The excitement is really building. I ran this morning, went to dragon boat practice and stopped at the tailors to pick up my race shirts as the mandatory patches needed to be sewn on. I love the day when I try on my race uniform because I know the next time I put it on will be the morning of the race.
Tonight, I will un-pack my bag, make certain I have all the mandatory equipment and enough food. Tomorrow morning, I will go to dragon boat practice and perhaps a 7 mile run. I won't be at work and will have until about 4 pm, which is when I leave for the airport, to run last minute errands.
The total flight time from here to Kashgar will be approximately 28 hours. Lots of time to knit, and read, so that will help to pass the time. Visualization is also key in helping me prepare for any race event. It's a bit difficult to do when one hasn't seen the course, as the images that come to mind are of another place and time. However, running the race in my head helps me to swing into my rhythm and feel relaxed.
My books of choice this past month have been inspiring true tales of survival. "The Long Walk" by Slavomir Rawicz. The true story of six individuals who escaped from a Siberian labor camp and walked 3,000 miles without a map or compass and only the clothes on their back to India. "We Die Alone" by David Howarth and "As Far as My Feet Will Carry Me." All of these stories had a similar theme. The power of the human mind, body and spirit to endure and perservere through adversity.
Until tomorrow, cheers.
Comments (1)
Dear Jackie,
The things you are doing these days are amazing. I am so happy for you because I could never do what your diong. you are so cool tommorow I am going to work with my mom Ill remember to write to you tommorow. You are doing amazing things for other people and they are so greatful for a person like you. If I ever growup and do something like your doing I will give all of the credit to you. I hope you are having a great time in your race and are doing your best in the race and of course please don't have any meltdowns like last race. I wish you the best in your race and hope to see you soon. Tell your friends i said HI.
LOVE,
Caroline
Posted by caroline | June 21, 2007 2:08 PM
Posted on June 21, 2007 14:08