Just two days ago, my other daughter was running in a race from Logan, Utah to Park City, Utah. It is a 2-day race. They run all night and well into the next day. Her part of the race was about 19 miles. 3 runs - - - 5 miles, 6 miles, and 8 miles. The race is a relay race, and she was quite worried because this year she had a difficult run, (specifically the last 8 miles) and she wondered if she was up for it. She was just getting over the flu and still felt a little weak. If you have ever been to Utah, you know, that there are many high mountains, beautiful scenery and clean air. Maybe you can remember if you watched any of the 2002 Winter Olympics on TV.
Melissa is 3rd from the left.
In the middle of all of that awesomeness, the runs can be tough. They demand every bit of strength one can muster up to get up and down the hills and valleys. Towards the longest part of the race she started to feel bogged down and the thought occurred to her that she might not make it. There was no one around. She was all alone.
It would have been so easy to quit. But she was too close and didn't want to stop. Then she began to remember her father and how proud he would be of her. She felt close to him and she new that his presence was all about her. He seemed to be there cheering her on and saying go Melissa! You can do it! She kept trying harder. She began to cry and step after step she felt a little stronger and lighter until eventually she finished the race.

She now believes that he was there for her to help her along the way.
About 2 weeks before he passed away.
It is interesting about these races. I have a step daughter who was in this same race. And felt that her mother was there giving her strength and support as she struggled in certain parts of the run. She had the feeling that she was cheering her on and encouraging her to keep on going, that she could make it. At one point tears came to her eyes and eventually she began to sob as she struggled to put one foot in front of the other. When she remembered her mother and how she new that she was there for her, it helped her along the way and eventually to finish the race.
I love the idea that when we know that we are being supported and helped it gives us strength that otherwise we may not have.
Another friend was talking about her father who drowned in a race last summer in Idaho. It was a "Spudman Race," a one-half triathlon race. She said that one of the reasons she likes to run in the mountains is because it was her "time with her father. " It is a time that she can think and her head is clear. She feels like she could talk to her father and that he is there to support her. There seems to be a feeling of communication and comfort that she enjoys so much. These times for her are uplifting and helpful.
I admire these young mothers for their stamina and perseverance.
I could go on and on, but no, it is time to stop. The clock on the corner of my computer says 3:06 am. No wonder it is so quiet.
Happy thoughts!
Lanie