running, life and living the dream

Mesquite Canyon 50K, White Tanks Regional Park , Waddell Arizona . 3/23/13 The race takes you on various trails including Ford Canyon , Mesquite , and Iron Wood just to name a few.   You are constantly climbing and descending as you watch every foot fall.   I found myself having to regain my balance, several times, after taking my eyes off the trail to enjoy the views and terrain.    The heat got to me and affected me mentally for a little while.   Once I finally accepted it was warm out, I mentally told my self to stop being a little baby (it might have been another “B” word), but I was able to once again truly enjoy the course. Sometimes you got to stop and smell the roses; and The White Tanks offer marvelous scenery. I give credit to all the runners who completed/attempted the 50 mile race.   I am amazed at the physical and mental toughness they posses.   I hope to harness some that toughness next month at the Zane Grey 50 Mile En...

Old Man 50K, Scottsdale AZ Finish time 6hr 6Min and Change After finishing “The Old Man 50k” on March 9, 2013 I was on cloud nine for a few days.     Comments I read on Face Book lead me to believe I am not the only one who felt that way.   It was a great way to celebrate a very noble man’s birthday.   Mike Miller was both the race director and honoree.   I was grateful and fortunate to be a part of this celebration.   I was invited but very much felt like it was where I belonged and needed to be.   I had such a solid run.   Don’t get me wrong, I had to work for it, but the normal aches, pain and self doubt (the wall), never came.   It’s an experience I will cherish and a feeling I hope to replicate on future runs and races.  People can be amazing; Ultra runners in particular are some of most generous people.   I got to mix it up with some incredible runners.   Some ranked, some sponsored, some just as happy as me...