Well Shit!

That’s how my Eagle Up Ultra race ended at 57 -1/2 miles. HA! But, enough of that! Now that I have recovered, I owe a lot of people more thanks than I have words for but I will do my best.

I would not have been able to collapse on the side of the trail in the dark with plan C (to finish 100K, beating my personal best by 6 hours) firmly in our sights had it not been for the OpaRuns Crew and Pacers! For NASCAR fans, it was like having an awesome car, the best pit crew yet lacking a driver that just wasn’t up to the talents that surrounded and supported him. Not feeling sorry for myself, just stating a fact that only motivates me to fix what we learned went wrong in preparing for our next race.

Now that I have had some time to reflect and talked to some of the team, I find that there is one positive in everything that is associated with the Ultra Runner that I never really had as a shorter distance runner: At the center of all Ultra Runners is a Team of Support.

People like a CREW takes care of you when you come into an aid station, kicks your butt back out before you get too comfy and strokes your ego or gives you just enough pity, when needed. When you think you can’t go on, they also dole out the tough love and always keeps you on task and remind you what you are there for.

Then there are the PACERS. They get to see the side of you that many don’t. Like when you’re struggling to keep going and want to quit or throwing up the water and food they just gave you. Let’s not forget helping me stay awake, giving words of encouragement, making sure I eat and drink as well as assessing me and relaying that information back to the crew leader (so they can call your chiropractor in to give you an adjustment! HA!). Unlike the crew who sees you for a few minutes at a time, the Pacer can sometimes be with you for hours and has to keep you in line, motivated and moving. In some cases, they’re the one that has to make the hard call if you go down (sorry Tim) .

In my past races, I usually remember a ton of details from how I felt, which sections were fast, what things happened while out running, what went wrong, how crappy I felt, what troubles I had, etc. I usually remember very little about the pit stops and my time with pacers.

This race was different.

I remember more about the people that surrounded me. The crew that kept me going and would not let me give up, the pacers, the people that came out to say “hi” and those that were with me when I did go down! I am still smiling and laughing at all the things that I shared with so many other people from talking to folks about crewing and pacing before the race, to those that helped get things prepared the night before, the morning of and throughout the race. Those that were there at the 57 ½ mile, the gang that hung out with me in ER and those that visited and contacted me days later to see how I was. I am a lucky man.

I most often am a man of few words, to Sherry’s frustration, but in this case, I wanted to share my thoughts in hopes of showing how truly grateful I am to have the family and friends supporting me and sharing in my journey. Thank you ALL so very much and here is to the next one!!!!