Next we trekked for 4 days from Paro to Thimphu. That was a very tough trail that reached 14,000 feet. The trail was very rough and steep. Plus we had rain every day which turned the steep trails into creeks. The days were long and hard but in spite of the rain and clouds, it was still very beautiful through amazing forests of rhododendrons. They were of many different colors and all in bloom. When the mountains peeked trough the clouds we got spectacular views.
The high altitude trek was great preparation for the marathon which also was high altitude and consisted of various types of terrain. It ranged from paved roads to narrow bridges, to steep gravel roads, to very unimproved trails. We were blessed with good weather instead of the heavy rain that would have made parts of it nearly impassable. The altitude ranged from 8000 feet to over 11,000. I was feeling that altitude. I finished but managed to come in last. I really hate that! I keep saying I want to speed up but it sure doesn't seem to be happening. At least I was able to finish and wasn't snatched off the course by the race directors.
Here I am with Cyrus, another runner from the Country Club. We look so fresh and happy.
I haven't seen my finish pictures yet but I suspect I don't look quite so alert!
But I am so happy to have made it through this very tough marathon, still standing. It was a wonderful trip in every way.
No comments:
Post a Comment