that's one way to show forty who's boss
Wednesday, September 1 
Early morning fog lifting off Hyalite Lake. Photo by Erik Petersen.
Think of all the stereotypical ways a man might deal with turning 40 (dare I call that number, "mid life"?).
When Shawn turned 40 last September, I asked him how he wanted to make peace with that crossing. I threw him a party, but that wasn't enough. He said he wanted to do "something big."
Okaaaay. Maybe a trip to Vegas? A getaway with buddies perhaps, no questions asked?
I remember when my dad turned 40. My mom threw him a big bash and hired a belly dancer to serenade him. But she didn't stop there. She also rented a hot tub on wheels, which was parked in our driveway for swimsuit-optional friends to take a dip. I grew up in a predominantly Mormon Salt Lake City suburb. A belly dancer? Hot tub on wheels? Liquored adults? At 18 I was both fascinated and a little mortified.
But really, given my upbringing, I was ready to concede to a bit of "adults behaving questionably" to mark Shawn's 40th.
So what was that something big?
"I want to run to Yellowstone," Shawn replied.
Come again?
"I want to start at our house and get to Yellowstone National Park under my own manpower in one day," he clarified.
Well, that sounded dumb. Yellowstone is like AN HOUR DRIVE to the closest boundary. And there are some big mountains between here and there. Wouldn't he perhaps just like to see something naked for that "something big," and call it good?
Well no, actually.
So I went along with his plan, thinking it would probably never happen. He had until September 15 to pull it off before turning 41.
Last weekend, he went for it.
Shawn nearing the Grotto Falls parking lot, up Hyalite Canyon. Photo by Erik Petersen.
He woke at 5:30 a.m., ate some toast, and got on his road bike. He pedaled for two hours to the top of Hyalite, a nearby canyon. Then our friend Eric and I drove there to meet him with water and snacks, and he and Eric spent the next six hours running up and down mountains along a route called the Devil's Backbone, covering 25 miles.
Erik and Shawn, starting their 25-mile run in the early morning.
I was to drive and then hike up to the ridgeline at the end of the 25 miles, meeting them there with a hefty backpack full of sandwiches, clothes and more water.
Of all the dumb ideas...
When I got in the car again it was pounding rain, and lightning lit up the sky. I dreaded the three-mile hike to meet them, but was glad the remainder of the journey would likely be called off.
When I reached the pass where we were to meet it was cold, foggy and drizzly. I waited until bodies emerged from the fog. They were fine, a bit tired, but happy to see me. In fact, happy enough that there was no mention of abandoning the trip.
Photo by Erik Petersen
So we pounded some calories, gave Eric the heavy backpack to head down to the car with, and Shawn and I began running towards the remainder of his goal, which I WAS TOLD was approximately 16 miles away.
Soon, it resumed pouring. Lightning sliced the sky. The rain turned slushy. I wore a raincoat, but my pants, not rainproof, hung like a sloppy, wet tent over my legs. We struggled for traction on the muddy uphills, and I fought to keep my feet beneath me sliding downhill. Bear poop littered the trail, and Shawn chattered on about who knows what until I told him to zip it. I was too stressed out to listen, even if the noise kept bears informed of our presence. When the lightning continued, we split up, lest one of us was struck and the other needed to run for help.
Strange as it might sound, I wasn't having fun.
"All this just for you!" I said at one point, flinging my arms to the heavens.
About five hours into the hike/run, I started doing some math as I encountered trail signs. The 16-mile trek was going to be more like about 22 before we were done. It was 7 p.m., and my legs were finished. Still, I was awesome and didn’t sit on the trail and cry.
Wait. Is this story about me, or him?
Whatever.
We made it to the end, and here’s how it all added up for Shawn: It was a 65-mile journey from our house to Yellowstone National Park, accomplished in one day. He spent two hours on a bike, then 12 hours running with just a 20 minute eating break, and two fabulous friends to accompany him.
An epic way to cross over to 40.
END NOTE: NEVER run 22 miles with someone who just covered 65. You won’t get any attention for it.
Reader Comments (20)
Did Pooknell and I ever tell you , you are perfect for him. You are a better woman than I. 22 miles is not bad , I dont care how many miles he did. You are my hero.
Holy Mackerel, you people are AMAZONS! Please, if I ever offend you, TELL me so I can grovel before you rip my head off! I used to think I was tough, but I can plainly see I am a weeeenie. I am positive you will have no behavior issues with the boys after this.
I do wonder just slightly about a man who would rather buffet his body all day than watch a belly dancer, but I guess I'm thinking about the previous generation.
And it's a cinch he will never think about trading you in on a tougher model. There ISN'T a tougher model than you!
This post had me laughing so hard because I'm married to someone who would never in a million years dream of doing anything even remotely like this. Of course, I suppose that most of us are married to someone who would never dream of doing something likes this. For wow. So do the two of you feel younger or older as a result? I think I'd feel about 80 after pulling a stunt like that!
For what it's worth, I give you more credit than your husband because it wasn't your crazy idea and yet you helped him realize his dream (cue "Wind Beneath My Wings").
I sure hope Shawn appreciates you appropriately. If BroJohn ever said something that crazy to me (okay, there's no way but just play along) I would have (laughed maniacally till I peed my pants) said have fun. See ya when you get home. You all are Amazons!
For the record, I was at that belly-dancer, hot-tubbing party and, even with the killer hangover the next day, I'd prefer that to running a bazillion miles, through the rain, up and down mountains, etc. But that's why I love you guys. You do some amazing things.
BTW, congrats Shawn. That was one mean feat at any age. Maybe for next year you should enter the Ironman contest.
Well, I suppose that most of us are married to someone who would never dream of doing something likes this.
Thank God Rob is completely uninspired and lazy when it comes to things of this nature. I love him completely but I dunno if I love him as much as you love Shawn. I'll just continue to shoot kids out my nether regions for him, instead, and call it good.
Congrats to Shawn - what a feat! And at YOUR advanced age!! Crimeny! This is me, in awe, old man. ;-)
SDA: Agreed. If your brother were ever on an online dating service, it would've been important to put a "high energy needs" label on him for full disclosure.
Nice Lady: He hasn't killed me yet, so I guess in a sense that makes me tough...
Mara: He and I were sore (read: felt older) for a few days after, but I swear he wasn't any more sore than me. Go ahead and hate him with me for this. I would do the same for you.
FaveAuntie: Let's not encourage him. I'm frightened about how he might build upon this, and how I might figure into that notion.
Elizabeth: Ummm, yeah :)
Heidi: Hey, girlfriend. Shooting kids out of your nether regions is just not for sissies! Also, given the pregnancy you've had this time, I'm thinking I would MUCH rather run the 22 miles. Of course, you've got a sweet baby waiting for you at the end of the journey, but dang, I'm so sorry for the migraines and such. Will be glad to know those are banished from your life in a few weeks and you can feel a bit more normal.
oiy girly, You had to go and ask him didn't you. Well, I guess I've got your birthday presents all figured out. (more Goo packets and some muscle rub cream perhaps)
Actually I think that is the coolest thing that you guys did for each other, what a great way to celebrate. I'm not sure if I want Aaron to read this post, he might get some harebrained idea that he needs to start planning something for his milestone. He has two years to scheme, I should probably start some sort of training regimen now.
wait...you would probably rather have some waterproof pants for your birthday present, in case you do this again or something.........
Wow. That's really impressive. Go you!
I aspire to be in a relationship someday where the love is mutual and we both go out of our way to support the other. Dream on.....
Hang in there, Becky, and make really good friends with yourself. My dear man came to me when I was 49. But surprisingly, I wasn't looking for him. I was satisfied to be alone, even though I did have awkward visions of a shopping cart, a skinny cat, layers of Salvation Army clothes on during all seasons, and a new alley to sleep in every night. But it didn't sound bad at that point. I felt serene, whatever was going to come. That's what I pray for you, friend-I've-never-met. (The serene part, not the visions, I meant.)
Becky I second Nice Lady, I married my husband when I was 38. It will happen when you are ready for it. I met my honey on line in a 30plus chat room. Some people might have thought it was chance, but it was divine intervention. Hang in there. We are pulling for you and praying for you.
You all are so nice! Man, I sure know where to go to be pathetic, didn't I? ;)
The kind words really mean a lot to me and I'm lucky Megan has such wonderful people in her life that read her fantastic blog. I hope you know how fortunate you are Megan. ;)
Pooknelle: Actually, I own rain pants, but the forecast called for highs in the 60s and occasional storms. I envisioned a little squall here and there and then the sun coming out and me baking my brains out, peeling clothes off. Really, I should know better. Thanks for thinking of me :)
Becky: I've had the same thought! Super awesome community, here. I feel lucky...In any case, SDA and Nice Lady and I were all in your same shoes at one point, so take heart. If you ever come through Montana on the way to your next adventure, please let us know and we'll have a bottle of wine and some nibbles ready. We can share stories of horror and happy endings.
I'll drive over for that little shindig, Megan! I'll bring cardboardeaux!
That is about the craziest thing I have ever heard. That said, Congratulations!
Well, while in complete admiration for Shawn's ambitious celebration of 40, I must ask how he felt the next day? That was one heck of a workout...for both of you.Congratulations to both of you.
I'm not sure if your athleticism inspires me or makes me feel old and creaky. No wait, old and creaky since I'm still in my desk chair.
NLWD: Excellent!
Paige: I'll pass it along to him :)
Catootes: He was not nearly as sore as he should've been. Kind of annoying. I married a mutant who thinks I can (sort of, but not really) keep up with him. Pass the Cheetos.
Oh, man. I've always admired Shawn, but this takes the cake! I don't think my body could take this adventure. You're amazing for running so much of it with him. Wow.
Well after reading the other posts I have to say....I am married to a guy like this, ok Erik to be specific. Proud of him and wowed by Shawn and so grateful for you three so I could sleep in with Henry (2 year old-son) and enjoy a down day at home, warm coffee and a fire in the stove. But no wonderfully sore legs to show for it. Way to go you three!! Faith