32nd Annual Tioga Pass Race!

all done! ready to head down for lunch at Whoa Nellie Deli!

On the morning of September 9, 2012 the small town of Lee Vining, that sits above Mono Lake, was bustling with runners warming up for the Tioga Pass race. At eight o’clock the runners stepped up to the starting line, in front of the Mono Lake Committee Center. I ran the race in 2010 and had a Zen experience in the 3,200 foot climb. This made me a bit nervous stepping up to the line this year. Could I really be lucky enough to have that incredible experience twice? Before releasing us to run up the mountain, one of the race coordinators spoke. She read a quote that I think inspired everyone about to embark on the arduous journey that morning:

"Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end but a unique event in itself".   ~Robert Pirsig

This is the exact mindset runners should have in any race. I think it is also a nice illustration for how to take on the journey of life. Don’t let other people set your pace for you, find your own stride and enjoy the experience. 

On this September day, I did just that. At the beginning of any race I am always restless. I will admit that adrenaline and excitement occasionally gets the best of me. I have learned how to preserve my eagerness rather than spending it all in the first three miles. This is a 12.4 mile race. No need to sprint.

During this race I noticed my body and mind going through an up and down cycle. At around the sixth mile my legs and my mind finally began to start feeling the climb- the adrenaline rush was waning. In the back of my head, the faint voice of doubt began to echo, “Can you do this? You still have so far to go, so many feet to climb.” I stifled these thoughts and pressed forward.  After another mile my body was recharged. When I felt this rejuvenation I couldn't imagine where it had come from. I had felt so worn down just a few minutes ago, and now I felt as if my body was carrying itself. I had reached that “equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion”. I stopped dwelling on the distance and pace and was able to take delight in each step. When I reached the finish line at the entrance to Yosemite, my family and Foxey was there to meet me. I was all smiles, satisfied that I had made it up the mountain once again. 

just starting out

satisfied at the finish line. . . you can see Foxey in the bottom right corner wishing that she could have joined me on the run.

1st place woman and 9th overall... I got a new pair of running shoes! Thank you Sage to Summit!

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