Loop 2 (0:57:06)—My time for completing this loop was faster than the previous, and my quickest of the day. I had not realized I was actually moving more quickly (and this was not intentional), but once again Anne had stayed to cheer me on and let me know I had picked up the pace. The final 400 meters to the finish started up a slope and the chute and those waiting at it, as well as within the pavilion which served as a “transition area” of sorts, came into view at the hills zenith. Once there I would look for Anne and receive a charge of motivation when she would wave her recognition of me coming down the hill. By this time, she had been standing in the cold for nearly three hours, so I told her again that she could go and “I wouldn’t blame her” for doing so. Anne wanted to wait, but I told her that I would be okay for the next two loops, but would really need her prior to the last. I had anticipated some t5ouble keeping my mind intact and focusing “on the prize.”
A quick check of supplied had shown that I still had some PowerAde in one flask and H2O in the other, but had gone through most of the Clif Shot Bloks, my preferred on-trail “food.” Two (less desirable) gels remained in my belt, but IO figured I could re-load during the next trip down the chute. I still felt grand as I swigged some replacement fluids on my way back onto the course… a “place” I would eventuqally find myself beginning to lose some familiarity with…
Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!
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