All new experiences and successes introduce fond memories and stories. During the Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail run, I was able to reconnect with a childhood friend. After more than 30 years of losing touch the power of social media reconnected us and we discovered we were both running in the same ultra marathon. How fun to revisit childhood memories and find our interests and passions as adults are similar.
My Dad and my best friend, Patience traveled with me and supported me as ground crew for this event. Making new memories and having this story to share with them reminds me of how blessed I am.
The outpouring of support from family, friends and the community was inspiring. I specifically dedicated each mile to those who have provided me with encouragement. The first 5 miles to my kids and grandkids. Then, as the miles went on, my Dad, Mike, my siblings, family, Patience, friends, my co-workers…each mile melted away as I reflected on the struggles and sacrifices made by the amazing people in my life. I’m not going to lie, standing at the start line at 6am in the brisk mountain air; I was moved to tears as a single baritone voice sang the National Anthem, holding the American Flag. The freedom I feel running is a direct reflection of the freedom our American soldiers fight for each and every day.
When I tumbled head over heels at mile 16, I was greeted with the most beautiful Monarch butterfly I had ever seen. The Monarch gently brushed the skin on my arm not afraid. As I dusted myself off, tentatively walking and eventually returning to a jog, the Monarch continued to follow me along the trail until I arrived two miles later at the aid station.
“A Butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam and for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world…but, then it flies on again, and although we wished it could have stayed, we are so thankful to have seen it at all.”
Thank you Audry for giving me the strength I needed in the moment.
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