Whether it's running in Antarctica, jogging alongside the Rocky Mountains or running to cath the next T, Dr. Carol O'Hear, a junior resident at Children's Hospital Boston, has a passion for reaching her goals.
"I think it's what part of what keeps me sane," she said, her voice sounding tired, but her spirit warm and modest. "I get to spend some time on my own, I'm able to process the crazy stuff in life, bring things to order. It's a personal challenge."
Vermont 100
Her Grand Slam summer began with the Vermont 100 in July. Just making the check-in deadline, her and her husband Rob Ardrey, decided on camping near the race start line. At 3 a.m. she awoke to "Chariots of Fire" and a steady rain.
Humidity soon followed, as did fatigue.
"Aside from a really big heel blister, my legs were in good shape," she said, adding that Rob would meet her at the aid stations; he himself crewing along the trail. "But I just could not get over the fact that my brain was tired. The mile from 87 to the aid station at 88 took about 40 minutes.
"I kept wandering off the side of the road. I knew I needed sleep, so I immediately crashed in a chair (at the aid station) and was soon moved to a cot. There I lay for over three hours as all of humanity passed."
She finished the race in 24:15.
Leadville 100
In August she pursued a 24-hour finish in the Leadville 100, elevation 10,400 feet. Chants of "Dr. Carol!" wouldn't come until later, not until her stomach settled a bit. As she climbed to Hope Pass, mile 41, thoughts of her 2004 Leadville attempt, unraveled in her mind. And in some cruel deja vu, her stomach continued to reject any carrot, cheese or Goo she tried.
Torrential rain and hail stung her arms and legs. For what seemed so brief, the weather subsided, and she had a glimpse at the majestic view and rich hues around her.
Her finishing time: 28:31:31.
Wasatch Front 100
Held the first weekend after Labor Day each year, the Wasatch Front 100, in Utah, came third in Dr. O'Hear's quest.
"The first 13-miles included a 5,000-foot climb, which finishes with 'Chin Scraper," Dr. O'Hear said. "It's a section where you need to use your hands to help get up the side of the mountain while watching for rocks dislodged by runners above."
Things were looking good--the sun was shining and she beat her crew to the 35-mile aid station. But, her stomach had other plans. Nothing stayed down and her determination began to falter.
And, she got stung by a bee.
"Many times I stumbled from side to side, just unable to walk in a straight line," she said. "I next saw Rob at mile 76. I took a long break here to make sure I got some food and drink in--and even brushed my teeth. I still didn't feel great, but at this point I knew I could finish."
Her window to finish began to close--she needed to make the 36-hour cut-off and paced exactly 35:59. Six miles and a menacing hill remained. She amazed herself and gathered the energy to pass a clump of other runners--and sprinted to finish just over 35-hours.
Arkansas Traveler 100
One race remained--the October 4, Arkansas Traveler 100. Familiar thunderstorms accompanied her through the first four hours. Gaining momentum, at mile 32, a man began to run next to her, shouting "This is number 17--the first place woman!" Dr. O'Hear tried to ignore. Not to mention, she had a nagging pain in her hamstring.
"Every minute I ran, I celebrated much more of a lead," she said.
At mile 84, she picked up her new pace partner, a familiar face: Rob. She and Rob held hands crossing the finish line, her time of 22:28 claimed the title of first-place woman and 10th overall.
"The races all had their own beauty and challenges," she said. "And I'm glad that in the end, residency hasn't broken me."
