On June 7-13, 2009, the 6-day/144-hour Ultramarathon finally arrived, the ultimate test for Debbie: competing in a multi-day event. She had already participated in a 5K event on March 3 of the same year called “5kRun4Books,” in preparation for the 1st Earth’s Day event on April 25, also in 2009. Before the event, Debbie & “Piloncillo” prepared their strategies: 1. Debbie, with the number “8,” would walk (at the pace they had trained for) throughout the event, trying to accumulate over 100 miles. She had been advised to participate in the 100-mile sub-event, but she decided on the 6-day challenge: during the day, she would walk, and at night, she would go home to rest. 2- “Pilocillo,” number “3,” would try to beat his previous record of 110 miles from the previous year’s event. In the mornings from 6 to 7, he would go swimming to loosen his muscles. He had trained 24 hours in advance on the same route. During the event, they met two excellent runners who became GREAT FRIENDS, Barbara, Mike Allen (Olympic cyclist) 1964 Tokyo Olympics & Bob number “6” (2009 event winner). During the night/day, while they walked, they shared experiences and anecdotes from their daily lives. Arriving on Thursday night, the “tragedy” struck. “Piloncillo” had blisters on his toes and soles of his feet (he had never had that problem before). He decided to rest on Friday and try to heal his wounds. Debbie continued with the event. On Friday night, she returned with the news that she had surpassed the 100-mile mark. A SUCCESS FOR HER!!!. “Piloncillo” decided to continue with the event because there was a runner close behind who could knock him off third place. So on Saturday, he ran the necessary distance to secure his third place. When the final results arrived, they were very satisfactory. They had both kept their promises: 1-Debbie 110.25 miles,
She wore her favorite t-shirt with the slogan “Bad Hare Day” (a day that makes things generally difficult) which was actually 6 days, and that she overcame them with a WARRIOR SPIRIT.
2-“Piloncillo” 225.75 miles This is where Debbie demonstrated a POSITIVE ATTITUDE, DISCIPLINE, and PERSEVERANCE.
