Guest blogger Liz Andrews
Reprinted with permission.
You can follow Liz’s blog at http://forevervictorylap.tumblr.com
Jan 2016
“though she be but little, she is fierce” – Shakespeare
Forever Victory Lap. Three words that meant nothing to me until August 22nd and I’m finally sitting down to try to figure out what they actually signify, 4 months later. So what does it mean to have a “forever victory lap”? A victory lap is a term used in motorsports and academics, it’s the title of a song written by Macklemore, it’s referenced in the running world, and it can be completed by an individual or a team. It’s a lap of honor, of celebration. And when Catherine Nix started using it to tag all of her pictures of her last summer in Jackson Hole, it was a way for her to commemorate a bucket list. To see for the first time – or to see again – beautiful places in the Teton Valley, or a reason for her to accomplish unbelievable physical feats, like summiting the highest peak in Wyoming or biking Togwotee Pass. A way for her to celebrate her final months in the place she so loved.
After Nixy died in August, the tag transformed from “victory lap” to “forever victory lap” allowing all of us to continue her legacy in our attempts to imbue our lives with her ferocity and her spirit and her laughter. To take advantage of the places we live in while remembering the motto she never said, but always lived by: you are stronger than you think you are and you can do more than you believe you can. She was the one who ran back-to-back weekend marathons, chasing a Boston qualifying time. The one who could sprint up every trail in GTNP, but always remembered to hang back to whatever your pace was so you could chat life and goals and passions. The one who dropped everything to spend time with the people she loved. The one who prioritized taking care of people and being the best mentor and confidante and friend. The one who knew her life’s work was to help children who were less fortunate than most. The one whose size of her heart outweighed her body 50 to 1.
In adopting and repurposing and repossessing the tag that represented her final months, we are challenging ourselves to live a life of unending celebration, of incomparable honor. To live the way that not only makes us proud, but makes Nix proud, too.
On August 22, 2015, I took a phone call from my sister, Susie, while I was standing at the finish line of the Leadville 100 foot race. I had volunteered at an aid station after work and made it back in time to drop my stuff at my house, walk three blocks to the finish and await the first runners. I was sitting on the bleachers with two of my friends when Susie called and told me the news: Nix was climbing Teewinot Mountain, had fallen, and didn’t make it. I walked away from the finish line back toward my house and tried to understand how life can be plagued by such immense heartache. I got home and sat with my friend Peter and tried to process my next steps, realizing the only thing I could do was to find peace in the plans I had already made. My friend Mary Claire, who coincidentally played field hockey with Nix at Colby, was nearly 70 miles into the LT100 and I had planned to see her at the mile 76 aid station. It was rejuvenating and joyful to see these athletes come through at 1 o’clock in the morning, temps below freezing, and Mary Claire thanking me for coming out to support her. I felt at peace surrounded by people who challenge themselves by pushing their physical limits, by believing that they are strong and powerful and capable. To be surrounded by a sport that has always given me life and confidence and camaraderie. I decided then that I would attempt to channel Nix’s tiny frame with her raspy and comforting voice in everything I attempt to do. To try to push myself beyond what I think I am capable of. So, on December 7, 2015, I signed up to run the Leadville 100 in August of 2016, as a way of embracing the place I live in and love, while also understanding that this is a physical feat I’m still not sure I can accomplish, but I’ll never know if I don’t try. While attempting to run 100 miles in under 30 hours I’m raising money for the organization that brought Nix into my life: Teton Valley Ranch Camp. Hoping through charity and determination the place that brought Nix to Wyoming and her to me, will continue to offer life changing experiences to children, encouraging them to live a life brimming with inspiration from the outdoors and the knowledge that they can do more than they think they can. That’s what I’m trying to do with this race: to honor the living while remembering the dead.
Be kind. Say thank you. Believe in others, but more importantly believe in yourself. Make phone calls to people across the country just to say, “I love you”. Bring people together. Do good. Surround yourself with people who make you so happy it makes you feel like your heart is going to explode. Spread love. When darkness surrounds you, try to remember to look for the light.
Thanks for the life, Nixon – for inspiring us to live the way you did.
These miles are for you,
Liz
livelikenix forevervictorylap
About Liz: Liz Andrews set her own #forevervictorylap in honor of Catherine Nix. In September, 2016, Liz completed the Leadville 100, raising over $8,200 for the Teton Valley Ranch Camp in memory of Catherine.