Inspirational

Mike Mason · Inspirational

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99jtkDWZ8E0

Ernie

Some of you have heard this before but it's something I think about often as very few people truly inspire me but this woman I met earlier this year left me pondering and impressed.

I was a Race Official based at the 100 mile checkpoint for the " 145 mile Grand Union Canal Race" and it was getting close to Midday (Timed-out Deadline) on the second day of the "non-stop" Race with most runners giving up and retired either due to exhaustion or injury when in pouring rain I ran back down the track to see if any Tailenders were coming in when I came across this Woman Competitor who was walking quite strongly.

She seemed very composed and I'm not sure how old she was since 100 miles into a race can seemingly age anyone but she could of been in her Mid to late 40s but don't quote me on this as I've been wrong and in trouble trying to guess a womans age before.
Most other competitors I'd seen during the night and that morning were in a bad state with many in pain,shivering from the cold and basically suffering in some way or another but this woman was fine and she looked and sounded as if she had only just popped out for a morning stroll along the Canal.
She was thinking about giving up though since her Bag with a change of clothes was missplaced at the last checkpoint and she had completed this Race before so she had nothing to prove.
When we got to the Checkpoint her Bag was there, the rain had finally stopped after many hours and so with raised spirits and in last position (other following Competitors Timed out) she decided to continue.

This Woman finished this Race in 26th position out of 29 finishers and 75-80 Starters in a time of 43 hours 51 mins.

But what impressed me the most was the fact that only one week previous she had just Completed another "Ultra Ultra" A Brussels to Paris race of some 180 miles.
She doesn't run she walks but she walks fast.
One very tough Lady.