100 Mile Mission Accomplished!

Over the weekend I was able to complete my third 100 mile race at the Antelope Island Buffalo Run. Aside from weather which at times resembled a nightmare, my race could not have gone better. I was able to get my fastest 100 miler ever, a PR of 27 hours and 44 minutes.

I'll have a race report and pictures tomorrow, but before then I want to thank everyone who made this great race possible.

The race volunteers: these guys braved snow storms, bitter cold wind chill of 8 degrees, strong and biting wind, and downright miserable conditions to help us runners. Just to be nice and support the sport. People like Mark Kreuzer from www.trailandultrarunning.com were a huge help.

My mom who helped crew for the race. She drove to the different aid stations and helped with supplies and moral support. She has never seen one these ultra races before and thought they were crazy. But I think she has a new perspective after this weekend. She said she loved the race environment. She loved helping runners, and was amazed how supportive, happy, and friendly everyone was. She basically rules.

My sister Hollie who helped crew and paced me from miles 50 through 68. I can't describe how brutal those 18 miles were. She started running with me at 1:00am as the weather worsened and we couldn't hardly hear each other talk because it was so windy. These are also the hardest, most technical miles with the most climbing and descending. She helped get me through some dark times.

My friend Jared Thorley who was my pacer from miles 68 through 100. Jared challenged me more than I could have pushed myself. His style of pacing was perfect. He didn't say much (which is good since my brain resembled scrambled eggs), he just kept a steady tempo ahead of me and I tried to follow.

I ran with some absolutely incredible runners during those 27 hours. You see the raw emotion and all defenses are stripped down to nothing after that many hours of running. Unparalleled bonds and friendships develop. I felt like many runners helped carry me in times when I started questioning myself. Runners like Marty and my friend Christy who I spent countless hours with.

All of you guys here on the blog have been a huge support for me also. I truly appreciate all the encouragement you guys have given. I want to buy each of you a cinnamon roll. I've met so many awesome people through the blog like Ryan who ran an amazing 21 hours at the race.

My family is my biggest support. My incredible wife Mel has never once questioned any of my silly ideas like trying to run 100 miles. Instead of saying something like "Chinese Checkers sounds like a better hobby" she says "Go for it!" I love her so much. I also have the most supportive, awesome kids ever.

I'm thankful for my Heavenly Father and the body I've been given. There were more than a few times where I muttered a silent prayer to help get me through some difficult times. I'm sure God looked down on people in the middle of the night getting blown around a mountain and just smiled and shook his head and said "Chinese Checkers sounds like a better hobby." Despite my choice of hobbies, I think he still helped me out.

So there you have it. My scrawny chicken legs carried me 100 miles but it was a completely team effort. I couldn't have done it without everything I mentioned here. I feel so blessed and so thankful that I was able to make it to the finish line. I'll have the whole story tomorrow.

 

"Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independent of logic." ~ Tim Noakes