I am almost back to Utah now, been driving for about seven hours. Road trips refresh me, and stiffen my muscles. We just got out and got gas (paid for it too) and felt the last hours on my body. I am looking out the car window at the flat grassy Idaho landscape as it spreads off towards the mountains in the distance where the blue and rosy sky meets now at sunset. Behind us the angry red sun submits to the horizon setting light around which is easier on the eye. Soft.
We are making this trip to go run the Wasatch Back; a 178 mile relay race which begins in Logan and extends down to Heber before returning to Park City. It is the most beautiful race I have participated in. Twelve runners, thirty six legs, three per person, one long and short night of running. Last year there were about 300 teams and we placed fourth. Teams are started throughout the day with slower teams starting early in the morning and faster throughout the day until 5:00pm. We start then.
It is exciting to start with the fastest teams. BYU has a rockin team and there will be several others with us. I would like us to place third, we can do it. Running all night makes several things. First it makes you very tired, exhaustion after the race when your drained adrenalin levels are finally able to recover is overwhelming. I have yet to be able to stay awake on the drive back to Provo. Don’t worry, I haven’t been driving.
Second is team dynamic. Struggling and suffering together, cheering and supporting each other brings the teams together as friends never forgotten. The runners know the pain mutually felt and share in it. Unity becomes the team.
Third is appreciation for the surroundings. The hills that kill a runner give way to great horizons. Lakes, streams and rivers look beautiful while running. The term breathtaking must have been coined by a guy who had just run up a mountain and seriously was out of breath.
Other than that I have only to tell briefly of highlights from recent. I got the cops called on me. The policeman’s birthday was only one day after mine. I went to the temple several times last week. I have decided I want to get married. Sealings are wonderful and marvelous to witness and participate. I feel like I just ran up a mountain every time. More about that next time. I am getting better at my door approach. I made potato kale soup last night. No one died.
The sky is dark now with only a faint glow behind us. As we run away from the light I will leave with a final thought. Peace must be what we fight for in our homes and hearts, not just overseas.