running, life and living the dream

Just Before the Start Mesa , Arizona - November 10 2012-Pass Mountain 50k Approaching mile 29, I was chasing a six hour finish, the trail was weaving in and out of washes and I found myself being approached by two riders on horseback.   They yielded to me so I pushed hard up the little hill were they waiting for me to pass.   As I reached the top, muscle cramps in both my calves involuntarily collapsed me to my butt.   My first instinct was to grab at my right calf, which was knotted up.   I could not flex either of my feet without pain.   The two riders looked down at me concerned, and asked if I was okay; I knew eventually the muscle cramps would pass, but for the time being I was lying on the ground embarrassed.   They stayed with me until I was able to get up and hobble off to complete the last two miles of the race. The Start of the Race: It was chilly and breezy out, thick clouds covered the mountain tops, and the sun was slowly making ...