« The Weird Thing That Happened | Main | Road Shoes!? »
November 9, 2007
The Yellow Rose Of Texas
There's a yellow rose in Texas, that I am going to see,
Nobody else could miss her, not half as much as me.
(Please pardon the possible racial undertones of this folklore song. I use this song to make an analogy, and for no other reason.)
Those of you who know my story know that Texas and I have a robust, long-winded, and wonderful history. No matter how much time passes, no matter how far away I am, the proverbial yellow rose of Texas pulls upon my heartstrings. I think a large part of this phenomenon is that I did a lot of growing up there. I mean, I was 21 years old upon my arrival to the state, an adult by all legal standards. However, surviving and thriving in the raw wilds of west Texas required independence, strength, and self-reliance that I did not previously have.
It seems almost fitting, then, that I return to the state for my next big physical challenge. On the first weekend in February 2008, body willing, I will run the Rocky Raccoon 100 in Huntsville, Texas. I think I will have to call upon all that I previously learned while living in Texas for this experience.
Oh now I'm going to find her, for my heart is full of woe,
And we'll sing the songs together, that we sung so long ago
We'll play the banjo gaily, and we'll sing the songs of yore,
And the yellow rose of Texas shall be mine forevermore.
Posted by Meghan at November 9, 2007 5:54 PM
Comments
oh. wow. i will have to google said race to find out more. this is so cool! exciting stuff!!!
Posted by: Audrey at November 10, 2007 5:56 AM
All right Meghan! I have faith that you will do great, based on your adventure race last year. You are one tough runner!
Posted by: backofpack at November 10, 2007 7:31 AM
Meghan, there's nothing like a good challenge. When I "ran" my first 50-miler I got a newfound respect for anyone who completes a 100-miler. Best of luck as you train for it.
Posted by: duncan at November 10, 2007 8:18 AM
Audrey- Alright, you're only allowed to Google the race if you promise not to come back here with scary facts or anything. Kidding, I've probably read everything scary about this race by now.
Michelle- Thanks! My fitness is -finally- going through a skyrocketing stage right now, and I couldn't be happier with that. As you know, running 100 miles is much more about other things than fitness, so I still have a lot of work to do.
Duncan- Duncan! You commented! I'm astounded! I'll stop using exclamation points now. The difference between a 50 miler and a 100 miler is like night and day, you think? I think I have no idea of what i've gotten myself into.
Posted by: Meghan at November 10, 2007 12:40 PM
I heard that is a great event & a good one for logging ur first 100...whatever that means it's still 100 friggin miles--lol
You will do Awesome!!
Posted by: Bob Gentile at November 10, 2007 3:39 PM
Hey Meghan! Awesome to hear about your next challenge! I am so excited for you!!! And although a big challenge, I know you will rise to the occasion and beyond! I can't wait to follow along on your journey!
Posted by: Beth at November 11, 2007 4:20 PM
I remember that song. Hey, how exciting, Texas Rose! Ride that sky rocket of fitness like there's no tomorrow- yee haw! And since we're doing lyrics... apropo Rocky Racoon, watch out for this entrant at the race: "Rocky had come equipped with a gun, to shoot off the legs of his rival." So good to hear all of this: it's o-fficial now, huh?
Posted by: K-Borgrocky at November 11, 2007 7:52 PM
When you proudly cross that finish line and raise your hands in victory you'll be singing that song about Lubock Texas in your rear view mirror!
Wish you all the best in your training for the run. Having a great support team can really help. You can do it!
Eric
Posted by: Eric at November 12, 2007 8:06 AM
Bob- Thanks for the encouragement! I love it when folks say, "That's an easy 100 miler!" but I know it's true!
Beth- Thanks also! Your journey has also been an amazing one to follow.
K-rocky- Dude, ok, I spill beans, now you spill beans (per your blog hints), deal? :)
Eric- Instead, there's this song I always get in my head by Jimmy Dale Gilmore called "Dallas." It starts off, "Did you ever see Dallas from a DC-9 at night?" Know that one? You're right about the support team, though, and I'm working on that one. :)
Posted by: Meghan at November 12, 2007 10:56 AM
Oh, yeah, girl, the infection IS contageous:) RR is a great course for those who's got leg speed, and that would be you. Everybody PR's on this course, even vs Umstead. That is awesome! Get some night running in, a few doubles - and you're set. Hey, exciting stuff happening!
Posted by: olga at November 12, 2007 11:43 AM