Runners World - Records & In their Own

The canopies have been taken down, the record keepers and runners have packed their bags and moved on as life on the beach in February returns to normal.

24 Hour Sand Run

The events of the weekend were a great success!  Around $45,000 was raised for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the world record for the longest run in the sand in 24 hours was blown away!  Previously 83.04 miles, Joe Fejes, age 47 from Georgia, took the title with 134 miles. Connie Gardner, age 49 from Ohio, took the women's title with 116 miles.*

I was there when the 24 hour runners made their first lap, but due to the cold and windy conditions, it was time to head inside for the evening.  Sunday at noon I was back out on the beach staffing the aid station as the 24 hour runners made their laps and offering water, snacks and restroom privileges to the 50 mile, 50K and Relay runners as they passed in both directions.  It was a beautiful, sunny day but still pretty chilly (I had on a long sleeve t-shirt, hooded sweatshirt, jacket and gloves).  The runners, of course, were wearing much less and it appeared fluorescent was the color scheme of choice and matching outfits were not encouraged.  I suppose that's how they express themselves with their "flare."  There were also some tourists, either brave or not very smart, who were actually in the water.  How they didn't develop hypothermia is beyond me!

Running has it's own little subculture.  They know the lingo, have specific diets, dress similarly and typically travel in packs.  These runners definitely have some of the most determined will power I've ever seen.  How they push on through pain and extreme exhaustion is amazing.  It makes me think that we humans must all be wired differently, there's no way I could have that kind of will power.  Even before my injury.

I guess that's why not everyone is a runner.  And that's ok, I shouldn't be down on myself or compare myself to other people.  There has to be something that I'm meant to excel at, something that is my "running."  I'm still trying to find my place in the world since my RSD/CRPS diagnosis.  Maybe it's time I get help with that, maybe it's not something I can do on my own.  I have an appointment in April with someone who should be able to help me sort through all the changes this disease has brought on and how to adapt to my new life, I'm looking forward to getting some help because as much as I want to, I cannot do it alone.

Anyway, it was an honor to play a role, albeit a very small one, in such an awesome event!  Already looking forward to next year's Destin 50 and hoping for warmer weather.

*From Northwest Florida Daily News http://www.nwfdailynews.com/