Running Through the Redwoods, I See the Forest for the Trees
With my first destination race, I stumble my way to the finish
With just ten minutes to the marathon’s start, my anxiety is sky high, rivaling the redwoods that tower over me. I should be performing warm-ups at this moment, but instead, I’m stuck in traffic. Clearly, things are not going according to plan.
The Avenue of the Giants in California’s redwood country is the site of my first-ever destination marathon. For months, I’ve looked forward to this weekend getaway with my running buddies and the chance to enjoy the stunningly scenic course.
But the only destination on my mind right now is the starting line a mile away. Our car is barely inching forward, so I have no choice but to set out on foot. After bidding farewell to my friends, whose races start later, I slip on my hydration vest and launch into a sprint.
As my pace and my breath quicken, I somberly accept that I’ll be running more than 26.2 miles today. My first destination race will also be my first ultramarathon.
Until now, I hadn’t ventured far for my races: Eight of my past 13 marathons were in my hometown of Oakland, and the other five were in Sacramento, where I stayed at my in-laws’, minutes from the start.
