a cord with me. I'm super happy to read the race is not over and you guys are going to keep running it until that finish line.

    Looking foward to reading more. And knowing that yes, it can all be OK.

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  43. I had to read it twice b/c I actually thought you were talking about a race, and then I finally understood and I'm so happy for you. I have kept up with your story since meeting you on DS a few yrs ago, and I'm so happy to hear about your new journey. I know it's bittersweet for you and Mr. LC, but I hope your baby comes to you soon! :)

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  44. Wow, that race really sucked. Who the hell would pay to run a race like that?! Oh yeah, you're talking about your life! You had me going there. I think you captured the craziness of your IF journey in this brilliant analogy! Do tell all, now that the cat's out of the bag! I know it's been hard for you, but I think you can help all us out who have been struggling along with you!

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  45. So glad the analogy stuck. I have used it many a time over the past year or so. Of course mine wasn't written nearly as well so thank you for making it so beautiful!!

    You already know how happy I am for you. I know this was not an easy transition and it does not miraculously make all the loss and hurt disappear, but you are moving forward to a place where your busted up heart will be bursting full of love. I so love this for you and can't wait to hear even more.

    Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. LC!! This is it. This is really it!

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  46. hurraaaaaaaaaay!!! such positive and awesome news!
    :)

    (it's so funny. when I initially glanced at the post 'we're adopting' was the first thing I saw!)
    so happy!

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  47. Fabulous news--I can't wait to hear more!! You really had me going with the race thing, lol.

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  48. That was a great analogy--and wonderful news! You will win this race after all!!! And we will all be there to cheer you when you do cross that finish line.

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  49. GAH! Please forgive my tardiness!!!

    HOLY CRAP - I'm so excited for you!!!! Congrats to you and Mr. LC. Can't wait to hear more!!!

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  50. This was a great, heart-pumping visual build-up to your announcement. What a fantastic post.

    And sorry I am so late to this party. Big, big congratulations!

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