I must say I’m proud of myself – for the last morning I had a 5:30 race start which meant a quasi 4am wake up.  I am quite adept now at being able to pack up all of my gear, set myself up for a run (body glide, foot powder, etc etc etc) in the dark, quietly, and all done before a morning wake up trip to the loo.  I was out of that tent in record time trying to not disturb the others.  That’s a skill I don’t think I can include on a resume exactly and may not be useful in NYC, but I am proud of it!

So, my gift was the invitation to run the last day – to experience some more of these beautiful trails and scenery – and to enter in to the final spot that I’ve seen in so many pictures.  Taking that one-dimensional view from website photos and being able to experience it full scale, including the Mongolian musical ensemble playing at the finish line, is one I will treasure always.

The start across the river was magnificent – the water cool and welcoming and leading to open paths up to the “city”.  So quiet, horses about everywhere.  I just soaked it in.  And true to the universe, or the Mongolian trolls, or whomever I wish to “thank” I had 2 “unique” moments sent my way as if to squeeze in experience that I may have missed over the last few days on the trail: 

• As I made my way through town, following pink flags and pink arrows graffitied on to the ground a car passed me. It slowed, and then waited for me to catch up with the window rolling down.  The driver (on my side, since cars are imported from all over, so the driver can be on the left or the right, anyone’s guess) was dressed in a military uniform and I could see him pulling up a translator on his phone as I caught up with him.  He gestured to his car OFFERING ME A RIDE (again?  Another one after the other offer earlier this week?!)… is it me????  I had a motorcycle ride offered on Day 1, a car ride on this day, but still awaiting my horse (please – can I add that one to the list?!).  As I kindly gestured no thank you and he pulled away I must admit that I started laughing out loud.  I must have looked like a crazy lady on the road cackling away like that.  
• Shortly after that unique moment, as I stayed on the grass (rather than the road), I noted 2 rather large dogs laid down in the grass – suddenly noticing me, one erupted in to fits of ferocious barking and came at me. I quickly moved over the road not caring about cars and wanting to show him that I was not broaching his territory and he backed off a bit but the barking continued and the flared canines.  I heard a car approaching from behind me and the started at me yet again perhaps challenged now by the car.  I grabbed my poles and started to plan what I would do in case I needed them, and to be honest, I could feel my heart rate pulsating through my whole body.  Quickening my pace and trying to get away from him the car stopped in front of me and thankfully was a RTP truck!  They jumped out and started yelling and throwing rocks at the dog and he backed off.  Honestly, I couldn’t believe this was happening – ONE DAMN 10K I chose to run and this??????  I thanked the volunteers and they took off….. and I had to laugh (AGAIN) as my Garmin started buzzing informing me that I had a new HIGH MAX of heart rate (184!).  So, that’s all it takes for some HIIT work??  Once again I started cackling out loud as I made my way forward – crazy lady from NYC.

Oh the emotions of the day – LAUGHING, SCARED/THREATENED.  And then as I talked in to my phone conveying my thoughts for future blog writing it came to TEARS….leading to BEAUTY and JOY as I entered in to the monastery/palace.  It is at that point, after the thrill of finishing the run that I embraced my role to WITNESS today.  And watching everyone coming over the finish line – jumping, laughing, crying, all of it, it brought that deepness of emotion that I’ve referenced earlier.  That is something truly special and I am so glad that I stayed on and accepted my new and recalibrated path this week.  It’s a good reminder to me to always pursue new options, do something that scares you, and so on – all those cliches do come from experience, yet we learn new lessons every day like we are the very first ones to do so!

The return to the hotel is yet another “stage” of this incredible ultra.  6.5 hours by bus back to the Novotel  complete with another feeding frenzy at a local rest stop along the way. I think the RTP crew bought out every crisp, chocolate and edible fruit available!  Unfortunately the beer purchase attempt was squashed as the country has an alcohol moratorium for 3 days during elections.  Much theory amongst everyone as to the “why” of it but I think we all settled on the “of sound mind when voting” philosophy (perhaps that could help in the US – yeah right).  I must say they are very thorough though – no alcohol can be purchased ANYWHERE, and even mini bars at the hotel were cleared out.  Everyone faired well anyhow and favorites from Coke to ice cream loudly enjoyed. (see photo below of what ensued afterwards – the complete sleep wipe out of bus 4!)

I was on a “lucky” bus that had a driver who seemed to know every turn around the awful traffic that UB is known for.  As we swept past another broken down RTP bus I sent good wishes their way (SORRY Bill – I’m sorry that was such a long trek back and only wish we could have magically transported you all to our bus!).  The hotel was actually pretty well prepped for us with the entire lobby full of our tagged luggage and keys quickly available.  There are a few epic showers in one’s lifetime – the shower AFTER one of these ultras is definitely on the top 10 (my notes from post race showers in Patagonia and Atacama solidly in the epic category).  Oh the dirt, the hair….well, I’ll leave it at that and share advice for those planning on participating in the future – BRING a gallon of soap and conditioner.  Hair takes forever!  Popped on the scale and down almost 10 pounds.  Wow.

The banquet, as always, full of fun, cheers and tears with goodbyes. The photos and videos amazingly awesome (well done!) and awards applauded wildly (congrats tentmate Linds on your award!  So proud!  You are a beast!).  More than I can include at this point but in wanting to conclude this epic and long day, I’ll say THANK YOU RTP.  You create the most amazing opportunities for adventure, connection and awe.  I cannot wait for the next round!  There was a wonderful clip in the highlights video which captured participant Sal (AUS) who said it perfectly (pardon the perhaps not 100% accurate paraphrasing): The view at the mountaintop AFTER you have climbed it is the BONUS, not the point. Appreciate the climb and the fact that you DID IT.  It’s not about the view.  Well said Sal.