vole stare toad race: 132 hour update
.
it is funny how the mood swings at vol state central.
.
during the month of fear so many runners withdraw
that it starts to feel like no one wants to run.
it really sort of drags you down.
.
and then we arrive at the rock to load up on the bus
and there are so many smiling faces
and so much excited talk.
this seems like a great thing is about to happen.
the excitement is contagious.
and we catch it, too.
.
then there are the early stages.
the unprepared runners are brutalized,
and so many fall.
the despair in their voices when they call.
the brooding silence of the bus ride back.
i find myself wondering if this is really something i should enable?
.
but now the runners are coming in.
and all the lost sleep
and all the rest of the discomforts
seem suddenly so worthwhile…
.
even the seasoned veterans arriving so far
have lived a lifetime this week.
there is always something new around the next curve
or over the next hill.
their preparations have been tested
their experience challenged.
out on the open road
every time you think you have seen everything
you see something else.
.
when the newly minted veterans start coming in
it is only going to get better…
.
right now i have to go
we have a new finisher on the throne
and there are stories being told.
Categories: Vols2024