The Last Vol State 500KM Road Race – I’m IN

Ever since Diane told me about this race, I have had it on my radar. Things have finally fallen into place, and I will be running the Last Annual Vol State 500KM Road Race this year. After finishing my 100-mile race 6 months back, I wanted to run a ‘more than 100 miles’ race and ended up with Vol State 500KM. It’s just 214 more miles, right?

It’s a race that’s run from the northwest corner of TN to the southwest corner of TN, Dorena Landing, MO to Castle Rock, GA, and we get 10 days to complete the race. The race is run in two categories. You could do it solo (carrying everything you need and refilling along the way at the stores and restaurants along the course, taking no help from friends, though begging from strangers is allowed) or have a crew to support you. I have chosen to do it solo. Right, I am screwed.

The more I think about it, the more chills I get down my spine. I stay up late looking at the maps and making plans, and I am surrounded by such a cloud of confusion and fear that my palms begin to sweat. What have I got myself into? Enormity is a good word to describe this race. That reminds me of an email that Laz sent to the Vol State list.

a run like this is not just a race
it can be (is) a life changing experience.
vol state is a journey thru personal hell
you WILL be discouraged.
you WILL feel self doubt.
you WILL want to quit.
but if you persevere.
if you dog it out, step by step.
you will find in yourself a strength you never knew existed.
the vol-state is not a time to be concerned about teaching the young
or helping out friends.
you will need every ounce of your mental toughness
just to reach the rock

That went on my FB wall the very same day, followed by several likes and comments. That’s all it takes: every ounce of mental toughness to reach the rock. That’s all I need. It reminds me of a line that I read long ago in a book titled “Bleachers” where coach Rake says ”If you’re winnin’, never quit. If you’re losin’, never quit. If you’re hurt, never quit.” Quitting is not an option and I am going to give everything I can to get to the rock.

Joshua Holmes and I have been talking and encouraging each other ever since we got into this race. It also gave me an opportunity to join hands with him in raising money for Charity:Water and here’s our campaign page. 314 miles of hell, hills and humidity will help 250 people in a developing country get clean water, through your contributions and support. 100% of all donations go directly to water projects, and each donation is “proved” when projects are complete. We aim to raise $5,000 by the time we get to the Rock. Help us achieve the goal by DONATING HERE: 314 Miles – Water for 250 men, women, and children!

Our race updates while running the race will be on Run It Fast and also on Joshua Holmes’ Facebook Running Fan Page (Like it HERE) and on Twitter @bayou.

Thanks for all your support, prayers and contributions. We’ll need every bit of it while we are out there. Good luck to all my Vol State friends.