The Journey of the Skirt: Part 1

Author in a boring black skirt. (Photo by Seth Trittipoe)
I've experienced this kind of day sixteen times before. It's the day before the big race: the Mountain Masochist 50-Mile Run. I can think of nothing else all day long. I think about being so cold right before the start. I think about the more-than-advertised 5.7 miles of repetitious road (before hitting the first trail) and how much I hate that section. I think of how other runners, no matter how good shape I'm in, blow by me on the first climb toward Peavine Mountain. I think about marching uphill and consoling myself by saying "It's so early in the race. They'll pay later for running now." I try to imagine each section of the race. I focus on how I might feel, what my strategy should be, and my pace at the end. I pack my bag with everything I think I might need during and after the race. Then, I unpack it to reanalyze before stuffing it all back in and zipping it closed. I know sleep will be scant tonight as thoughts, hope, and fear play tag inside my brain.

Long ago, I floated through the pre-race activities as a front-runner favorite. People expected a good performance and in the early years, I delivered. It was fun but not without pressure. I was always glad when it was over. Then came the troubled years when I struggled with an undiagnosed malady. Twice, I dropped out mid-race as a result. With that behind me, now I run the races without the training base I am used to. You might as well flip a coin to predict the outcome.

So, with the quality and final disposition of my race up in the air, I really have but one thing to focus on: my running outfit. Yep. It all comes down to that. I spent a good part of the day yesterday trying on different combinations of tights, tops, and the newest running skirts to come off my sewing machine. My considerations are these: 1) Don't dress too warm 2) Be able to take off and put on 3) Retain easy access for on-the-go peeing 4) And most of all, make sure socks, skirt, and top match at all times.

Yeah. I've reduced myself to a meandering older woman who now runs races mostly in the interest of fashion. I do not race races. I am more realistic about what my body can and will do (though I get frustrated with others in their fifties who are able to maintain). But alas, I am no longer a primed and ready competitor. But, what I have left is a smile on my face and a bold floral print on my skirt.

I'll let you know all about my skirt's journey when the race is over.

Comments

Anonymous said…
found you via Cassies Blog. I am so so impressed that you actually sewed your own running gear. I would sure love to beg you for the pattern and where you found the right sort of material. I am a fan of the skirt, but they are all just a tad bit to short! All I want in about 1 extra inch.

I have a funny feeling you will have a good race this weekend, and I am impressed that you wil be matching the whole way through it. I'm usually the one with the mismatched socks, and wearing purple and red. (Must work on that) AND running slower than everyone. But the future awaits me...
Haha. You are funny! Do glad you found the blog and hope you enjoy it. It's a little bit of everything.

In terms of patterns, I made my own and keep adapting it. But these last three I really cheated. I found some compression shorts on sale that had wide waistband, so, I took the main skirt part of my pattern and sewed it with a stretch stitch to wear the band is sewn onto the shorts part. Easy-peasy. Check out the pics of those three skirts on Facebook. Friend me if we aren't already connected!
Sophie Speidel said…
Love this. And always love your skirts and matching accessories. Mostly, I love your spirit and attitude. See you soon!
Thanks, Soph. The skirt for tomorrow is bright!
ultracassie said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
ultracassie said…
Have a great run, Rebekah! Looking forward to reading the race report.

Cassie
Anonymous said…
Ahhh, going to go find you on Facebook....
Rick Gray said…
A little late here and it seems all of the comments are from the females, but you did match Saturday. I was also very proud of your run.

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