There are those moments in life that you just know… change you… and running the Great Wall marathon with my incredible husband was one of them!
Only 5164 STEPS!!
I remember the October day vividly when I looked out the window of our Shanghai apartment at all of the pollution. Feeling particularly glum because of the poor pollution index … which was preventing me from doing my run outside, I needed something to focus on and look forward too. I am always searching for “out of the box” ideas to keep things alive in our life. (as if our kids don’t do enough of that… they do!) Knowing Chris had a heavy work schedule, I thought I would catch him off guard and suggest we run the Great Wall Marathon in May. His initial response was… “maybe the half” but, In hindsight, I too easily convinced him that if we were going to make the trip all the way to Beijing - we should do the FULL! I think he was just appeasing me on the phone to get off and get back to work, but when I got that initial.. “OK” I clicked “enter” and it was official…
Once the New Year hit, we “trained” by running mid size runs… nothing crazy. I had seen pictures of the wall but did not quite grasp the stairs. I was far to engrossed in the gorgeous mountain view to realize the actual marathon terrain.
The Course:
Huangyaguan, Tianjin Province, China
With 5,164 steps and several hills to be climbed this race has been known as one of the toughest
running events in the world, but also one of the most scenic and beautiful. Chinese villages, fields
and valleys, and of course the Great Wall itself makes this race a truly astonishing and breathtaking experience.
I think if I were to change anything about my training, it would have been to actually look at the course. When viewing the map, everything relatively flat with the exception of the stairs. I had a very rude awakening when I arrived and actually realized that the majority of the course was UPHILL! Really Uphill, as in steep grades for a long long ways.
The race started off with a paved climb up to the Wall…. about 3 miles of steep uphill.....once on the wall the realization of JUST how many steps there were became a reality and the thought of me pressing “enter” 8 months ago was a joke.
While the course had A LOT of stairs, it also had a lot of precarious terrain as well. There were times when we were running on pavement, in gravel and even through an orchard on a dirt track path that smelled like manure. What kept us going along the route were the locals -- cheering us on yelling “Jai You” which means “Go On” or “Lets Go!” I was even given a bouquet of field flowers picked by this group of boys.
We have had a lot of amazing moments living abroad… but this one for me was one of those moments that will stick forever. I am grateful to have found a partner as crazy as I am and willing to think outside the box.
Meanwhile… Back in Shanghai -- Gram & Coach were watching the kids.
We couldn’t have done this trip without them! We are still a little unclear as to who the supervisor in charge was over the weekend… but we are pretty sure it wasn’t either Gram nor Coach.
So while away on our running adventure, back at the ranch were Gram & Coach and the three kids… This was one of the updates emails I got from Ann about her day with The Carey Kids!
I was up in Ay's bathroom putting on my makeup. The kids were in the living room playing. Coach was at the gym. Jordan was a dog and accidentally bumped Ayden causing her to fall. She cried a little - sounded kind of fake to me, so I just kept listening. Garrett is proclaiming that Ayden broke her foot. He and Jordan are discussing the issue. Ayden is draped over a chair enjoying the fuss over her. Knowing what a drama queen she is, I just kept listening. Garrett is declaring that her foot really is broken and an ambulance should be called. I am doubtful as Ayden is quiet. I figure I will wait to see if they yell for me. Next thing I know, Garrett is asking Jordan what the number is for the ambulance. Then he decides he knows, and I hear the phone being picked up. He was really going to call. I yelled down to wait until I evaluated the foot. Of course Trixie was fine. I asked her to move the foot which she could do just fine. She is now dancing with the crew. GOOD THING I was in range of the conversation. I told Garrett he was not authorized to call an ambulance if any adult was available. He is either going to be a lead attorney or leader of a white collar crime gang. Let's pray for the former. Your life will never be dull.
Without a doubt… Our life will never be dull!!
