"Lisa's guidance helped me perform and do the best that I could do given the situation."
Teachers sent me to run around the school for punishment
It all began when I was in elementary school back in the 60's. I was always talking and my teachers would send me outside to run around the school for my punishment. I would yell as I went by my classroom window to let the teacher know that I was okay and still running. Little did they know that I would still be running some forty years later! I have run ultras for about ten years and still enjoy running the long distances. I have met so many wonderful people and have been able to travel all over the world to run! The most memorable race in my life thus far has been my first 48 hour race in Surgeres, France. I have always wanted to do a longer race than the 24 hour race so I talked with my coach, Lisa Smith- Batchen, and we thought this would be a great race to run and experience a multi-day event. This race is by invite only so I anxiously waited to see if I would be invited and I did receive my invitation.
Diagnosed as stress fractures
Lisa and I worked hard to prepare for this race so that I would be ready for my first 48 hour race. In January of 2007 I was working out and had severe foot pain - never experienced something like this before. I have run competitively since high school and have had no major injuries at all so this was something new to me - what was it and can I run? My doctor saw me first thing Monday morning and it was diagnosed as stress fractures. What was I going to do - I was in a walking boot for almost eight weeks and my main goal was still to run in the 48 hour race in May. Lisa worked with me and developed a training schedule that helped me maintain my fitness level so I could be ready for May. I also experienced many miracles during this time. The Lord taught me patience and perseverance. I worked hard and trained on my elliptical trainer, bike, and stair master (boot and all). I relied on my husband, family and Lisa to see me through! They prayed for me, helped keep my spirits up because this was one goal that I wanted to achieve. I steadily kept working each and every day and the closer to the race date the more I felt so ready to go and run! I knew that I had not run on the roads but I had been training and was prepared!
Ready to go for 48 hours
On May 10, 2007 at 4:00 PM I was standing on the starting line and ready to go for 48 hours. I just knew that I would be okay - I had trained with all my heart and had all the prayers and support from all the people who knew me. My husband, Ben, my sister, Cindy and her husband, Dan were there to be my support crew for the duration of the race. What a GREAT crew they were for me during the two days! They encouraged me, fed me and Cindy stayed in contact with Lisa. I was in great hands - and the Good Lord blessed me beyond words. I was able to run the whole race, never slept and just stayed focused. I truly didn't want to the race to end! I loved the people of Surgeres - it is a race that is like a dream come true! I managed to run over 193 miles and had only run about 4 weeks before the actual race. I did not want for a thing - they treated you like royalty!! It was the most wonderful experience in the world and I got invited back for the 2008 year and can't wait to start running on that 300 meter track again.
Lisa's guidance helped me perform my best
I just want to say that Lisa's guidance helped me perform and do the best that I could do given the situation we faced during the training season. We are working hard again and I am ready to go. I will be blessed
Your heart's desires
To close I want to leave with you a scripture the Lord gave to me during this time:
"May he grant you your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers." - Psalms 20:4-5
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