Dinosaur Valley Ultra: the tale of an under hydrated overheated runner

This past Saturday I attempted my first 100k at Dinosaur Valley State Park. The weather looked like it was going to be beautiful with highs only reaching the mid 80s. I was going into this run a little under trained for the distance, but I figured I could stop after the third loop if I really couldn't go on.


The morning started out well. Mark and the boys came with me, so they could explore the park while I ran. My plan was to complete three and 1/2 hour loops. Each loop was 16.67 miles long. The boys would go out exploring and meet me back at the start at 11:30, then again at 4:00. Mark would then take the boys out for dinner and a swim at the hotel while I completed the third loop. They would meet me about 8:30 pm and I would decide if I was going to complete the race. It sounded like a good plan, as I really only felt ready for about 50 miles.

I made my first mistake before I even started. I usually drink a glass of water before I run (especially before a long run) Honestly, I just forgot and I only had a cup of coffee. My nutrition plan was primarily tailwind and Dr. pepper, which worked great at the Habanero Hundred 50K in August. I knew I would need to eat something, so I planned to do pb & j for lunch and ramen for dinner. I have a particularly finicky stomach so my primary nutrition was tailwind. I ate a good breakfast of eggs, sausage and a biscuit.

MISTAKE ONE: not drinking water before the race

My next planning error was clothing. I feel silly about this, but the truth is I ALWAYS run in capris or tights. I am often cold. I ran Habanero is capris. So, I chose to bring tights. They were great until about 10 am, when it began to get HOT.

MISTAKE TWO: wrong clothes and no alternative

I started out and felt great. It was cool and beautiful. I had a full hand bottle of tailwind and my legs were feeling great. I was running the downhills and flat stretches and walking the climbs. My pace was right around a 12 minute mile, which I was happy with. I got to the first aid station and realized I hadn't been drinking. My hand bottle was mostly full. I topped it off with more tailwind and went out for the four mile loop back to the aid station. At this point I started drinking more. About 11/2 miles into the loop me and several other runners realized we were off course. Someone had pulled off the trail markings and we had to back track. The race volunteers had realized the marking were down and were quickly replacing them. Back on track, it was starting to get warmer and I was drinking often. I ran out of water about ten minutes from the aid station. I should have stopped and drank at the aid station and then refilled before leaving, but instead I grabbed a couple potato chips refilled and headed out immediately. The next aid station was six miles away. I ran out of water at mile three.

MISTAKE THREE: I should have carried more bottles. Don't underestimate the heat.

A very nice man shared some tailwind he didn't want with me and that helped me make it to the aid station. Again, I should have stopped and drank but didn't. I refilled my bottle and went out for the next three mile loop. Made it back refilled my tailwind and headed back to the start. I finished
in four hour and five minutes. A little slower than I wanted to be but those hills were no joke.

MISTAKE FOUR: not enough hill training

At this point I needed to change into shorts, but I had not brought any. I changed from a t-shirt to a tank top. Drank a Dr. Pepper and changed my socks and shoes. I told Mark I wasn't having any fun. This was probably a clear sign of my impending doom. I thought about putting a bike bottle in vest, but didn't. I thought I would just be more conservative. Honestly, I felt like I was drinking a lot. I was moving slower on the second loop and once again ran out of water soon after the aid station. A lovely fellow runner helped me procure an extra water bottle and at the aid station one of the volunteers gave me another plastic bottle. They both fit in my vest, so I felt more prepared for the six mile stretch. At this point my hand were really swollen and I had to loosen my watch. I staid a bit in the aid station drinking and eating some pretzels and left with lots of water. Around mile 24 I began to vomit. I simply couldn't keep anything down. I would drink and not a minute later it would come back up. From then until the next aid station I was miserable, dizzy, hot, and trying really hard to make sure I followed the trail markings. During this time I made the decision to quit. When I got to the aid station I told them I was done. I sat down and the great volunteers began helping to get me cooled off. We put ice cold towel on my neck, I took off my shoes, rolled up my tights, and drank ice cold water. The shade and the cool compresses did the trick and fluids were finally staying down. The volunteers encouraged me to rest and think before calling the race and after eating some soup I decided to at least complete the 50k distance. However, it was getting late and my light was at the start. I probably ran my best three miles, racing the sun back to the start line. The second loop took me six and a half hours. Mark and the boys were worried because I was so late and I didn't want to ruin our Sunday plans, so I happily called it done. We went to Burger King and then to the hotel pool. All in all it was a great day and I was able to get up the next day and have fun with my  boys.

I know I need to work in more hills and trails. I need to stay on top of hydration and I need to come prepared for any kind of weather. My next 100k attempt is in Bandera in January. I will certainly be more prepared.

 

On a side note: The boys had a blast and were a great help!

The Africa Mercy sailed into Cape Town and we've been 'home' four months.

 We have now been back in the States for four months. We miss our Africa Mercy Family terribly and our hearts long to be serving in Africa, but we know without a doubt we are exactly where God wants us to be right NOW. The boys are happy, healthy, and thriving. They love spending time with their Grandparents and they...wait for it...wait for it...are liking school a lot! If you know the Bullock Boys 'liking it a lot' is high praise indeed.

 Mark took a job with Abilene State Supported Living Center working with individuals with developmental disabilities. He is loving his work as it is both fulfilling and challenging while still offering plenty of time for family. I started working on my Texas Teacher Certification at McMurry University. I should complete the program in May 2015.

Jacob recently turned 11. He is enjoying 5th grade and has made friends and shared about Mercy Ships with his class. He says the highlights of being home are dove hunting and fishing with Mark and spending time with his grandparents. He is trying to get us to commit to visiting the Ship over Christmas :) We've said, "Maybe next year."

 Caleb is a 2nd grade Star. He is making the adjustment to land based school with flying colors. He has discovered a love of drawing dragons and reading Garfield comic books. His highlights are camping, ice cream, and spending time with grandparents.

Matthew turn 9 years old this summer. Crazy! He is doing well in his new school and has made a new best friend. He wants me to make sure I tell you that his new friend does not replace his old friends. He has decided his teacher is 'huggable' and is becoming quite the comedian. His new favorite book is 1001 Best Jokes. He is making amazing progress with therapies at the West Texas REHAB. I am so blessed by the team at the REHAB and how well they love children!

We are so thankful for the time we got to spend on the Africa Mercy and are looking forward to what the future holds!

The Status of Our Hearts

 When God asked us to join the Africa Mercy we didn't know if it would be for two-years or forever. Mark and I both agreed, at Gateway Training in 2012, that whether it was a season or a lifetime we wanted to serve God with all our hearts. It turns out that our Mercy Ship adventure was for a season. We have complete assurance from God that it is time to head back to the States. That assurance does not make the leaving any easier. We will miss the community on board the Africa Mercy and we will miss serving the people of this great continent, but we know that God has great plans for us and we will continue to seek to serve Him in everything we do. Please pray for our family as we make this transition back to the States. We leave May 24th. I will leave you with some pictures of the last month here in the Republic of Congo.

Myriam and me with yummy desert at the End of Year Teacher Dinner. I am going to miss my sweet French speaking friend. (True Story: I am crying as I type this.) Myriam is a fantastic friend and teacher!

Me dancing in the Spring Recital.

Visiting the orphanage with Matthew.

Overwhelming...trying to decide what to fit into the five duffles bags that will accompany us back to the States.

A few of my sweet ballet students. They were amazing at our Spring dance recital.

Moriah has been an amazing blessing to our family, our sweet son Matthew and to me. She is a lovely ballerina, a gifted teacher, a compassionate friend...I could go on forever.

My incredible friend Dianna. We solve all the worlds problems every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday as we run through the port. She is an awesome mom and an absolute joy to have as a friend. Words cannot begin to describe how much I will miss her.

Lunch with our Gateway group...it used to be a lot bigger.

 Today at lunch I asked the boys how their hearts were. Without missing a beat they all three put their little hands over their hearts. Jacob said, "Mine is beating really fast." Matthew said, "She means, are you healthy.?" Caleb said, "No, are you happy?" I rephrased with, "Are you sad?" They all answered that they were a little sad, but really excited to see their grandparents. We have great grandparents!

Then Caleb sat down in my lap and asked me how my heart was. I told him truthfully that I am incredibly sad to be leaving this place and the friend we have made. He smiled and said, "But you were just laughing. That was joyful." I love when we get opportunities to teach truth to our children. I told him that I am joyful, joyful and sad. That joy doesn't come from our situation or circumstances. It comes from God, the love he has for us and the trust we have in him.

So, for now the Bullock Family is trusting God as we prepare to say good-bye to the Africa Mercy and walk down the gangway one last time a week from Saturday.

A Few Snap Shots of Our Life

I love when I catch them reading together.

They love when I let them play in the rain on Deck 8.

They say it is better than going swimming.

The boys love when we walk by the Lion on our way to have lunch at Cactus Cafe. I love that Cactus Cafe has a double bacon cheese burger that tastes a little like home.

Saturday after visiting the orphanage...naps are in order.

Caleb and Mark are excellent nappers.

The Republic of Congo is a truly beautiful country.

Ten Years Ago

March 31, 2004 was a Wednesday. I finished teaching an advanced lyrical dance class, went over the receipts for the evening and locked up the dance studio. I was looking forward to giving my sweet baby boy a cuddle and then reading him a bedtime story before laying him down for the night. I was worried about paying April rent as we were several hundred dollars short. I was two days shy of 24 year old.

Earlier that day thousands of miles away my brother was killed. He was doing his job as a 1st Lt. in the United States Army and while performing that duty he lost his life.

I walked into a dark house. Moments later Mark would tell me that my parents had called and that my brother was gone. It was a shock. One that would take me and my family years to fully internalize and one which I will never fully understand.

What I do know is that my brother loved God, his family and his country. There is nothing more honorable than these. He taught me about honor, dedication and perseverance. He told me that I must always be able to laugh at myself and not take the "little things" too hard. He gave the best hugs and I knew I could always count on him. When I was embarrassed to two-step around a dance floor he lifted me off my feet and swung me around. In college we talked on the phone for hours sharing stories and dreams of the future. I can still remember the difference in his voice the first time he spoke about Leslie, the girl he would eventually marry. He became one of my husbands best friends. He wasn't just my brother. He was my friend.

Today, I remember Doyle. Brother. Hero. Friend.

Today is a day to remember his sacrifice. It is also a day to remember God's faithfulness, love and compassion. Recently a friend wrote a blog post with a quote about scars. Something about how the scars tell us we are still alive. I believe that if you took a picture of my heart it would be full of scars, places that are only held together through faith. I grieve the loss of my brother and in the same breath I praise the Lord for his life. In church tonight we sang Blessed be Your Name.

You Give and Take Away

You Give and Take Away

My Heart will Choose to Say

Lord, Blessed Be Your Name

I am thankful that ten years later I can truly sing these words. I may cry while I do but only because they are true. Thank You Lord for walking with me through life's trials and blessings.

Thankfulness

This last container took a very long time clearing customs. It was worth the wait as it contained three care packages. We have been so blessed this field service by all our supporters. We have felt prayed for and loved.

Jacob was particularly excited about the buffalo wing seasoning packet. One of the many blessing of serving on the Africa Mercy in Congo is learning the lesson of delayed gratification and really truly savoring the small blessings. Jacob is waiting patiently and anticipating the day we can get our hands on some chicken tenders to make boneless buffalo wings. We made tacos this past weekend and they were AMAZING!

Caleb was downright jubilant when I laid out the contents of the third box. To everyone who supports us with prayers, love, financial support, care packages, and e-mails, Thank You! We are so blessed by all of you. It is so encouraging to know that people are thinking of us and caring about our family. Thank You!

Visit to an Italian Aircraft Carrier

Mark and Jacob can add another chapter to the book titled, "This one time on the Africa Mercy..." An Italian Aircraft Carrier came to the Republic of Congo. They very generously offered tours to the entire crew (those older than eight). Jacob loved the visit and it was all he talked about for several days after the tour.

Jacob was overwhelmed by the jets, helicopter, and machine guns!

Great Memories in the making!