GoodPeopleStory

Esctasy on the trails

August 27th, back on the road after what has been, once again, the highlight of my summer.

Wake up, eat, run, eat, rest, sleep, repeat. The same scenario unfolds and every year the road back to Denver is tainted a bit more with nostalgic feelings. The kind that leaves us quiet, thinking about all the Good People we are leaving behind. For most of them, it means not see each other for another year. I could blame the wilderness of “stage 7” but my stomachache is definitely emotional.

Its feel like coming back from Summer Camp, missing already the camaraderie of like minded people with who I have shared, meals, trails, pain, sweat, tears – saliva – and an general feeling of personal achievement.

I heart TransRockies. Leaving Beaver Creek felt like ending a relationship with 350 runners. Painful break up. The 6 days long runner’s high has come to an end, one of a kind ecstasy that shall leave the runners in withdrawal for another year. In need for more, we will compensate by interacting with some of the “striders” and create life long lasting friendships, for some lucky few, relationships.

The world will keep turning and for the fist time in 6 days, runners will go separate ways, bringing home the unique memories of their own Gore Tex TransRockies Run experience. Priceless.

The Gore Text TransRockies Run is a life changing event. I have had my life changed for the fifth time.

This is how my life will be affected after TRR11

I will miss:
- the sleepy yet smiling faces at breakfast
- beautiful women freshing up at the shower truck right before spitting on the ground
- the smiles, energy and endless enthusiasm of the volunteers at the aid stations
- the afternoon quests for salty food and a quiet place in the shade
- the tangible emotion at the slideshows every night
- the inspiring talent and humility of the top runners in each categories
- the friendly pats on the back, on the butt and hugs, yes runners are touchy!
- the countless “good job”, “keep it up”, “you rock!” shared between participants along the course
- the painful nocturne dilemma between staying in a warm and cozy sleeping bag and satisfy a pressing need to hit the porto paddy
- the relaxing feeling of a massage that will keep me together until I smash my legs again the day after
- the peaceful atmosphere of the “late nights” at the campfire under - and amongst - bright stars
- the welcoming Colorado trails
- the breathtaking coldness of the crystal clear creek water
- the genuine friendship of the Gore Tex TransRockies Run crew
- 350 Good People who I was lucky to share my passion for running with

I’ll now appreciate even more:
- not to “have to” eat as much as I can at 5pm
- the simple luxury of waking up on a dry pillow
- laundry detergent smelling towel
- running up and down a set of stairs, pain free
- interactions with like minded people

Until next year, keep on running, when you’re hurting….

— Martin