big dog’s backyard ultra hour 47:
the third sunrise is not far away.
the second night has not much longer to run.
one more loop of full on darkness
then a loop that starts in the dark
and ends in the light.
i am ready for the daytime.
i have had enough of the distorted visual effects
a product of a sleep deprived brain
and photon deprived eyes.
it has to be worse for the runners.
it seems like during the day they cluster
run in groups
talk and chatter.
at night they run alone
in little circles of light.
even if they are close to one another
they are alone.
in camp the night has its own hourly routine.
just like in the day
every hour starts the same.
blow the whistles
ring the bell.
watch the runners leave.
it is not an inspiring sight.
as they are closing in on 200 miles
the start is slow.
they stumble away like zombies
gradually slipping into a shuffling trot.
then they disappear into the darkness.
i hobble down to check the campfire.
maybe throw on some wood.
do any other tasks that need doing.
then in here to write this update.
that is the hardest time.
looking at the screen my eyes try to close.
i have to watch the time
so i can go back and blow the whistles.
just like if i was running
i do not count the hours to dawn.
i cant think about that.
just do this hour.
just survive.
eventually it gets close enough.
as i write this i know
only one more dark hour.
i just have to do this next one.
the hour after that will start in the dark
and end in the light.
and with the sunrise i will find new life.
i will see things as they really are.
i will be warm in the sun
instead of cold from the cold wet dew.
i will find renewal…
until the third night comes.
