The Goal is not to be the best at any cost,but good enough so as not to be picked last.

I woke up this morning with that buzzing through my head. I was reveling in the comfort of my puffy pillowed bed. The weekend consisted of early mornings of running and today I have the luxury of sleeping in (6:00am), coffee, bad T.V. in bed and a wife that can work at home on occasion.

I was never any good at sports growing up. In H.S. I discovered that I had a knack for soccer. Mostly because I could run. I could run fast and I could run for a long time. I had somewhat of a Forrest Gump  quality when it came to sports. I also have what my wife likes to call a badger-like focus when it comes to racing.

I'm not bagging on the DFL, in fact I applaud the person that guts it out to the bitter end. One of the most attractive parts of ultras is the sense of community we share.  Taking care of each other  on the trail and standing at the finish line waiting for the last runner to finish.

I'm not saying I don't like to do well or would even like to "win" an event. The reality of being in the most stacked age group keeps me grounded. I take great joy in being able to toe the start line with the winners as well as the DFL!

ME me me me me me me

  So how does one trudge the path of selflessness? What is true selflessness? We are in an age of "look at me,"post it now. Phones have features that give you the option to take a pic and post it right away. I am not free from the selfie, far from it. I like me, my blog is a testament to my me-ness. This is my soapbox! I do my best to open my trap sparingly. I find too much ranting all of the time labels you as, sir bitch a lot. I am a complainer, I bitch a lot. Mostly just to blow off steam.  

Hero's

I can't remember really ever having heroes growing up. I we didn't watch sports in my house and I never got the man crush on a particular athlete. Losing my father at a young age might of had something to with it as well. But hero worship seems to be a mainstay in our culture. I just don't get it. I have people I admire. I just try not to place unreal expectations on people. I was taught to give it your best and be proud of your efforts.

This brings an addition to a previous post of mine. Half Rant, Half Truth. What is the difference between saying, "okay, I did my best" and blowing so much smoke up your own ass you actually convince yourself that you need major pats on the back.

Adulation can be wonderful. We all like a little pat on the back, a little good for you, nice effort. But when do you draw the line shut the hell up and make it happen. Prior to getting sober my life was a series of DNS or DNF's. But that didn't stop me from being a blowhard and going on and on about how great I was. Time and a DNF allowed me to do some soul searching and decide what lessons can I gain from Ultras.

Follow the Pink Flags, Iceland style

                                                                         

Wow, life is amazing. Seems like I was just thinking Iceland, who would want to go run in Iceland that might be CHILLY!

I am a fortunate man. If I were to write a list of the things I was grateful to have in my life I would probably not get to the actual blog for quite sometime.  I must start off by saying how great it is to run for such a great organization like Runwell and even better at a Racing the Planet event. If you have ever considered a stage race RTP is the way to go!

Iceland was never on my radar as a destination but I guess that is one of the reasons it makes it such a fantastic place to visit and a running visit allows for a detailed view of the country that most others will never see. Speaking of seeing things, any pictures I post will be from other sources as my camera was disabled from the start of the trip and I did not get a single picture.

Flying to Iceland was so much better than flying to Egypt.  The flights were shorter and less crowded. I met up with Veronica in Seattle and the rest of my Runwell teammates in Reykjavic. Although we did not run as an official team, we all wore the Runwell kit and in my book that made us a team. This made for a good trip to the hotel as we talked and got to know each other a bit and decided to go out to breakfast together prior to hotel check-in.  Unlike Egypt I was able to stroll around Reykjavic for most of the day finding places to grab food for the pre-race meal at camp the next day. Lets just say this, Iceland has really good yogurt! Back to the hotel. I was able to have early gear check, all good, nothing missing. I even had a few extra items I was able to pass along to some others that did not get their baggage in time for the race. All the while meeting people or saying hello to folks I ran with in Egypt.
Saturday was course briefing, lunch, and a bus ride to camp.
               
We started off with a major change in where we were going to sleep. Camp 1 was too windy and cold for us to go to so they switched us to what I would consider an Icelandic version of a KOA. Race day, too windy and too cold to take us out on the original route they had planned. It's a good thing, I really did not want to wade through waist high glacial melt on the first day of a 250k race! What we ended up doing was running the same road we drove out on the day before. OMG, I hate the sound of 200 people bitching, "this is boring, If I wanted to run roads I'd stay at home", blah blah blah. For me, this is the bane of stage racing. You get to not only hear the bitching and sniveling but you get to see those same folks day after day. The race directors have our safety in mind first and the lovely course had to come in second.

Camp 2 was on what I would call a knoll. And it was windy as all get out. The bonus was that there
was a mountaineering shack where they set up the hot water and cyber tent. It was hot and cramped but really nice to get out of the wind for a bit. Not a bad night's sleep. As for the wind, I will say it helped in drying out the day's clothes. Another restless night with the wind howling and flapping the canvas tent and noise emanating from other tent mates (and I'm not talking about not snoring). We headed down the road we came up on the day before which was a little unsettling because it was windy and we had already run it. We had spectacular views and a ton of wind. One of my favorite quotes of the day was after slogging through wind and a short but incredibly steep climb a volunteer said to me. "Go up a 100 yards, turn and it will get a little windy" WTF? GET WINDY? and so it did, 60 mph right in the kisser! Oh wait, this wind was coming right off a glacier. A few miles of that, down a sharp and steep road to the power lines. We followed these power lines for about 5 or 6 miles to the awaiting busses. This was unexpected. But the weather being what it was they moved our camp to a farm a few miles away. This was fantastic! The farmer cleared out his barn and we could get out of the wind and actually socialize while we ate.

Off to camp 3. Today was the prettiest day so far. The sun came out and I was having wonderful day running. We had another day of roads but let me explain the difference between roads here and roads
in Iceland. We have a shitload of pavement here and fires roads that are mostly smooth and a bit rocky. Iceland on the other hand is sparsely paved or paved with rock. A large portion of today's road was baseball and softball sized rocks dumped out of a truck and smoothed out. The entire surface was ROCK! This made running somewhat difficult. But I decided it was easier to run over the rocks than through them. This worked well for me until the steep ass downhills. This is where I became a little worried, thinking "shit, what if I need to stop?" The picture of trying to come to a complete stop on what amounted to running on ball bearings did not look good. So rather than worry, I ran faster! This allowed me to catch and pass several people. As I came down to the last 300 or so yards a German fellow saw me coming and wasn't gonna let me pass and the race was on! We were in an all out sprint. I couldn't muster the power for that last pass and crossed the line seconds after him to be greeted with huge smiles as we high fived each other and laughed with the joy of the race. A much different feeling than the slogging feeling we have endured the last couple of sunless days.

Camp 4 will be the scenic run. We are to run through the Lava Tube. In my mind, this will be a smooth fast lava tunnel. Well it wasn't. It's barely 2k from the start and folks are sprinting like hell to get there. It's not a road run either, we are hopping from spongy moss covered rock to rock trying hard not to sprain an ankle. We get to the cave and have to remove our packs. Well this is a giant pain in the ass for me because of my hoopty strapping system for my chest pack. I came to the realization that once the pack was on in the morning, it was staying on! Have I mentioned that a good portion of your down time is spent in a queue? A queue for hot water, a queue for internet and a queue for the toilets. One of my tent mates asked why Des and I got up so early and I replied it was easier to get into the bathroom. This queue for the cave pissed me off a bit. We were not allowed to pass in the cave. This made me dig into my patience reserve. I wanted to keep moving and get out to run and the guy in front of me wanted to stop, fumble and take pictures. Once out I had to strap the pack back on and get moving. This is where I saw Lee run like a bat out of hell. I heard she was afraid of small spaces and upon exiting the cave, she pinned it and never looked back! I took today rather easy because we still had the long march ahead of us. Lucky for me I got to camp right before the rain started to fall. This would have been one of the more scenic camps had we not had to huddle in our tent or the "river cafe." I wish I could say that the wind had died down considering it was raining and all. As we settled in our tents for the evening the volunteers came to tell us not to touch the walls of the tent, this would lead to leaks. Ugh, my spot for the entire week was on the windward side of the tent that night. I had to lay super still while the wall of the tent bowed in over my head. Yet another restless night.

The long march. After a somewhat blustery course briefing they loaded us into busses for a 100 yd trip over the river. Getting 250 people ready and across a small river for the long march is much like herding cats. I am all too punctual some days. So this meant standing around freezing my ass off for a half an hour or better. The run was brutal, some wonderful single track leading to the beach. The beach was WINDY really WIND. After the beach came the lava cliffs. The lava cliffs were slippery and well supervised by the Icelandic search and rescue. Once past the cliffs it was wind, wind and more wind. I was not disappointed that the "Long March" was only 65k or so. I was tired. Crap, I'm tired right now! I am always a bit surprised when I am running as to how much time I spend running alone. I had been doing well all week and wanted to keep my position. I had been thinking I would place somewhere in the 60's. But noticed at the start I could get into the 50's and really wanted to get there. My focus was not so much to pass people but moreover not get passed. I did okay. I finished the Long March in 8:50 by my watch. It was so crappy out at the finish line we quickly boarded a bus to the gymnasium Racing the Planet arranged for us to stay in.

The Gym was a wonderful respite from the elements and, wait for it..................a SHOWER!!!!!!!

We spent Thursday night and Friday out of the rain. Although some of the competitors (those that brought cash) chose to bend the rules and hit the local pizza place and bakery. It was kinda funny that it wasn't till the evening briefing they mentioned assessed time penalties for anyone seen purchasing food and immediate disqualification for anyone bringing booze back into the gym. I'm pretty sure it was an empty threat. I have yet to see any handed out. Crap, I would have rolled the dice had I brought my wallet.

Saturday we packed up and got on the busses for the last 10k. It was comical because they opted not to set up the start line banner. So the bus drivers spent 45 minutes looking for pink flags and our caravan of busses got lost! Finally they found the flags, pulled over and 250 people jumped out to pee. We gathered at the makeshift start and BANG! We were off. I was in good position and didn't want to loose any spots so I pinned it knocking out the last 9k relatively fast. We finished at the Blue lagoon with hot soup and sodas (beer as well).  Imagine 250 stinky, sweaty and wet runners invading your soak? After a about an hour soaking in the most amazing hot spring, we were off to the hotel. Another shower and I had a nice walk downtown to procure a snack. Pringles and a coke never tasted so good. Back for the awards banquet. Tent 16 decided to sit together and I made sure to snag a table right next to the door. It's one of my quick getaway habits that worked out well because it put us in the front of the BUFFET LINE. Woo Hoo! I felt for the chefs, I don't think they were prepared for the voracious onslaught of hungry runners about to decimate their lovely buffet. Within 45 min minutes there were people trolling the empty tables ready to eat the any thing left that looked edible.

To sum it up and a few sentences. I am truly grateful to have been allowed to represent Runwell yet again in a stage race. I was able to meet and run with so many great folks especially my Runwell compadres. And huge amount of respect goes out to the Racing the Planet crew and volunteers that braved the elements making sure we had a great camp to come back to at the end of every day.

Bib #191

Yea, I'm going to see the northern lights, at least I hope to see them. I am getting the chance to represent Runwell (http://www.runwell.com ) at my second Racing The Planet Event (http://www.4deserts.com/beyond/iceland/index.php).

I will be leaving Thursday for my second international race. Last fall I ran through the Sahara. Roll back through a couple blog posts and check it out.

I run because I can, I can because of the gift of sobriety. My path has been filled with people that have taken time to help, guide and council me though my rough times and good times.

Runwell is a great opportunity to become involved in recovery whether you are in need of help or simply want to help someone who is. Please pop on over to Facebook and like Runwell https://www.facebook.com/Runwell1 if you haven't already.

Please, if you have the means, a donation to Runwell would greatly be appreciated.

http://www.active.com/donate/iceland/Willen 

Why?

Why is a great question one, we have applied to so many things. I don't and won't talk much about my childhood for many reasons. Mostly because I don't have a clear memory of it and what I do remember is rather painful and makes people uncomfortable when I do talk about it.

I was quick to understand the phrase "some die so others may live". I have held on to that for many years, when thinking about my fathers death from alcoholism. I am lucky, I hit bottom and have been sober for quite some time.  Others however, are not so fortunate.

I have tried over the years to BE the best example of sobriety I can be. At times I have wanted to grab somebody by the shoulders and scream "It's not that fucking hard"!!!! But we get in our own way sometimes. I knew I had a problem and chose to wear it like a badge. Screw hiding the booze! I was a drunk not an Alcoholic! Alcoholics go to meetings........ Through a series of events, loosing a job, place to live etc..... I was able to reach out and ask for help. I was finally WILLING to do something about my drug and alcohol use. I took that first step, from that day on my life has changed more than I could possibly imagine.

Over the last 15 years I've had an on and off again relationship with my oldest sister. I make her mad, we don't talk. She makes me mad, we don't talk. I was going out of my mind wondering why she just couldn't get it, and had a rather disappointing conversation with her a week ago. Last Sunday I was able to call her and tell her I loved her. She passed the next day, her pain is over. Mine is just beginning. I need it, I will feel it, I will get through it.

All the pictures that I poached off the web are from Donner Summit. Donner holds special memories for all of the people in my family. I can say that was the one thing we all shared was the love of the Sierras. This especially holds true for Tonnie. I know over the last few years thinking about going back to Soda Springs was one of the few joys in her life.

                                                                     I love you sis

Half Rant Half truth

"Half measures availed us nothing" is a phrase I seemed to have heard somewhere? I guess in my world, it's a phrase I hear often. I think almost every single time I go to a meeting. If I'm paying attention I think it is on page 59.

This comes to mind as I think about when somebody tells me that they ran a marathon a 13.1!

Now, I don't want to come off as some kind of ass. But when did 13.1 become a marathon? Was there a meeting that I missed?  This follows the course of many of my thoughts over the past few years. The inflation of one's accomplishments is nothing new to sport and life. "Dude, I hooked with a total ten last night". Really? I bet she was a seven, max! My favorite all time inflation, is in recovery "when I got into recovery back in.................? " Wow you must have some time? Oh no, I can't stay sober for more than a month, I just keep coming back. I hear that shit all the time.......... I love it! Because they keep coming back. I sometimes wish they would shut the fuck up and listen. I myself thought that because I had not had a drink in two years that I was stone cold sober and went to the occasional meeting. That makes me chuckle now, I was smoking weed on a daily basis and dipping into other substances. But hey, "I didn't drink, I must be sober" That kind of thinking almost killed me. I am lucky. I had that moment of clarity that allowed me to reach out and ask those who really were sober to show me how.

Now I'm no saint and am super guilty of talkin my shit up. But seriously when did running a 13.1 qualify as a marathon? I do cling to the philosophy that if you run a mile and walk a mile you are still

lapping everyone on the couch. As long as you are out there you are killing it!

 

This is where ego comes into play. Am I free from it, can I really live without it? I would like to think I could, but honest enough to know I can't. My ego is delicate dangerous creature. I am sensitive, I am rock hard. These are the dualities of my life.  But as long as I move forward I will be doing okay.

Authenticity

I am posed with questions.
What does it mean to be authentic? Does a workout or run count if I don't post it on facebook? Am I the person praying in he window for all to see, or am I off in a quiet place for my own reasons. Am I of service for others with a pat on the back in mind or do things without expectations?

 We are in a digital age where we can present our best selves to the world. Posting our best runs, our "I'm up before you" workouts or "My day would not be complete without prayer". Everyday can be a first date with the world.  I will borrow from Chris Rock, in saying that "On a first date, you are not there, you send your representative". Your best you! Not the everyday you. Not the one that forgets to say thank you, or leaves the toilet seat up.  You want to present a you, without flaws. The you, you wish you could be.

 So how much "Authenticity" do I have if everything is great? I remember back some time ago "Epic" was a popular word that made it's way into all of my conversations. "Dude the waves were epic, aw man, me and my gf had an epic fight, this concert will be epic" Blah blah blah....... At age 46 I think I was able to truly use the word epic in proper context. People would ask how as Egypt and all I could sum up at time was "it was Epic".

 I have learned so many things in the last 18 years of my life. All of which can be rooted in sobriety and working with other sober people. I am not going to stand on my soap box and cry out that AA is the only path in life, but I will say that it is what works for me. Some of the best advice I have ever had has been "take what you need and leave the rest".

One of the true pleasures I get from recovery is self reflection. Many folks not in recovery do not get he time or even the opportunity for self reflection. My sobriety demands it. It is one of the steps I hold near and dear to my emotional life. Am I good at saying "hey, it's time to look inward?". Hell no! Most every time I get in a spot of discomfort and rant about some "thing" that is bothering me. It is my sponsor or one of my good friends that will remind me to look at "my part" in the situation.
Owning my part in a bad situation is my way to freedom.

These are the kinds of things I think about!

SD100 My date with a Beast

SD100 was unbelievable. I wasn't sure how it was going to go. I had heard that the temps would be high. We stayed in Julian the night before the race. We skipped the usual prerace pasta fest and found a lovely BBQ joint. Yea, I'm not sure if almost 2lbs. of shredded pork and Brisket were a good move, but is sure was tasty. Pre race is always fun, checking in, getting your wrist band and thinking "WHAT AM I DOING"? Lot's of standing about nervously hydrating and catching up with everybody you haven't seen since the last race.

Race morning coffee had to be made in the room as the B&B did not have any brewed at 04:30. A little Cream of Wheat to coat the belly and get things rolling (if you know what I mean ;) ). Off to the start. 20 minute car ride with a bonus sighting of a cool bobcat.

Race time was prompt. Off we go!!!!!! I was blown away by the stunning scenery, pine trees and alpine meadows. I'm thinking "wow" this will be awesome! Well crank up the heat baby it's on. 

I really enjoyed the first 20 or so miles. I hadn't done a bunch of research on the course but have heard great things about the course. Huge descent into Noble Canyon. Scott had advised us to make sure we had an extra bottle, thanks for the advice! I ended up stowing the bottle on my back full of ice and it was so nice. The 31mile aid station was raucous, but that's what happens when Jimmy Dean Freeman is the station captain. A quick 5 mile mile loop and it was back to the bikini-clad aid station.  Drink some more and up the hill. The first time I hit Penny Pines I think I overloaded on food. I was having issues with my nutrition. It probably turned out to save my race. I had to slow my roll. I pressed on and was excited to see my crew. We had a four mile push straight uphill. I was glad that it was all pavement. The following four miles seemed to last FOREVER! People were suffering, bad. I did my best to encourage other runners telling some "we're almost there." Shit was I wrong, that hot-ass climb seemed to last forever. My crew fed me and and got me going. Between Sunrise 1 and Stonewall Mine the wheels started to come off. I was about a mile or more out of Stonewall when I started to stagger down the trail and my head felt a little funny.  I can honestly say that was the worst I have felt in a long time. I was not worried about my finish but actually being pulled from the race for being so delirious. I can't say enough about the support I got from my lovely wife, Susan my pacer and "Jeff" some random volunteer that made sure I ate some quesadillas and chicken soup. This was my turning point. Do I go on or plead to my crew to let me stop. Why do I run these races, why am I suffering, can I make it stop? Best thing for me to do is get out of the chair. Just a quick 5 and I get my pacer........Yay company.

Off through a nice rolling meadow and BOOM up we go.  Up and over a hill that seemed to go on forever. Down...........OMG......down was painful. I was able to make it to Paso Picacho and Susan was ready to go! My only problem with a pacer at that time is that they are fresh and bubbly ready to RUN and all smiley. Susan was terrific she set an alarm on her phone to go off every so often to remind me to drink, eat or take an electrolyte. We had a good run to Sweetwater. 04:00 and a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon and a forced red bull. I was able to run with my lovely wife. I have to say that it was one of the most pleasurable legs of the race.

I am so lucky to not only have a wife that supports me to run races like this, but participates by crewing, volunteering and pacing me. We had a great time running as the sun decided it was time to pop up.   

It was a great run. Susan had a chair waiting for me.

Beware the chair is the Ultra crew's motto. I did not stay long. We took off and by 07:30 it was hot again. We pushed on, a little run a little walk. I know Susan was thinking come on lets DO THIS! I just picked them off one at a time. Heading back to Penny Pines you run into Goats, Old Goats that is. But even a crusty old goat can have lovely partner. There's hope for me to keep mine.

I did my best to move forward at a steady pace. Knowing we were on our way to the finish I mustered some actual running.  Once we left Rat Hole it was ON! I did everything possible to run to the finish slowing to say hello to a father giving his daughter a shoulder ride. We needed a boost and the look on his face when he asked "how far is your race?"

Susan's face says it all. I was done! Excited to finish and grateful for the chance. Thanks to Scott Mills and all of his volunteers. Thanks to Susan R for giving up her weekend. I want to thank all of my Runwell teammates for their support. Most of all I really want to thank my lovely partner and wife Shana.

Tumble

I am heading out to San Diego to run the SD100. I am nervous and excited. With facebook, twitter and word of mouth I hope to have much support. Getting ready reminds me of the winter I worked at a ski resort and told my gf to watch the summit at noon while I jumped off and cut fresh tracks in the powder. At noon I tipped my ski's over the edge, my gf on the deck of the resort eager to see my mad skills ripping thtrough the powder (oh, and she told a buttload of coworkers to watch as well). BOOM one turn and it was ass over tea kettle and flashes of red white, red white, red white as I tumbled to a stop.

I hope not repeat that this weekend. Runwell

Ramping up

Wow,
I am the laziest blogger out there. I look back and there are so many cool things that have slipped my mind. Volunteering for Keira at Griffith Park trail Marathon, running Calico 50k, running Leona Divide 50k, and celebrating the fact that we have lived in our own home for a year!

So as I am ramping up for SD100 this weekend I have to give credit where credit is due. Running Ultras can be one heck of a selfish endeavor. It's all about me for over 24 hrs, more like a week. I have all the prep of sorting, packing and fretting. The actual race and then the stiff legged snivelling for days after. My wife is amazing! She not only puts up with my crap, captains my crew (which is usually only her) but is my biggest cheerleader. We were reminiscing about WS in 2010 and I will never forget the smile on her face as I met up with her and we jogged in the final mile. It was pure joy.

And if you don't know WS100 is a terrible race to crew. Huge amounts of driving for very little time spent together. I am a lucky man. I love you Chicken!

Facewanker

So I'll be the first to admit it, I tend to whine like a little kid with a skinned knee (or french soccer player) at times. It's a quality I don't really care for. The good thing is that I do it less and less. Sometimes we talk about all of the negative aspects of facebook. I find so many good things.  I posted about facebragging and BOOM. I was blown away by all of the comments. Good and bad, I touched a nerve.

I read fb and continually think "WOW" that's kinda personal! Shouldn't you keep that to yourself? One of my other favorites,  people going on and on about their accomplishments. How much smoke can I blow up my own ass always comes to mind? Don't get me wrong we all need and want that pat on the back, but you know as well as I do it can be excessive. Really, you train all year long and won the Tuesday night world championships on Sunset? Were the four horsemen there? Oh they weren't, you kinda left that out.

I have a blog and I write about myself and can be really narcissistic. Why not, it's mine? Seriously I love to talk about my favorite subject, ME. Well if I'm throwing it out to the universe I might want to censor myself on occasion. I have a shitload of drafts. Many that should not be posted. Moslty the bitchy ones.
  
Let me get back to my rant, Facewanking. If you are talking about how you are being screwed by somebody you might be facewanking. You have a part in it, own it. If you are talking yourself up about something you haven't really done. Shut up, do it, then write about how awesome it was. Just know, there usually is somebody out there that has done it before,done it faster, done it better and talked a whole lot less about it.

Why is this on my mind? Well I'm about to toe the line in my sport of choice. It took me five years of pounding nails and learning before I called myself a carpenter. I finally feel I have run enough races to call myself a real ultrarunner, not a poser.

I will be humbled at this race, this I know, I welcome it. There are so many great runners out there and I will share the start line this Saturday with them.  I hope to share the finish line with them as well.

Right Sized

What keeps me grounded? I tend to want to think I am always right. I want my opinion to be valued. I want, I want, I want. Well, when that hapens I lose touch with what is important. My first DNF was really hard on me. I moped about for days.

Making matters worse Shana had to pack the truck after probably the worse night's sleep we have ever tried to get. So I'm feeling like a complete failure, a total poser. What am I doing?

That DNF was a gift! It took me a few weeks to really get the concept that I hadn't failed. I pulled the plug on the race at the right time. I had a goal and I was on track to hit it. But the wheels came off and rather than push into injury I hung it up.

People ask me all the time why I run ultras. I'd be lying if I didn't say it boosted my ego. "Look how far I can run (walk, death march)". But more importantly it keeps me right sized! Everytime I think I'm a bad ass runner, I get the smack down. And I like it!

Running for a purpose

Been far too long since I written. I will do my best to go back through my previous unpublished posts and work them in . Facebook is the ultimate blog killer. I tend to look at fb and call it good for the day letting my emails pile up in my inbox only to have to go back and sift through them. Anyhow I need to get to work here. Over the last year I have been an ambassador for Runwell http://

/. Running is not only the quickest way to fitness it also helps to keep me grounded and "right sized". I will get back to "right sized" in a minute. Last weekend I had the pleasure of Running the Calico 50k. In most races I start slow and do my best to finish mid pack and talk to folks along the way. Not today! I have not been training on any kind of regular basis and wanted to see what my legs had in store for me. I decided to start at the front and hold on as long as I could. Little did I realize the front runners were bookin! I held off from dropping too hard and managed to finish 14th or 15th overall. I blew through the first 2 aid stations only slowing to thank the volunteers as I passed. One of the many lessons I learned running through Egypt( Oh yea, I'll write that report) was how little extra food I need to run 50k. My ride was prompt and I was scrambling to grab my gear and head out the door. The only thing I forgot was a post race cap and my inhaler. The cap was not the end of the world but I was a little worried about the inhaler or lack there of it. Turns out it was a non issue. Made it to the race with plenty of time to spare.

Dang!

So I have this huge draft of a post that I can't seem to find and have to start over. Ugh, writing is one thing but having to do it over and over kind of bums me out.

I was fortunate to be able to go to Egypt and return. The run through the Sahara was unbelievable. My biggest concern was running day after day with the pack on. I look forward to the day I get to run 135 miles all at once at some race, Badwater, Brazil 135, Arrowhead 135. I will run one (or all) of these one day.

I am very grateful to Runwell for giving me the opportunity to run through the Sahara.  Here are a few of the people I would get to know over the next week. Timo and Kriss, my tent mates.

The entire trip seemed somewhat surreal. I had asked to be an ambassador by Linda and agreed to run the Sahara without really grasping the true vastness of the race.  We were summoned to get on the bus with our "box" lunch for the ride out to the sand. I was cracking up as I pulled my "bag" of Subway out of the many boxes sitting in the sun outside of our Buses. We saddled up on to the buses for a four hr, ride out to the sand. I quickly learned the difference between a four hour bus ride here in the states and one in Egypt. Here it would be a couple hundred miles or so, in Egypt maybe 30-100miles. Lets just say I would be happier running through the Sahara than driving through Cairo.

Not sure if that is a smile of enjoyment or the face of reality that this is about to go down. The first night in the desert was all about settling in. I enjoyed my first freeze dried meal and hunkered down for some much needed rest. Now, I usually don't sleep well the night before a race but here I was out in THE SAHARA! OMG, this is epic! This would be my home for the next week.