Sunday, October 9, 2011

Privilege

Runners await the start of the 2011 Grindstone 100

At the start of the fourth annual Grindstone 100, David Horton said a prayer that set the tone for the entire weekend. He prayed for the safety of the runners and crews, and then gave thanks for the privilege of being able to run this race.

Privilege.

For those who can run long distances in the mountains over trails, in beautiful weather surrounded by the support of family and friends, it is truly a privilege.

With Drew and his pacer Bob. Grindstone was Drew's first 100

 To share training runs and racing plans, give advice and tips, offer pacing and crew help to newcomers...

Clark Zealand, David Horton, Andy Jones-Wilkins
To befriend some of the greatest runners in the sport (who are humbled by the same injuries that plague the rest of us)...

Dowells Draft, mile 20/80

 To spend the day in the mountains with nothing to do but run, hydrate, eat, and enjoy the views...
View towards Elliott's Knob
To pace a friend in his second 100 miler, sharing news of the race, reminding him to eat and drink, and joining in as he hammers past at least 15 runners...

Rob Colenso at Lookout Mountain aid station, mile 72



                                      
                                         More than a privilege. An honor.





Congratulations to all the Grindstone runners and finishers, especially Drew Krueger and Rob Colenso!


7 comments:

Ronda said...

Love this entry Sophie. What a great way to be reminded of how fortunate we are in getting the opportunity to share such adventures.

Unknown said...

Nice blog post Sophie. It was a fantastic day with beautiful nature and true friends. Glad I got the chance to be part of a first 100 experience. A privilege.

ultrarunnergirl said...

So true. If there's one thing I never forget, it's to always take a moment when I'm out on the trails and reflect on how lucky I am to be there. I value it even more after being injured.

Andrew Krueger said...

Great post, Sophie!

It was/is an absolute privilege to get to experience such an amazing event and an honor to be among such great people.

Thank you for all of your support!

Rob said...

It was an honor to have you pace me, Sophie! I felt my best and strongest at miles 66 to 80 - thanks for inspiring me to dig deep!

Runner Tammy said...

What a great post. You are absolutely right, it is not only a privilege to run & pace, it is an honor! And of course it is so much fun:-)

Jenn Kimble said...

My friend Buddy ran this race too- tough stuff!
Congrats to you all and thanks Sophie for the beautiful reminder.