The Repatriation of Mister Carr

Coming back isn't easy. Getting that giant ball of life rolling in a new place takes a lot of effort, and being away for two years takes away a lot of momentum. I was definitely in culture shock for quite some time. But despite the difficulties, there are definitely great things about being in the states again...

First, the food. Oh the consumer society that is America. How I have missed you. I have gorged myself on burritos, greasy greasy hamburgers, pizza, amazing salads that I forgot exist, and oh so much more. 

Behold the glory of Cafe Rio. I never thought a burrito could glow.

Next I was blown away by the wide open expanse that I grew up in. 

This is right next to one of my favorite runs...a little cabin at the base of the mountains marks the start and stop point of the run dubbed 'the vista'

One of my favorite things about the US are all the races I get to do. I've already run a 5k and a 10k since I've been back, and they were both fantastic. The 5K was just a local one, but I was oddly worried about it because of elevation changes, and running sort of took a rough turn in Moscow. But the race went fairly well, and I ran into some old friends.

The 10K I did is a race on Skyline drive, which is a road that runs along the top of the mountains here, and it's at 10000 ft. Some great friends came down for the weekend and we spent the night before the race camping out in the scenic mountains. I was blown away by the beauty of the raw nature here in Utah. I swore that I hadn't forgot about it, but I clearly have because every few minutes I couldn't help but say how beautiful it all is.

I think no matter how far I get away, this place pulls me back in...it's a beautiful little trap that I call home.

The race the next day went great. The first 5K were fast, and I raced it out with a high-schooler at about 5:40 miles. Then the brutal reality of 10,000 ft elevation kicked in, and the course turned uphill for the last 5K (who designed this course?!). I really struggled, and my pace slowed to about 6:20 miles for the last few, spitting me out in 35:something. Luckily I wasn't alone in my sorrow and the high-schooler fell off the radar...that's how I win things...I just plan on other people suffering more than me.

Even though the course was horrendous, it really does have a fantastic view.

The best part of coming home has been seeing family. I spent the first week here with my brother and his family, who I haven't had a good chance to spend time with for arguably 7 years. I think I don't really need to say that was a long overdue reunion. I've also had the chance to see many other family members, and even got to run the aforementioned race with my little sister. 

It's nice coming to my home country, but it's even nicer coming home to family.

This is likely to be the last post on this blog before I close it to the public. It has been a wild adventure over the last two years leaving my home, and finally coming back. I'm so glad I chose to do this, and I'm so glad some of you could go through it with me. It's been what I consider to be a long series of unforgettable times. And so, goodbye.

The End