Wasatch 100.....34:51

I DID IT! I DID IT! I still can't believe it. 34 hours and 51 minutes. As I sit here typing and trying to ignore all the little and big pains, I just can't believe how lucky I am. I definitely could not have done this alone. My wife and kids were troopers. They had a tough ordeal too. Seeing them at the aide stations and finally at the finish were more reward that I could imagine. Scott Mendoza, crewing me at critical times, lending me his pants and just flat out taking care of me..thank you, especially for the apple juice. Rick Robinson, the ultra crew master! Driving and crewing making sure everyone was taken care of. Phil Mendoza-helping me get to the start line with great training runs and seeing him at the finish- Your next buddy! Go rock the BEAR! Julian, AJ, Ray Jean, my sister Wendi and her family Henry, Cari and newly acquired Summer.
Edward-what can I say? I could not have done it without him. Pulled me through and got me to the finish. I would like to officially announce the Wasatch 100k winner-Scott Jaime. Having his knowledge one the course, nutrition, running and life have proved invaluable.
The race started and I was off. I wasn't sure what to expect for the next couple days but I knew I was on a journey. I was stuck going up towards chinscraper behind a line of nearly 25 people. Once we hit the top of chinscraper, I let the legs go. I got into Francis Peak 30 minutes slower than I wanted but I still felt pretty good. Over the next few stretches, I felt great. I ran and everything just seemed to be right. I got into Big Mountain 30 minutes faster than I wanted so I had made up 1 hour. I got in and picked up Scott for the rest of the day. Here is where things started to turn bad. Over the next 30 miles, I couldn't get ahold of stomach. I was in bad shape. I got into Lambs and there was my beautiful family talk about an instant pick up. Up and over Bear Ass pass into Millcreek and things weren't getting much better. Getting out of Millcreek was tough. I was warm, sitting down and was with friends and family-why would I want to leave. The nausea didn't get better and eating was difficult. I stumbled into Brighton but not before and ultra first for me......vomiting. I was in bad shape. I got into Brighton and was met with a sleeping bag and I went over and laid down. I felt like death and informed Scott Mendoza, I was done. There was no way I could go another 25 miles, not in this shape. I laid down for about 1 1/2 hours and things weren't much better. Scott Jaime asked, "what do you wanna do?", "you have to eat something." I just couldn't eat! I mulled over how I felt (again) and in my head, I was done. Then, I see a guy trying to fill out a DNF form but he couldn't bring himself to sign it. I went into the bathroom and looked into the mirror. I asked myself one simple question. "If I dropped out willingly, would I be able to look into the mirror again and like what I saw?" That's all I rally needed but as I went back to Scott and Scott, I saw the guy finally sign his DNF form and I knew it wasn't for me. I looked and Scott and Scott and said LETS GO! I wish I had a camera right there cause both their faces almost looked confused. We left Brighton and I told Scott Jaime, "Push me hard because I am going to finish." The rest of the race was a little slow and go especially the last 14. Talk about hell. Lots of running straight down. As we hit the road to the finish, I still couldn't believe it. I grabbed Aspen from my sister, got Samantha hand and we RAN across the finish line together again.
Overall, I feel great. It scared me how close I came to dropping but I didn't. Not a speedy time but to be honest I DON'T CARE. I learned a lot about myself on this journey and I wouldn't trade it for everything. As great as the race and finish were, getting the support from so many great people was even better. I really feel fortunate to be apart of so many people's lives and seeing the support I received was extremely humbling. I want to thank everyone again! I love you all. My first 100 miler. I heard a quote that is pretty cool- "be the hero of your own life story". I guess anything is possible.
NO EXCUSES, NO REGRETS...I DIDN'T LEAVE ANYTHING!

Wasatch 100 preview

Well, it's here. The mighty Wasatch 100. I remember sending in my application and thinking, "why not, if it's meant to be-they'll draw me". On February 2nd, the call came. I was at a Chinese restaurant celebrating my father-in-laws birthday and my beautiful daughter Samantha's b-day. It was Eddy, he said that he did not make it in but Aric Manning did. What?? Sweet, damn, hell, awesome....oh shit! Lots of thoughts passed through my head. First was guilt- Eddy didn't get in so some over weight wannabe could get a shot. My thoughts went back and forth until Eddy said, "Okay, now its time to get to work" and "I will pace you and do whatever you need." Wow!
I never thought this day would come. Some are probably happier than me that it is here.
Eddy- Poor guy gets calls all the time with questions on- "is this right", "Should I do this", "what do you think?"
Wife- For putting up with my moods and juggling the entire families schedule so I can get time to do something only I do.
Kids- Waking up on weekends only to find their dad isn't home because he is up in the mountains.
Running partners (Phil & Scott Mendoza)- listening to me on the trails and even tailoring their runs to make sure I get in what I need.
Work- just plain tired of hearing about it.
I am sure I forgot countless others who have supported me along the way.
Anywho- I appreciate all of you very much and during my adventure in the Wasatch mountains, I will think of you all!
I felt like I had a pretty good race year to build up to this point. My training has been decent and I even lost some weight. When this crazy journey started in 2005 watching Scott Jaime in the Wasatch 100, I never thought it would get to this point. Whatever happens out there this weekend, I don't regret it! The journey has been great and now it is time for the celebration (thanks Ed).
The last time I was this scared/nervous was when my daughter Aspen was born, I realize they are at opposite ends of the spectrum but it doesn't take from the fact that I am down right scared. I am going into the unknown. I have read posts, blogs and spoke to elite athletes all year (Scott Jaime, Karl Meltzer, Anton K., Skaggs bros., Brian Fisher, Paul DeWitt, Josh Brimhall, Justin Ricks, Brad Mitchell, Lisa Smith-Batchen-just to name a few) and these individuals are truly amazing! I am not going out with false dreams but sure would like to see my dream come true. A finish at the Wasatch 100!
This will be my last post before the race. Maybe it is a way to get thoughts out of my head, maybe I am over thinking, maybe I am putting too much into something that I started for fun. Whatever the reason, at least I am not alone- to see so many people you admire, look up to and love support me- it's worth it. I wear emotions on my sleeve (no secret for those who know me) and this post may seem over the top but oh well.
Well, thanks again to everyone. I am running to prove something to myself why all the while I hope I will not let anyone down. This started on a birthday in February and after this race maybe its the re-birth of Manners!
No Excuses...No Regrets....Leave Nothing!