2023 Year in Review

Wow- just Wow. As I sit down and reflect on all that 2023 has offered it's almost overwhelming. I have been everywhere and enjoyed every minute of it all. Here's a recap of most of it. Enjoy the Journey! 

I left my physical job to work full time on my online coaching business. In December of 2022, I worked my final day at a local Surveying job. They helped me get to this spot by sending me home first when the work was thin. I would work on my own business and certification/training when sent home. And in mid-December, I was able to pull the plug and commit to full-time coaching. As a quick recap, I started Altitude Endurance Coaching in 2018 while working a full-time job. This has been a long project and I have been hustling! So excited to work at my dream job full-time now!

Come February, we here in the mountains are always craving that first dry dirt run, and my friends and I made it happen twice on the Loma- Kokopelli trails. These trails are just about a 90-minute drive west of us here in Glenwood Springs, Co. Our Midwest friend Rob was in town visiting for one of those occasions. We showed him all the local spots, the Hot Springs and got a couple of turns on Sunlight Mtn on our snowboards. We may have overdone it as he is already asking about coming back this winter!

Welcome Home Bailey! 

Meet Bailey! We brought Bailey home on March 22nd. She has been a welcomed addition to our family. Predominately Border Collie with a little Aussie Shepard she is quick and smart! She gets out every day for 3-5 miles between my wife and I. Next Spring when she is fully grown she and I can get out for some much longer adventures! Can't wait!!

I was able to help out as a part-time High School Track and Field Coach in Spring. What a rewarding experience to be able to share my passion for running with these young adults. I grew up as a track star and enjoyed being a part of the team this year. While coaching I was able to obtain my level 1 USATF Coaching Certification. 

Steve House has created a brand and a movement in the mountaineering coaching space. I am excited to be a small part of Uphill Athlete as a coach and was equally as excited to share in the first Uphill Athlete staff retreat in Boulder Colorado in mid-April. What a great group of individuals that are passionate about coaching. Meeting the staff from around the globe and sharing in the conversation was amazing. 

I took my level 1 USATF coaching knowledge and was able to use it as the Head Coach for our Springers Track and Field summer program. This program is offered locally to students 17 and under for 6 weeks and ends in mid-July. Both of my daughters were able to participate and that made this a little sweeter. We had morning practices 4 days a week and all the participants were able to try something new to them. Hurdles, shot put, high jump, long jump, relays, discus, sprints, and distance events were offered. Our season ended with a home meet and a ton of fun was had!

A "Slam" in our running community is 4 events in the same calendar year. It comes from the baseball reference of a Grand Slam, scoring four runs off of one homerun. There are probably more but the two most popular are the Grand Slam and the Rocky Mtn Slam. I had crafted my own Slam to challenge myself. The events I chose were all within a 91-day window, from June 16th to Sept 16th. This was going to be a challenge to state the obvious and I had given the title of " Redemption Year" for a few reasons. In 2013- a full decade ago- I had dropped out of the Bighorn 100 at mile 30. I showed up that year ill-prepared for this course and it has bothered me since. Always just lingering in the background as the course that beat me. I needed redemption! In 2021 I backed down from the 100-mile distance to the 50-mile distance at the Ouray event just 6 weeks before the start. I could not see how I was going to finish the hundred with the plantar fasciitis I was dealing with. I did limp through the 50 and was a successful finisher, but I wanted to return for the 100. Leadville has been in my blood since the first time I stepped onto the start at 6th and Harrison in 2010. I have since finished 7 of nine starts here and hope to earn my 1,000-mile buckle in the coming years. Run Rabbit Run was a complete disaster for me in 2017. Much like my 2013 attempt at Bighorn, I showed up ill-prepared both mentally and physically. I wanted my revenge here! So, that was it. I was going to clean up my missed opportunities and race my heart out this summer!

June 16th, 2023 Bighorn 100 Wild and Scenic- 20,500 ft of elevation gain in 100 miles

July 21st, 2023 Ouray 100 Endurance Run- 42,000 ft of elevation gain in 102.1 miles

August 19th, 2023 Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run- 15,500 ft of elevation gain in 99.7 miles

September 16th, 2023- Run Rabbit Run 100- 20,500 ft of elevation gain in 101.5 miles

Total: 98,500 ft of elevation gain in 402.7 miles

First up, Bighorn 100 

My friend Ryan and I met in Denver to drive the remainder of the way to Sheridan Wy. together. Ryan and I have been racing together for quite a few years. We are typically near each other as far as pace goes when the miles add up to 100 or more. We both decided to go solo and just use the drop bags and aid stations. No crew and no pacers. In addition, we had planned to run it together to help with the lack of outside support. It was a solid plan that lasted for ... a quarter mile. It had rained for the week leading up to the event and only stopped an hour before the start. Although it wasn't currently raining at the start and it wouldn't for the remainder of the event, the rain had created a ton of mud- more than the normal amount of mud that this event is known for. The road for the mass start was riddled with giant puddles that most athletes were trying to avoid, including Ryan. Not me though! I went right through the biggest one and in the process lost Ryan. For the remainder of the event, we were on our own. I ran with a few other runners but mostly I was in my own space. I kept moving efficiently and kept thinking that at any moment Ryan would catch up. The mud was thick and slick. The off-camber trail made it even tougher to stay on the trail. I planned to go out conservatively and finish with a little energy to spare. It was going to be a long season and I didn't need to crush myself in the first event. Just after the 50-mile turn I did "see" Ryan. The last few miles to the turn around is a muddy bog typically and was even worse with this year's rain. About a mile out Ryan and I crossed paths. In the dark and in the mud I was already chilled and needing to keep moving forward. Ryan appeared to be moving better than I so I assumed that he would catch up. Nope. We would both go on without the other for 49.75 miles. By morning (24hrs in) the sun would come up and start to attempt to dry things out slightly. A quarter mile out from the finish and Ryan caught me! We were both fairly confused and Ryan thought that I had already finished so he went running through the finish line without me finishing 20 seconds in front of me! It was comical, to say the least, and we laughed about it all the way home. Bighorn was complete and I was already thinking about Ouray. 

Simon Guerard

Simon Guerard, yes this Simon, asked for some help with crewing and pacing his Badwater 135 starting on July 4th. I have an interest in this event so I jumped at the opportunity. I was able to get out to Death Valley National Park to help for a few days. Badwater is hot as hell- not even joking. After my long drive, I got out of my truck to see what all the fuss was about with this heat. I've run in heat before up to 120 degrees, why was this an issue? Upon stepping out, it hit me- a HOT wind, like that of a hair drier whoofed past me. I thought it was a joke of some sort. But sadly it wasn't. Just a few short hours before, Simon and the crew took pics at the starting line where the temp was 127 degrees f. Badwater 135 is a unique event and very different from other ultrarunning events. There are no aid stations at all, so your crew can support you multiple times(understatement) on the course. We crewed Simon just about every two miles for the first few hours before switching to about 2.5-3 miles. That's a lot of stopping and going! This left very little time for rest from the crew but we got it done. I paced later in the event for roughly 25 miles. Simon was steady and consistent as usual and was able to finish well within the cut-offs. All in all, it was a great experience to see new places and see what the event is all about. I still have that interest in this event but there are bigger fish to fry. Congrats again Simon!

Jodi and Bryce from UltrAspire

As I retreated from the HOT Death Valley heat I stopped into UltrAspire HQ. Located in St. George Utah, UltrAspire is one of the leading brands in the running-specific gear market. They create the best packs, lights, handhelds, and waist belts in the industry, in my opinion. It was a privilege and honor to meet the team. Bryce, Jodi, Zach, and Hugo were all on-site the day I stopped in and I was given the full tour. How cool to see it all in action! I have been an Ambassador with the brand for 4 seasons. I can demo some new gear and give feedback on that gear, and how it worked or didn't. It is such a great process to be a part of and one I do not take for granted. 

Coach Zoe, who I work together with at Uphill Athlete, asked me to help out with a fundraiser she was kicking off in Leadville. This was a no-brainer and I jumped in to assist. We were able to raise a couple hundred dollars for Lake County Search and Rescue by offering a run/hike up and down the infamous Hope Pass. I made some new friends on that beautiful afternoon in the middle of July. Thanks for the invite, Zoe!

Eva and Pete from New Zealand

July 21st Ouray 100

This GIANT event made me a bit nervous. I shifted my training from Bighorn and mostly running to hiking giant climbs. Ouray has 14 climbs with very little to no flat sections between them. To put it into perspective, the Hardrock 100 boasts a whopping 36,000 ft of elevation gain while Ouray offers a soul-crushing 42,00 ft of elevation gain. My "A" team of crew/pacers of Mark and Leanne would fall through due to their own event, the Tahoe 200, being moved to the same weekend as Ouray due to extreme snow on the course. Ryan and I were back to solo-ing this one too. Through a mutual friend(Thanks Eszter!) I was connected to Pete and Eva. Pete and Eva were traveling through the area from New Zealand for the month and offered to help us with pacing in the weeks leading up to the race. We only met the day before the event. That's one of the great things about this sport. We will go out of our way to support each other, no questions asked. I think I have done this exact thing for others a handful of times. Spoiler Alert! Pete and Eva become critical for us to finish. Simon Guerard was also there racing and Nora would crew and pace him. The three of us would interact for most of the first half of the race. On the first overnight section returning over Richmond Ridge, Ryan and I would struggle together. It was a challenging night on a high mountain pass after a full day of moving uphill. By first light, we made it to the Weehawken Aid Station at mile 58.8 where we could pick up a pacer. The original plan was to have Pete jump in and go the remaining miles with both Ryan and me. And just like Bigfoot, that plan went by the wayside. Ryan was not moving well and I started to feel a little better as I do when the sun comes up. The modified plan was for Pete to go with Ryan and me solo till later in the event. The hope was that Pete could get Ryan moving and catch up to me. The course has a bunch of these out and backs that allowed me to gauge where Ryan was in relation to my position on the course. At each passing, Ryan was hanging tough and right on my heels. Eva jumped in with me with 25 miles to go. It was a big help. Well into the second night, with just two climbs to go, we didn't see Ryan. He would tap out at mile 85. Eva and I would keep moving and have a huge laugh about one of my hallucinations! I would eventually shuffle across the finish line with my daughters by my side in just under 50 hours. 

Aug 19th Leadville 100

Finish line with Ken Chlouber

This is where it all started in 2010. I just love this town and event. I always try and show up early and stay late. This year would be no exception. I drove up on Thursday to enjoy the Leadville Legacy Foundation dinner at Freight. This is always a great time to celebrate and hear some of the amazing work the Foundation is doing for the community. At the 4 am start on 6th St and Harrison Ave, I was feeling good. After the first 25 miles, I quickly knew that the sub-25-hour goal was not going to happen and I was going to need to dig deep to make cut-offs. Twin Lakes is always fun and I was excited to see family and friends. Mark and Leanne would be here to crew and pace and Katie and the girls were on site for support. Once through outbound, I would just have to tackle Hope Pass, twice, for a total of 6,000 ft gained. At Winfield, the halfway mark, I would have just over an hour on the aggressive cut-offs. Upon my return to Twin Lakes, it would be whittled down to just under an hour. Leanne would jump in and we would move efficiently through the darkness. Later, Mark would swap out Leanne and we would climb the dreaded Powerline Rd. Slowly I would get over it and we would make it to May Queen Aid Station with that hour buffer. With just about a half marathon left and the sun peaking over the horizon we would move around the lake in a run-walk pattern. I would be greeted by my friends and family for the last mile walk to the finish and my well-earned hug from race founders Ken and Merilee. This is my 8th finish at this event and I am already planning the remaining 2 to be awarded a 1,000-mile buckle. This particular weekend usually falls on Mark's birthday. I really appreciate Mark and Leanne taking the time to help me finish these events. 

Sept 15th Run Rabbit Run

Too Tired to be Surprised! 

After completing the first three events in my Slam, I was excited to get to work on the final event in the project. This one would prove to be extremely challenging as I was exhausted from the racing season. I would strongly consider quitting on a few occasions, and as early as 17 miles in. Mark and Leanne would be back to crew/pace (on their anniversary!) and we would be supported by Adam McRoberts. Adam has a Podcast that I have been glued to for a few years now. I reached out a while back as I wanted to hear more episodes about the Nolans 14 route. We connected and have been friends since. Adam helped me out last year at the Moab 240 and with a bunch of experiences in ultra running, he is a great asset to our crew. The weather was perfect during the day and temps got a bit low at night. The team would keep me going when I didn't think I could. It was really special to share the last 6 miles with these three friends. I was pretty banged up at the finish and just wanted to be done. My wife surprised me with a custom tee recounting this unique season of races. What a great moment, just wish I was able to enjoy it a bit more. I was spent. 

These Guys are the Best!

Sept 29th United Endurance Sport Coaching Academy (UESCA) offered its first annual Coaching Conference! I was so excited to join in the fun! Three days of talking about all things running- count me in! The presenters were very informative and I was able to absorb a lot of information. Attendance also allowed me to extend my UESCA Ultrarunning Coaching Certification. Can't wait till the 2nd Annual!!

The Moab 240 was started in 2017 and I have only missed the 2018 event. I have volunteered all but the two years I ran the event in 2020 and 2022. And this year would be no exception. I spent 9 total days in and around Moab helping as a volunteer. For the first 5 days, I was at race HQ as part of the set-up team before heading to Geyser Pass as the Aid Station Captain for the remainder of the event. This was my first experience with HQ and it was eye-opening to see how much work goes into the event behind the scenes. I do love to be out on the course and working the 200-mile aid station was right in my wheelhouse. I still stand by my claim that I get more sleep as a participant than I do as a volunteer. Always nice to share in my community. If all goes to plan I should be toeing the line again in 2024. 

The Javelina Jundred (100) is an ultramarathon in Arizona and falls on the Halloween holiday celebration weekend. It is our sports Burning Man. It may have been the most fun I have had in a long time. It helped that I went all out with the costume to boot. The festival vibes were apparent all the way down to the fire twirlers and all-night DJ. I had 4 friends running in the event and a few coached athletes participating as well. Leanne, Mark, and Simon all would run the 100 miles while Simon's better half Nora would run the 100k(62 miles!). The course consists of 20-mile loops so I could hold down camp and take care of my runners as they passed through, as well as act ridiculous in my costume! On Mark's final 20-mile lap I was able to (without my costume!) pace him. It was great to be out on the course sharing in his excitement of a personal best (PB)! Everyone in my camp was successful and that always leaves me with a great feeling. 

On November 4th we found ourselves in Steamboat Springs for the Girls on the Run 5k. My third grader participated for the past 6 weeks in this great program for 3-5th graders. They teach basic running but more importantly, they teach individuals of all abilities to recognize their unique strengths, while building a sense of connection. It's a great program that I am happy to support. My wife and I ran the 5k with our daughter. I was not prepared for the interval workout, from her and her friend walking and the sprinting from telephone pole to telephone pole but we got it done and had fun in the process. 

The Sapinenti 5k Turkey Trot

Sapinenti 5k Turkey Trot

My wife works in healthcare at our local hospital. That means some odd hours and some weekends and holidays. She loves her job. This year her holiday to work was Thanksgiving. So, we make due and create a backup plan. The Sapinaro's, Katie's older sisters' family came to stay for a few days and celebrate an early Thanksgiving. But, for our two families, it's not Turkey Day without a Turkey Trot! So, we did that too. I mapped out a 5k out-and-back route on our local bike path without any road crossing or turns. Katie's sister Laura had tee's made and we were set! The Sapinenti 5k, a play on our last names, was a go! We ran this event on Monday and hosted 17 for Turkey Dinner on Tuesday. I did jump into our local turkey trot on Thursday as well and enjoyed three miles with Mark and Leanne. 

Mark and Leanne are the Best!

As you have read (if you even made it this far!) I have been busy. I also have a great network of supportive friends and family that I am so grateful for. I love this running community and want to be a part of it for another 49 years. 

What's next? I will be turning 5-0 in 2024. I have some BIG ideas but nothing is set until after our community lottery season comes to an end. I will apply for the HardRock 100, Western States 100, and Leadville 100 lotteries for 2024. Those drawings will set the stage for what will be another remarkable season of running. I am excited for all that is to come!  

...That Dream again...

 I had the dream last night, again... It pops up a handful of times throughout the year. It's a less desirable one. Not like the one where I'm flying down a mountainside on a skinny tired bike and then just become weightless and float the rest of the way... Nope. Nothing like that one. 

No, no, this one is the one where I wake confused and disoriented. This is the one where I wake trying to see if my surroundings are familiar. It is the one that leaves me hesitant, almost cringing, to open my eyes fearful of what may be- what I might have to deal with- who I may have hurt. I wake trying to put the pieces together of a blurry evening. My stomach twists from the guilt and disappointment in myself. Something that I have experienced quite a few times.... Sometimes the pieces of the prior evening come back quickly and some of those times not so much-

Even now.. even today... after 4 years of sobriety... it still feels so real. I guess that shouldn't surprise me... I had those experiences for decades... and now after 4 years I just expect them to go away? What does surprise me is how real it still feels- even though it was just a dream these days.. What does surprise me is how once I figure out it was just another dream that the physical effects associated with my blurry evening just disappear, that they too were just all in my head. It is a powerful sickness...

Today... as I put the pieces of that sometimes wild dream back together to realize it was only just that... a dream. I am sober this morning. I have made good decisions last night not to drink. 1,461- That's how many good decisions I have made consecutively. Nothing is guaranteed in this life and each one of those is a precious gift. 

I do recall that first year, year and a half. It was awkward, I was awkward. There were moments where I didn't know what to do with my hands because I wasn't holding a beverage at social gatherings. I can share that it has gotten a lot better. I have found my stride in environments that I use to struggle in. I'm still awkward thought...

If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, or may be considering just taking a break, I want you to know there are people willing to help. I am thankful for the people who have helped me along this crazy journey. 

Bigger Than The Trail is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that is using trail running as a platform to advocate for mental health. Our mission is to enrich the lives of individuals struggling with mental health. Bigger Than The Trail has partnered with some amazing organizations to offer free online counseling. These services allow you 24hr access to licensed counselors via text or video. You can get support when you need it at no cost. Please consider these services if you are wanting a change, or even considering a change. 

Moab 240 2020

The Moab 240 is one single continuous loop circumnavigating the Moab landscape. The Start is at the north end of town and makes its way west and south slightly before turning directly south up into the Abajo Mountain range, specifically Shay Mtn. The course starts to turn to the north and slightly east with a direct line of sight to the La Sal Mtn range. After nearly 170 miles, the route gains 9k ft in the next 25 miles. After all that, it is a continuous steady descend of 30 miles back to the Colorado River and the north end of town. That is it! 

Start to mile 72:

Justin and I at Amasa Back

"The question we are asking runners quickly changed from 'are you out of water' to ' how many miles have you traveled without water?' '' -aid station volunteer at Breaking Bad Aid mile 57. 

The start was cool and calm. I wanted to run as much as possible before the sun got too high and started its slow heating up of the canyons. These miles are done with limited crew access and was a great time to settle in with a few participants. I ran with Torrey and Jason and another guy- Pretty lighthearted miles until noon. Mark and LeAnne were Aid station captains at Amasa Back Aid at mile 17.8. It was a nice treat to have friends on course early.  It was clear to me that it was going to get hot and water may become an issue. I quickly started to ration my precious commodity ensuring it was to last until the next available refill station. I slowed down in the heat intentionally trying to straddle the fine line of pace and energy output. Others in my line of sight were in the same predicament. The day passed and nightfall came. Eventually, I arrived at the Breaking Bad aid Station. Seth was working this aid station that crew was not able to access. Again, a welcomed treat to have friends out on course. It was a rough scene at Breaking Bad- There was a lot of carnage from the days heat. I stayed for an hour eating and drinking and getting my feet taped up. Mostly everyone overstayed their welcome. I spent the remainder of that night trying to drink as much fluid as possible trying to dig out of the hole of dehydration. I pushed on and headed for Indian Creek where I was to see my crew and aid station captain Michael McKnight. Mike wished me well and I climbed into the back of my car for a little rest, some food, resupply, foot care, and my first pacer!

Leanne, Thomas, and Justin acting like its fun...

Miles 72 to 102: Indian Creek- The Island- Bridger Jack
~Wes and I were able to get out just before the pandemic lockdown and run these two sections in March. I recalled our spring adventure and hoped Wes was doing well in front of me- he was showing signs of dehydration earlier as well. In Spring, we had a great two days of scouting. His insight and knowledge were super helpful.

A little rest went a long way to feeling human once again. I bet I slept 40 minutes at Indian Creek. Thomas and I clipped along steadily and picked up Ryan. As a foursome (racers and pacers) we rolled into The Island aid station. We ate and refilled. Thomas and I had no plans to rest here and quickly moved on. The day was hot again and I made frequent stops in whatever shade was available. After the event I picked Thomas' brain for any significant happenings on this section and we both agreed that it was pretty cut and dry. We moved slowly, it was hot, and there were spots of wind that picked up sand. I did see a "mirage" of an aid station that I was certain of. As we approached, it was clear it was just another slab of sandstone. Thomas thought I was being weird-er. I do recall the crew car being a mile, mile and a half past the aid station which almost broke my spirit...

The Always Strong Ryan McAfee

Miles 102 to 121: Bridger Jack to Shay Mtn 

This section was a mile, mile and a half shorter due to the car situation... I did a solo run on the sections from Bridger to Dry Valley just about three weeks before the event. It was nice to scout this section and was advised by Wes to check out Shay. Again, great advice as there were no surprises waiting ahead. Justin jumped in for his first pacer experience. He was new to the crew this year filling in last minute. He is young and full of energy. We made the tricky turn and descended into the valley following the riverbed for a way before climbing up 4,000 ft to Shay Mtn. It eventually became night and that might have helped- without the ability to see the top we just had to plod along until we reached Shay Aid Station. Back to the same routine of climbing in the back of the car, eating, resupply, and foot care. I believe I was out of there in 90 minutes time. 

~Maryann Reynolds has been in a wheelchair for half of my life (I'm 46 this year). She does not complain about it. She does not expect anyone to do things for her. She navigates life just as you and I do. With her own challenges, which we all can relate to having. She plans and does research as to accessibility for herself to participate. Most recently she was at Niagara Falls, and was just a little bummed not to be able to go to the Canadian side, not because of inability but due to a pandemic. She has always supported me in my athletic pursuits, always wanting me to share the race pics and stories with her. Maryann is part of my "why". I do these athletic challenges for those who cannot, may not be able to. I do them to share with her in my experiences as she is sometimes more excited for me than I am of myself. As a parent I totally get that now. Thanks Mom. 

Miles 121 to 140: Shay Mtn to Dry Valley

Was Thomas working his magic... or revenge...?

This section in training was fast and fun. Descending almost 3,000 ft made it runnable three weeks prior. Not the case after 120 miles though. I did try and run with Mark and we had a good time. Just before sunrise I was struggling to stay awake and took a 25-minute trail nap, in my space bag, right in the dirt off the side of the trail. It was the only real nap I took on course outside of the aid stations. The sun came up and we were in the Dry Valley Aid station by 9am. I think that makes it Sunday morning...?

Miles 140 to 167: Dry Valley- Wind Whistle- Rd46

This is where it gets ugly. And amazing. 30 minutes in and out of the Dry Valley aid station. Change my Topo Mtn Racers for MT3's. Refill the pack and Leanne and I are off down the "road thru hell"- we had previously named this section based off of previous racer accounts as neither of us had been on this road. We had no idea how true this would be for us this morning... We start off slowly moving when the wind starts picking up right into a headwind which turns into a sandstorm and then into a rain shower for the first 11 miles of this section. I am walking behind Leanne in an attempt to draft, yes- like NASCAR, off of her. That is how strong the wind is. This road is so exposed that you can see for 30+ miles in 360 degrees, basically just a large pile of sand. That did not do me in, but it sure helped to knock me down. The sky clears and we have a two mile road section to get to Wind Whistle aid station. That is what did me in. I was roughly 150 miles in and could not muster enough to walk two miles into the aid station. There was no shade available as the tall grass was only ankle high. How does that stuff even grow in sand...?  

1:41pm Sunday Oct 11^th. I’m far down this rabbit hole... Leanne is encouraging …but... she's also fading in and out... of my fog.. I can’t... I just can’t anymore... I have to sit- No- I must sit, lay down right here...Car slows to a stop- "Hi, (strong Texan Drawl) (awkward pause) ...is he alright??"

Death by the side of the Road

That was it- that was all I had. Leanne is standing over me on the road to ensure that cars do not run me over. I have the negative thoughts already working their way in.. you did a great 150 miles,.. shoulda trained harder... ask the sweet southern lady for a ride, your day is over...  Once those thoughts are present, they are so hard to reverse. It felt like an hour, but Leanne would tell you that it was 8 minutes. I must keep moving and find another reserve- I must dig deeper. I get up and shuffle into the aid station. It takes me 1hr 10 minutes to cover the remaining 1.3 miles, but I get it done. Side note- Leanne and I both heard the wind actually whistle and thought the other was whistling... made for a well needed laugh.  Still not having come clean to Leanne that I believe my day is over- I decide to try the race advice given at check in. Eat and sleep before making any decision to drop. And so, I do just that. I eat maybe 3,000 calories in a breakfast burrito before passing out in a horse blanket with all my clothes on still shivering in the 75-degree weather. I wake and eat even more in a spicy gumbo (who would thought?) and potato chips. I really need to get up and get to rd46 so I can drop. We push off for the next section and I am already anticipating the death march ahead. But... something happened... I started to move... better and better. Leanne reminds me that I have not put any music on- I did build a 15 hr playlist for just this moment...

6:36pm Sunday Oct 11th “ ...She feels like kicking out all the windows And setting fire to this life She could change everything about her Using colors bold and bright But all the colors mix together...!" - Grey Street- Dave Matthews Band. Singing with LeAnne while moving at a 12-minute mile...

…And just like that we are moving with the sun setting at our backs and the La Sal Mtns directly in front of us and the lower rim in full glow- we are clipping off miles and having a grand ole time! My spirit returns and there is no way I am not finishing this thing. It was all an experiment to this point- could I? - would my body hold up? - But not any longer- this is when I knew I was getting it done. 

~Ultras marathons– and life- is just like that. In the ultras as time and distance pass the highs and lows start to cause waves starting gently and then growing from there. I was in some rough choppy waters at Wind Whistle aid station not sure I would stay afloat- but I held on and kept moving- even when my physical body did not want to anymore. And now, just 5 hrs later I am riding the crest of the wave and enjoying it. I sure am enjoying myself but slightly hesitant as to the possibility of another low…

Leanne and I shuffle on and pick up Ryan. Ryan McAfee is a fellow participant. We have been doing this ultra thing for a bit and happen to wind up at the same races and same time frames during those races. We have mutual friends in our home state. It was great to share miles with Ryan and his crew. Spoiler alert- Ryan Finishes!! We all head into Rd 46 aid station ready for some much-needed rest before the climbing sections ahead. Those hours spent with Leanne were the worst and best I would feel throughout the whole event.

~I have the four most important eyes watching every move I make. Those are the eyes of my two daughters. They are watching- learning- absorbing information- processing all that is in their line of sight. They understand quite a bit about ultrarunning- Example: while traveling to the 2019 Boston Marathon my then 7 years old asked, " Dad, will it take you all night to finish the Boston Marathon?" my reply, "I sure hope not..." It is very important to me for these girls to see that dad finishes what he starts. The life lessons of: hard work pays off- you give 110%- when faced with adversity try another way to achieve your goal- and anything is possible with the right mindset- are all lessons that I hope they are absorbing from this wonderful community and my example. I love you girls.

Geyser Pass Aid Station

Miles 167 to 201: Rd46- Pole Canyon- Geyser Pass

Mark joins back in for this grueling section of 34 miles with 9,000 ft of vertical gain and 4800 ft of descent. We team up with Ryan and Benji and have a great trip up to Pole Canyon. The four of us set off at midnight on Monday morning. Traversing the lower slopes and twisting around made me lose my sense of direction. At one point we are splitting a band of coyotes as they yip-howl to each other. Pretty powerful moments. We stay consistent and make great time to Pole Canyon. Ryan is set up for a crew change and we are not, so Mark and I push off after 45 minutes. It is now the coldest part of the day at the highest part of the course to be traveled in the next ten+ miles. It is 20 degrees and Mark is shivering- I got in Ryan’s truck for 15 minutes with the seat heat on- So I drive a quick pace to get us warmed up. And it felt good. So, I kept driving a solid pace through the climbs. I turned up another playlist and keep pushing through sunrise.

~In 2017, the inaugural year of this event, I reached out to Michael McKnight and offered to pace him. Initially he said he was all set but then a few days later he inquired about my offer. I paced Mike from Rd46 to Porcupine Rim- roughly 60 miles of this course. Mike went on to finish third that year behind Courtney and Sean. I was amazed how Mike just glided up those climbs and had it still all together after 160+ miles in his legs. I reflected on my own experiences this year peak bagging eleven 14,000 ft mountains in my home state for training. I tried to channel my inner Mike through those climbs and think I succeeded.

Later in this section as it warmed, and we packed away the cold weather gear in our packs I fell- hard. Just a fleeting moment of not paying perfect attention, one long slow blink, and my toe caught the root- I had no reaction at all. By some crazy luck, I landed in some soft dirt with a thud. Mark looked pretty concerned and did a full inspection of damages. Nothing major and we were moving again. As we came into Geyser Pass aid station right around 2 in the afternoon, we decided to take a solid break and start back at dinner time, when the temps would cool. Geyser was the best aid station for me. My girls and wife were there, crew made a nice tailgating spot and I just enjoyed the late afternoon rest with my friends and family. All the pressure was off, and it felt as though we were just having a picnic. The burger from the aid station was bomber- thick cut onions were the ticket. I only slept 20-25 minutes and wanted to absorb all the energy from this group of friends and my family that I could. They had made a ton of sacrifices to be here for me and they probably still do not know how much that means to me. So, thank you again to Mark and Leanne, Thomas, the new guy Justin, and of course my wife and girls. As I sit here reflecting on those moments, I can see the color in the trees, the warmth of the sun, and the fulness of my heart. These are the moments I will treasure.

Miles 201 to 223: Geyser to Porcupine Rim

It was hard to leave that aid station. I was truly enjoying the moment. Justin and I set off with Ryan and Benji again for this section. Within a few miles…

5:35pm Monday Oct 12th. "Hey! Is that a lake down there?!" Me, "it sure look like it..." Justin enthusiastically replies" I'm going in! I'll catch up to you!" 

Sunset on Sand Flats Road

Justin is skinny dipping in Oowah Lake… I kept plugging along. Ryan stops at the campground to re-tape his hamburgered feet and I start to get some rhythm going. Justin catches up and we are running a decent 14-minute mile pace through Sand Flats Road. Justin had run his farthest distance in the previous section of 19 miles and now will top that with this 22-mile section. Great work Justin on your first Ultra of 41 miles! I am still pretty pumped up and want to continue on quickly once into Porcupine Rim aid. The plan was a quick 14-minute power nap and then drive this train wreck home! Well… that did not happen- I could not move after 14 minutes, so I climbed back into the crew car and slept for another 40 minutes. Waking up still groggy the miles and time on feet were starting to stack against me….

~The overwhelming support from friends and family both near and as far as Belgium(thanks Lionell!!) was incredible. The encouraging words throughout the week and messages at all hours of the event sure helped, more than you will ever know. It was in those darkest of moments that I was able to reach into my pocket and reconnect with your thoughtful messages. Sharing my tracker info was one of the best things I could have done. I will continue with that practice moving forward. 

Miles 223 to 240.2, the Finish!

After experiencing the worst and best running of the entire event with Leanne, she is back for more. But I’m tired and the playlist isn’t working anymore for me… We bounce and shuffle down the rim and stay consistent in forward progress. I take frequent breaks and continue down in the dark. I have been on this trail on a bike and running in years past but tonight I am having trouble finding the line- the path of least resistance. Leanne takes the lead and I shuffle about 15 yards behind following her line. That work until…

 4:04am Tuesday Oct. 13th  " Lake County Dispatch- We just received a 911 hang up call from this number- Did you call 911?". "um..yes." "What's your current location sir". "I am on the Porcupine Rim Trail..."

Yup. I called 911. That happened… I was trying to shut the phone volume off due to its inability to motivate me and in turn called 911. The dispatcher was not impressed with my slurred speech and did not ask why I was in the middle of a popular mtn bike trail at 4 in the morning… Shortly thereafter we reach the last 5k of trail. A beautifully paved bike path back to the starting line. My phone is buzzing with messages from everyone. Leanne and I run in…

The crew is all at the park waiting- I can feel their excitement. We walk in together and that’s another one of those moments that never leaves- the last mile of Leadville will always hold fond memories and this walk with my team can be added to it. Penelope and I run in together and Anna gets to help pick the awarded belt buckle. That is it. We are in!

~I set my goals for myself high. High enough that they seem -even to me- to be outrageous. I navigated a plan to deliver me to the start with the best possible outcome. I do the work. Even when the work gets stale, or tiring, and when life gets in the way. I make the time. Running for 4 days in Moab does not allow any excuses as to the best times to train- any time is the best time to train. I ran at 3,4,5am as well as 9,10,11pm into the night as well as well into the daytime hours. That is what it takes. That is what I did. I am proud of myself for sticking to the process, and not letting the negative self-talk creep in enough to spoil my plan. This has not always been the way things work for me, and I am learning and growing on each new challenge. Thanks for being a part of my journey. “What a long strange trip it’s been…”

Thank You!