Waypoint Narrative #5
Waypoint Narratives: Five questions, one objective - share stories of people who have experienced the impact of the outdoors.
This Waypoint Narrative is written by the metaphorical “peanut butter to my jelly” of trail adventures, Sam! Sam is a force - physically, mentally, spiritually - undoubtably one of the strongest people I know. It is a gift to be her friend and a privilege to share some of her experiences through this mini-blog. Here is a snapshot of Sam’s journey in the great outdoors:
Do you have a trail name, and how did you acquire it?
Chafe or Chaffe. I have the worlds most sensitive skin and if I could Ktape up my entire body, I would. The name was given as a badge of honor, by one of my favoritest running buddies who also has an ailment as a result of trail running. When we get together to run, I imagine some of the best examples of dynamic duos… Tom and Jerry, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, Thelma and Louise. The adventures of Blister and Chafe are just beyond the most amazing times I’ve had on the trails and I am thankful.
What is the most prominent thing the trail/the outdoors has taught you about yourself?
Trails and the outdoors allow me to disconnect from the stresses of life, even if for just a short period of time. I tend to compartmentalize my life as a way to either deal with stresses or block them from my processing of them. On the trail, those rooms I’ve created in my head seem to dissolve and I am able to problem solve or simply bring awareness to issues I’ve stored away.
What are the key waypoints of your life that ultimately lead you to the trail in the first place?
My evolution into trail running has emulated my life. Growing up as a military brat, I was constantly challenged to take what I’ve known about my life at that point in time, pick it up and start over in a new place. My family moved every 2.5 years and I got really good at starting over, starting something new, making new friends and maybe just simply observing. I feel like life now, in my adulthood should also be challenged or changed every couple of years, so when it came to being an athlete, I wanted to try it all: road racing, duathalons, marathons, obstacle course races, relays and most recently ultra running. Ultras fit my most basic needs for challenges: I am wrestling with my body, mind and soul…. But in the most beautiful places. I can be me, I fit, I can process and I can see the world on foot. In ultra races I have also had a deeper connection to my spiritual beliefs, because I rely on God’s strength to get me through long endurance trials. I truly believe it is through his Love for me that gets me through any enormous challenges, and in ultra running, that every single race.
Share about one of the most memorable problem-solving moments you’ve had on the trail.
Shoot, every race is a problem solving opportunity, ha! I have been bruised and beaten, nauseous and chaffed, yet never given up on the faith that I can finish a race. It’s all about believing in yourself, gathering up courage and pushing forward even if you think you may not make it. At Black Forest, I made the last Aid Station with 5 minutes to cut off. It was nearly an impossible feat to run those hilly last 8 miles with 2 hours to go. Then I remembered David Horton’s words in my head, never quit at the last Aid Station. Never. So I gathered up my strength, stuffed another watermelon slice in my face and ran. Now, I would finish that race just 16 seconds after cutoff, but I freakin did it because I didn’t give myself another choice. Thank you God for the most amazing experience that day. While I was disappointed in my result, I never gave up!
Who and/or what inspires you to keep moving forward?
First and foremost, I am inspired by God’s unwavering love for me and all humanity. I am inspired my my daughter’s faith, her unwillingness to give less then 100% of her talents in all she does. My husband’s love for me, our family and the belief that we are meant to be exactly where we are in life (and thank goodness we found each other at the right moment God meant for us). And finally, the trail/road running community. I have never been so inspired by so many people who share the same love of running. I am home!
