8,153
edits
Changes
→Final Thoughts
I'd obviously like to run Umstead next year, but I also want to work the aid station again. The ideal solution is to race the 50, sleeping for a few hours and then working the night shift. This has a deep appeal.
==Final Thoughts==
Working the aid station proved to be hard work, but it was also rewarding and valuable. It has given me a deeper understanding of the sport, the people who compete and the people that support. I will always remember the lady who came into the aid station at 7:45 on Sunday morning, after nearly 26 hours of racing and covering 87 miles. She was in tears, exhausted, and had some of the worst blisters I saw that night. I helped re-tape her feet, and watched the look of pain as she put her shoes back on. She was clearly aware that time was running out for her to complete last lap, but she got up and went out to continue her battle. Her courage was both humbling and inspiring. (Update: I've just found out that the lady finished with 15 minutes left before the race cut off. To me, this is the spirit of ultrarunning.)
==See Also==