This Is It!

Well the training is over, last easy 6 mile run today with lots of friends and fellow Transrockies runners.  A bunch of us are loading into the Yukon tomorrow for the drive to Durango where we will stay, have a nice dinner, and then continue on to Buena Vista and the start of Transrockies 2011.

On December 4, 2010, I couldn't have guessed I would be where I am today.  With over 1700 miles, 230+ runs, and 175,000 feet of climbing, I have run crazy runs, including multiple Grand Canyon runs, even in the middle of the night, 3 days of back to back running at 11,500 in the majestic San Juan Mountains of Colorado, and a ridiculous 27 mile adventure smack dab in the middle of all of this.

There have been days of worrying about my body, weird aches and pains that would come and go.  Wondering who I would run with on a particular day, and even at times wondering why I was even doing this at all.

My family has been awesome during all of this as I got up and ran early almost every day during the kids summer break.  This journey has been selfish but rewarding.  Im not sure what I am going to do when the race is over, but its hard to just let it go when you have been living a lifestyle day after day for over 8 months.

The best part about this journey is the number of quality runners and friends that I have met during my training.  Flagstaff has a ridiculous amount of talented runners and being able to run with them, have a beer, and just enjoy hanging out has been incredible.

My coach Mike Smith who is also running TRR has been unbelievable.  There is not a nicer, more positive person that I would want to be involved with in this process.  When I was feeling good, he was pumping me up even more, when I was feeling down, he knew just what to say to help turn things around.

My wife Jen has been on countless training runs with me as she rides the bike and we get to spend time chatting.  She is going to be there all week volunteering at the finish line.  It will be great to see a smiling face at the end of each stage, not only for me but all the Flagstaff runners that will also be there.

My partner Joel and I are probably more compatible than any team that I have seen.  Our fitness, speed, style, and humor are all similar which will make for an epic adventure.

I have had crazy nerves the last couple of days but as Mike and Erin have told me, just "go out for a run for 6 days.  Its no different than the last 230 days you have been running".  I am more than prepared, I am not intimidated.

What more can you ask for than a fully supported camping trip with 20 of your closest friends that will be there when you are down, and also to celebrate when everything is good.

The training journey is over but the reward is about to begin.

maw