tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38806313484827504392024-02-18T23:17:33.757-08:00CRISTA TAPPANCEO & Co-Founder of Dirtbag Runners.Writer. Apparel Designer. Event Director.
IG: @Crista.TappanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-36591266826344748442018-04-07T17:37:00.001-07:002018-04-07T17:58:27.211-07:00From California To Oregon: Home is Where The Heart is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqiLkpsHhS7Z2p5qFvwe-11OWiPfqAg44s0VgDC5YrmgVG_1sCDKtK-XWP6ksrMfia-a5c2AMKhy-hShPW0x3rgKcSJ_n19Mzk9Ptzp1wggZEaXKvomHtowQj6UFjlYQx-ryz-ltMtavd/s1600/IMG_2119+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqiLkpsHhS7Z2p5qFvwe-11OWiPfqAg44s0VgDC5YrmgVG_1sCDKtK-XWP6ksrMfia-a5c2AMKhy-hShPW0x3rgKcSJ_n19Mzk9Ptzp1wggZEaXKvomHtowQj6UFjlYQx-ryz-ltMtavd/s640/IMG_2119+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s day six of my husband, Michael, and I’s seven day journey to Portland, Oregon, from our home in Newbury Park, California. It’s the first time either of us has lived in a different state, and far away from the security blanket of our friends and family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We visited friends in San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, Mount Shasta, and our last stop - Bend, Oregon. I drove our Honda Element while Michael has been riding his Triumph Bonneville. We have traveled together through the changing landscapes, torrential downpours, dead-stopped traffic, and gorgeous hillsides. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not long after we drove across the state border, we stopped to get gas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The attendant, in a true Oregon fashion and welcome, filled up our tanks for us. I awkwardly handed him my card and he inquired about our travels. Michael told him we were moving from California to Portland, and he nodded knowingly, as if it was a trend he saw. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Whatever you do," He said, closing up the gas tank on my car. "Don't bring the crazy with you from California."</span><br />
<br />
That statement made me laugh, hard. Such a perfect little welcome to Oregon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWrWyxLBOMc-gBJHlvn0mxKAnfIBqeurQY-1F7rgf5_cK2XCy0KGeUapUm1LfmWcfOtcim2cLKidNLkz4ka3Qxm816Ngm6-ThwDlKLZSDPAI1NcUcKsVsy4FB0KyIlIsQSSRGA5Wh6ly3/s1600/Oregon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWrWyxLBOMc-gBJHlvn0mxKAnfIBqeurQY-1F7rgf5_cK2XCy0KGeUapUm1LfmWcfOtcim2cLKidNLkz4ka3Qxm816Ngm6-ThwDlKLZSDPAI1NcUcKsVsy4FB0KyIlIsQSSRGA5Wh6ly3/s640/Oregon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Sometimes in life, you feel a tug in your soul to make a life shift and take a chance. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
For Michael and I, that chance was uprooting our lives and moving to Portland, Oregon.<br />
<br />
Up until two years ago, I’ve lived in the same small sleepy beach town that I grew up in. Even after moving, I was still always within half an hour away. That’s pretty much my entire life, in one specific place.<br />
<br />
Even though I’ve traveled often and have explored many corners of this world, I’ve had the benefit of being able to return to a well-loved home and community.<br />
<br />
Unlike many people that move states, we didn’t do it because we hated where we lived. In fact, we both loved it. We loved the people, the energy, the gorgeous landscapes.<br />
<br />
We chose to move because that’s what our guts told us - for the opportunities, for the adventure, and for the chance to follow our dreams.<br />
<br />
Once we started putting the feelers out there that we were thinking about moving to the Pacific Northwest, it was like the universe sent down the reasons why we should go.<br />
<br />
Michael found out there was an amazing tattoo school in Portland. He submitted his artwork portfolio and was accepted almost immediately. He starts at the beginning of May - the program is six months and after, well, let’s just say we both, in addition to all of our friends, are going to start to be covered in tattoos ;-)<br />
<br />
I’m thrilled to also quietly announce the launch of my new marketing and design business with a friend, who is moving to south Washington with her husband in August. We felt a deep synchronicity when we both told each other that we wanted to move to the PNW (during our early talks about starting a business together). Once we are both in our new homes, we will be living closer together than when we lived in California. Incredible how things work out!<br />
<br />
Dirtbag Runners is going to benefit immensely from the move to Oregon, both as a business, but also for our community expansion and opportunities to work with other outdoor companies. Not only is Oregon better overall for a small business compared to California (which is the worst for a small business), but we are also looking to partner with several incredible companies based out of Oregon and Washington.<br />
<br />
The pull north is strong, and we are embracing that pull.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFA4MThJ8nJlNsXTH0t7XqUAv_UGP4HvGmoIttdF20pzPt0jhUb1aFBlQBfetYaa0caCo_rLCufndb-Gjaboayrl_yRzzmLC7O4qoLet9QLkHlu98DNJeyRrGGzYRixkesY8TRqRlcMTf/s1600/IMG_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFA4MThJ8nJlNsXTH0t7XqUAv_UGP4HvGmoIttdF20pzPt0jhUb1aFBlQBfetYaa0caCo_rLCufndb-Gjaboayrl_yRzzmLC7O4qoLet9QLkHlu98DNJeyRrGGzYRixkesY8TRqRlcMTf/s640/IMG_1969.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We stopped in Ventura, and visited with my Grandpa, Don. Our dog Penny ran through his backyard with wild abandon. Michael and I plucked a few oranges and lemons from my Grandfather’s citrus trees. I soaked in the sounds of my Grandmother’s old windchimes, sparkling notes into the warm afternoon breeze. </div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
I walked into my Grandmother’s old room, a place I visited often when I’d have the chance. I looked through old photo albums, and found myself in a deep state of peace.<br />
<br />
I thought about my Grandparent’s lives. They traveled the world, as my Grandfather was in the military (both Vietnam and WW2). They lived in Japan, Europe, Washington DC, and Texas before finding their home in Ventura, California. Over the course of my life and asking them to retell me stories from their adventures across the world, my favorites were always the ones were they talked about moving to a new place and exploring the culture, foods, and national parks.<br />
<br />
They embraced the nomadic lifestyle. They embraced change. They loved meeting new people, seeing new places around the world, and expanding their horizons.<br />
<br />
I knew, deep down, that my Grandmother would be so proud of us for taking a similar leap of faith in moving to a new place.<br />
<br />
Even moreso, I have grown to believe one major thing to be true about where you live:<br />
<br />
Home isn’t one specific location or place where you keep your things - home is where the heart is. Home is within your relationships to others.<br />
<br />
Luckily, I’m also a part of a large community across the world where the nomadic lifestyle is common. There are events all over the country that we flock to on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
Hilariously, I see some of my friends who live in different states more frequently than those who lived only an hour away. Borders do not bound us - we are connected, through social communities, and in many instances feel actively involved in eachothers lives, despite distance.<br />
<br />
And we must support one another on our journeys, both in life and in where we choose to plant our feet, for that time.<br />
<br />
I think what I’m trying to get to is, it’s so important to get out in the world and take chances. See new places. Travel. Go on adventures. Invite your friends along for the journey. Take pictures, share your stories.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Photos from our trip:</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAvl7Ysrkdyw3kvmGxRIcYBEGJ4CkY10d2pb0nnC9W9Fd15uDwYdRs4XYCpROGS6Up_sGJuPD79RSIVDeLy9Lrd8mXwN0nXHQVGOuv6F8QZl_8IsCdtMfm2L8WFnJE4zLMSRRrh8b8vYb/s1600/Smith4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAvl7Ysrkdyw3kvmGxRIcYBEGJ4CkY10d2pb0nnC9W9Fd15uDwYdRs4XYCpROGS6Up_sGJuPD79RSIVDeLy9Lrd8mXwN0nXHQVGOuv6F8QZl_8IsCdtMfm2L8WFnJE4zLMSRRrh8b8vYb/s640/Smith4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smith Rock State Park, outside of Bend, Oregon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRolH9EbQVcmcxVTHT6XxDfPJeYsTq6_JIkceK5M4jJoCSQNz_q9PpciMuWV84y4Qi6ZThZQmxH6nvQQhVQOTIAFgaVTAIL4hKd8aYs2_dGzlnKeYW7vLicOGEYNx2cmrYVLVCHLVvfXiu/s1600/Smith3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRolH9EbQVcmcxVTHT6XxDfPJeYsTq6_JIkceK5M4jJoCSQNz_q9PpciMuWV84y4Qi6ZThZQmxH6nvQQhVQOTIAFgaVTAIL4hKd8aYs2_dGzlnKeYW7vLicOGEYNx2cmrYVLVCHLVvfXiu/s640/Smith3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Michael and I, Smith Rock State Park, outside of Bend, Oregon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq84U2blNaxsw0hCrAGyv0XktRBS9LnXGHc-KIArGhnY4f_zuZNupm6-GzEewQve7cs-J2W917kSqQsUYTjsmc2H7W4aCaVvoPWJTvpnF_KOtjrFYrRF6nOMLcAh3QgpCkFP5C3mjAzFgb/s1600/SmithRock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="960" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq84U2blNaxsw0hCrAGyv0XktRBS9LnXGHc-KIArGhnY4f_zuZNupm6-GzEewQve7cs-J2W917kSqQsUYTjsmc2H7W4aCaVvoPWJTvpnF_KOtjrFYrRF6nOMLcAh3QgpCkFP5C3mjAzFgb/s640/SmithRock2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
<tr></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl_alMB7E0mb_236eN5bjGYzoGyEnZJdjHZp3n8BwmgQGQGx0i3-zumrBwEvu_PGYZBLyktDFrruHSvFFYITBLIK59HqpyFM8-BCiU_TnybGvO76Zx5ytYbUvu7DgMkt7lBOrY0SGNofP/s1600/IMG_2171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl_alMB7E0mb_236eN5bjGYzoGyEnZJdjHZp3n8BwmgQGQGx0i3-zumrBwEvu_PGYZBLyktDFrruHSvFFYITBLIK59HqpyFM8-BCiU_TnybGvO76Zx5ytYbUvu7DgMkt7lBOrY0SGNofP/s640/IMG_2171.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Grandfather and I in Ventura, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-47438105145413554602018-02-12T11:40:00.000-08:002018-02-12T11:44:17.851-08:00Gut Microbiome Testing: The New Way To Optimize Your Digestive Health <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 9pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Make sure you read to the very end where I explain how YOU can win a free gut biome test + probiotics + informational session with a nutritionist - a $230 value! We are raffling off TWO winners!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-75a38c79-7e30-c0b8-3529-90193c2577a0"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">____________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 26pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having your gut biome analyzed is the future of health and wellness.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://biohmhealth.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1387" data-original-width="1600" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hHeubCYWGK2LWpEnRoebhZex2hDKv8vJXkHKFnxUN9hvqHYRqQR09NI1UALQWnfWjsvUbsCq4TNGu02xvSEJak6F8SubNNi6GAR6Jj8-GQknztKnln1oW8LxlBSiA5T-nq0byRYM76yk/s320/BIOHM_GutReport.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every day, new research is emerging about how our gut biome - the microorganisms (bacteria and fungus) that live in our body - impact everything from </span><a href="https://www.themavencircle.com/how-your-gut-affects-your-happiness/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">our mood</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://www.heysigmund.com/anxiety-depression-gut-bacteria/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">energy levels</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, digestion and the illnesses we may experience. We now know that our gut acts much like a second brain, and it should be given the same amount of focus and attention that we give our minds.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Up until about a decade ago, the scientific community studied microorganisms (like bacteria and fungi) as being completely independent of each other, and mostly from the perspective that they negatively impacted our health and wellness. This is the cause behind the increase in attention towards taking probiotics to improve health. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">However, one of the most important recent discoveries has been the relationship between bacteria and fungi in our bodies. Specifically, scientists have found that when one is impacted, it has an effect on the other. This indicates that there is a strong symbiotic relationship between bacteria and fungi, and that they essentially kept each other in check.</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The understanding of bacteria and fungi’s relationship took a giant step forward, when </span><a href="https://biohmhealth.com/" style="font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">BioHM</a><span style="font-size: 11pt;">’s founder, Dr. Ghannoum (a leading researcher in the industry), unearthed the fact that bacteria and fungi actually work together to protect each other, through forming digestive plaque.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 16pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In order to support overall digestive health, we now understand that you have to address both bacteria and fungi.</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WFxc9CVrCUFHUzpy7-gO_7Uun3cqEIBCMfo4QzC6ZSGQ2J-qoOle0sSGjwOFU74uzpV45ruUkXK73FzdBdj1mfBkuxACCkea-2g8edDnyIbAMkWIQkzLe50ZYa4ixqgLa77vB71Z" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In my research about BioHM and Dr, Ghannoum’s works, I learned that each person’s gut flora is entirely different and we need specialized testing to figure out how we need to improve our health.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BIOHM was founded to be the first microbiome company. Their mission is simple: Engineer elegant products and services that address the total microbiome of both bacteria and fungi, allowing you to maintain total digestive health.This mission is their driving force in helping people achieve balance in their microbiomes.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><a href="https://biohmhealth.com/products/biohm-gut-report-kit" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BIOHM Gut Report Kit</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is the most comprehensive microbiome testing that has ever been made available to consumers. The BIOHM Gut Report provides you with a personalized analysis of your gut's microbiome using our state of the art DNA sequencing technology. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Imagine driving your car every day without a gas tank meter. Now, picture that as your gut - every day we put food and beverages into our bodies without knowing exactly what our bodies need. We can follow a diet or try to eat balanced meals, but still never have a scientific-level of understanding about our gut biome and how the bacteria and fungus that live inside it impact our every day. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 16pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So here is when I say it strongly: Put your kombucha and probiotics down unless you have had your gut flora tested! And watch this video below:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h4-ltkNEaWk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h4-ltkNEaWk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No two guts are identical. Every person on this planet has an incredibly unique gut biome with dramatically different needs. Yet many take the same probiotics, with the same basic strains, without really knowing if they truly need them or not.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 16pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Biohm is leading the charge in changing this current way of healing our guts.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQ6pnx2dkfXhI5VMeo8UYR83tzFd6GDZwEa6KYilFh7ZYyI7Mn5UZZ5CnQ_58sGyQLk1CIoxs_mnTV_aiwAg4zefThlZLAw0YW7zqwr6N8kJLr_1JVADBt3GWcgP8V_ykaAIENF8XlzFU/s1600/SuperGreens_FruitsandVeggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQ6pnx2dkfXhI5VMeo8UYR83tzFd6GDZwEa6KYilFh7ZYyI7Mn5UZZ5CnQ_58sGyQLk1CIoxs_mnTV_aiwAg4zefThlZLAw0YW7zqwr6N8kJLr_1JVADBt3GWcgP8V_ykaAIENF8XlzFU/s400/SuperGreens_FruitsandVeggies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BioHm not only provides the highest level of insight into out gut biome health and what we need (or don’t need), they are providing</span><a href="https://biohmhealth.com/pages/probiotics-2-0" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the only probiotic proven scientifically to break down digestive plaque.</span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BioHM Health analyzes samples of your stool and then give you a detailed analysis of the strains of bacteria and fungus living in your gut. Forbes has called them the Tesla of Probiotics.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s an incredibly special opportunity to have your gut's microbiome analyzed by the same distinguished laboratories that perform the genetic sequencing in Dr. Ghannoum's groundbreaking microbiome research.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes, it’s not the most pleasant process in the world, but it’s a million times worth it for the data you learn about your body. It will tell you what your body needs, what things to avoid, and basically give you a road map to optimal health. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your gut contains both good bacteria and good fungi. However ordinary probiotics only address bacteria, completely ignoring fungi in your digestive tract.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">BIOHM’s probiotics combine good bacteria + good fungi + digestive enzymes to balance your gut’s total balance of bacteria and fungi.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="184" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/CvmtK-WET2S-BZqjS2L0Ecs4HM8XEOivvnk2zEp10uO3yDjpcfNinFUUGjm0pxtTnnIlLhrThJs2cvSP-rRkb8jlN2NahmcHz22e6DY5ADYYCXfiVt2GMsK5dVkTQrVaVZE0vbEo" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700;">How BIOHM Works</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">You know plaque builds up on your teeth, but did you know that plaque also builds up in your gut? It’s called Digestive Plaque.</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Bad bacteria and fungi hide within Digestive Plaque, making it difficult for ordinary probiotics to reach and control them, making optimal digestive balance difficult to maintain.</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">BIOHM is the first probiotic proven to break down Digestive Plaque, allowing it to balance your gut’s total balance of bacteria and fungi.</span></div>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The BioHM scientific team spent months engineering BIOHM, analyzing the specific strains and enzymes (and levels of each) to include, in order to achieve BIOHM's optimal efficacy in maintaining gut balance and breaking down digestive plaque.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">BIOHM's formulation contains good bacteria, good fungi and a powerful enzyme that breaks through digestive plaque, allowing BIOHM’s 30 billion live cultures of good bacteria and good fungus to maintain, support and promote the balance of the total microbiome of bacteria and fungi in the digestive system.</span></div>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiq2P3bghC_hwKGbrXQL6dMy9A48K4Ss4jxVaH_2PefkcZfdcR2Mx3K96rmQAqhT2WrPhArAl8At-nkbWhiqiy78HIWic6xZT2PlZGViOnCD35VuZPFb5ASQKsqvYxYmXGi6dxVSaFAWG/s1600/IMG_6728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiq2P3bghC_hwKGbrXQL6dMy9A48K4Ss4jxVaH_2PefkcZfdcR2Mx3K96rmQAqhT2WrPhArAl8At-nkbWhiqiy78HIWic6xZT2PlZGViOnCD35VuZPFb5ASQKsqvYxYmXGi6dxVSaFAWG/s400/IMG_6728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Fast Track To Understanding My Gut Biome</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had the immense joy of speaking with BioHm founder and leading researcher in gut flora - <span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Dr. Ghannoum</span> - to talk me through my gut biome results.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before I get into it - let me first introduce you to the man behind this revolution - Dr. Ghannoum.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">After making the breakthrough discovery that bad bacteria and bad fungus work together to create digestive plaque (a discovery covered globally by outlets such as CBS News, Scientific American, Forbes and USA Today), Dr. Ghannoum realized that probiotics currently available had not been engineered to specifically address the role fungus plays in digestive health. As a result – he created BIOHM: The first complete probiotic that addresses the gut’s total microbiome of both bacteria and fungus.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">After studying medically important fungi for over 40 years, Dr. Ghannoum has published over 400 papers, been cited over 18,000 times in scientific literature and his research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for over 20 continuous years.He has received over $25 million in funding for his research from the National Institutes of Health and has raised over $20 million in venture capital for several successful biotechnology companies. Dr. Ghannoum has also conducted many pre-clinical studies behind some of the largest anti-fungal drugs in the world and continues to guide some of the largest global pharmaceutical companies as they develop drugs related to treating fungal disease.</span></div>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To put it simply, Dr. Ghannoum is one of the most impactful people in the pursuit towards understanding and optimizing our health. My passion for research made me incredibly honored and excited to talk with Dr. Ghannoum and absorb even just a fraction of his knowledge from the industry. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I learned an incredible amount from him. Here are the key points to remember:</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Standard probiotics aren’t going to help you heal your gut. By only concentrating on bacteria, fungi is allowed to flourish unchecked, leading to digestive imbalance.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No other probiotic has been engineered to break down digestive plaque, which acts as a shield for bad bacteria and fungi in your gut.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The BIOHM Gut Report Kit is the only sequencing service in the United States that:</span></div>
</div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gives you a specific breakdown of both the bacteria and fungi species in your digestive tract</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gives you the specific levels of each bacterial and fungal strain found in your digestive tract</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shows you how your bacterial strains and levels compare to the National Institutes of Health's Human Microbiome Project data on gut bacterial strains</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shows you how your fungal strains and levels compare to Dr. Ghannoum's clinical research data on gut fungal strains at Case Western Reserve University's Center for Medical Mycology. Dr. Ghannoum's laboratory is one of the United State's preeminent research centers for the study of medically-important fungus.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #727576; font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8bJ7YYr_QzwHmSbyP2H1puvN8XKJZTlLrmIaqFdjE04kNijc0aAVMBgAtIiSKuwjIj_h48zerj3fPH8FKb0bk5R9-xrNpY1lSmS73hPnIq63kEhq6z9xSeimPunWsCD54fhmEuE6b-Vq/s1600/GutReportKit_Open.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1600" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8bJ7YYr_QzwHmSbyP2H1puvN8XKJZTlLrmIaqFdjE04kNijc0aAVMBgAtIiSKuwjIj_h48zerj3fPH8FKb0bk5R9-xrNpY1lSmS73hPnIq63kEhq6z9xSeimPunWsCD54fhmEuE6b-Vq/s640/GutReportKit_Open.tif" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the past, I have suffered from an overgrowth of candida, a bad fungus in my gut. In my report from BioHM, I learned that the diet I had been on for six months was working wonderfully. My candida levels were significantly down and in a manageable state. I was also happy to see that the antibiotics I had taken after my surgery last year (antibiotics are known to destroy good gut flora) had not totally devastated my body. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Overall, I was given a pretty great response from my gut flora. I talked with Dr. Ghannoum about fermented foods - to which he suggested that I can eat them in moderation. He also told me I could drink some beer (fermented, woohoo!) if I wanted. ….I really, really like him! :)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was then emailed a detailed health assessment from one of their nutritionists - giving me a suggested diet and foods to focus on. Considering my diet has been very good over the last six months (lots of vegetables and eggs, low carb / sugar free), there was not a large amount of change I needed to do. Adding in more leafy greens and omega-3’s was recommended.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After the testing, I also started using BioHM’s probiotics. My digestion has never felt better! I find that sometimes, even with a great diet, vegetables can be hard for my body to break down. With the probiotics and taking the advice from the nutritionist, I feel a huge increase in my energy and a decrease in bloating / discomfort during digestion. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I personally aim to take the gut bacteria test at least once a year to keep a maintenance checklist of my gut microbiome. I truly believe that gut microbiome testing is the future of understanding our bodies and health. </span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">To learn more about BIOHM and the critical role of fungi in digestive health, visit their website at</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.biohmhealth.com/" style="font-size: 11pt;">www.BIOHMHealth.com</a><span style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span></div>
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13PlrljfpHtkK1MWeBfyF0bU82b7HNfCljx-q3TK08r_CIkWmx-VMsY7mpQOQ5_dpreI7CnDCqbaWuNrjq_HdTqOPs-cdCq4oZtcmgmsLsp7oId_c4QJDlSenn0IFLgjYVXPXxerICVD8/s1600/IMG_6721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1034" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13PlrljfpHtkK1MWeBfyF0bU82b7HNfCljx-q3TK08r_CIkWmx-VMsY7mpQOQ5_dpreI7CnDCqbaWuNrjq_HdTqOPs-cdCq4oZtcmgmsLsp7oId_c4QJDlSenn0IFLgjYVXPXxerICVD8/s400/IMG_6721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GIVEAWAY</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am so excited to be able to offer TWO of you a FREE Gut Bacteria Testing Kid + Probiotic. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please visit my Instagram account - @Crista.Tappan to see my post about the giveaway. You must:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1) Be following both me and @BioHm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">2) Tag a friend in the comments in my recent photo</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">3) You may tag as many friends as you’d like</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">4) Winners will be randomly selected at random on Thursday, 2/15 at 7pm Pacific Time</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-49726304345954186982018-01-05T11:23:00.000-08:002018-01-05T11:23:56.765-08:00Six Intentions To Improve Your Life and The World in 2018<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4w7lBVAqTpdEs1ao-KOb7rtNXx4vZSfEFbOhFQFYD-39_BKnKvuQZGPwv7qOmSS8hv3dEsCHVEAA-PXNUaRcKZKXkcF2IVI8Zecl35ubdKTwUWNqzB4i_wUSldgX4P4bEIG5rXx2xooC/s1600/Intention.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4w7lBVAqTpdEs1ao-KOb7rtNXx4vZSfEFbOhFQFYD-39_BKnKvuQZGPwv7qOmSS8hv3dEsCHVEAA-PXNUaRcKZKXkcF2IVI8Zecl35ubdKTwUWNqzB4i_wUSldgX4P4bEIG5rXx2xooC/s640/Intention.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
While many often wish for things like losing ten pounds or drinking more water for New Years Resolutions, this year I felt setting intentions would be more meaningful and positively impact my everyday life.<br />
<br />
Overall, I ended 2017 with a mixture of feelings - proud of what I have accomplished, excited for the new year, and determined to be the best version of myself possible in 2018.<br />
<br />
Below are my six intentions, that upon reflection, I think everyone could benefit from. I have included some research and resources below each intention, to give you a direction to pursue if you wish.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>1) Educate yourself every single day. </b></h3>
Don't be an ostrich with your head in the sand because you're afraid of the truth of being upset or disrupting your everyday life. This can pertain to your personal life, work life, or what's going on with the government.<br />
<br />
While staying on top of politics and understanding the climate of the world (both literally and figuratively) would be my first suggestion, educating yourself in any topic of interest will expand your mind and help you grow as a person. In past years I have avoided reading the news or anything regarding politics because it was constantly depressing and brought me down emotionally. We now live in a world where 1) This kind of approach can be very destructive on our future, and 2) It's becoming harder and harder to discern the truth from lie. Sometimes I wonder if George Orwell's <i>1984</i> is more fact than fiction when compared with the direction our political sphere is going (if you haven't read the book, you should really pick up a copy). The only thing we can really do is actively search for the truth, and to not fall into the trap of being passive about our future, both as individuals and as a nation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmN76ki13Ep6aMgpigIIml0hJSlODiniDoh2GalBusFf1tjabmVlyxiOIeD2UJITbab7jT_n-mQng-tywQOLBdbGrVRQrjCNpHcJYgq8FtCLCwdv7nC3e0-uPldYBahBRwuRBE0lX-4e8/s1600/pexels-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmN76ki13Ep6aMgpigIIml0hJSlODiniDoh2GalBusFf1tjabmVlyxiOIeD2UJITbab7jT_n-mQng-tywQOLBdbGrVRQrjCNpHcJYgq8FtCLCwdv7nC3e0-uPldYBahBRwuRBE0lX-4e8/s640/pexels-photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<b>2) Discover your flow and make time for it as often as possible.</b></h3>
In both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I researched and published scientific studies on the mental health benefits of flow. <br />
<br />
Flow is characterized by the immersion in an activity to the point where you lose awareness for anything else except the activity itself. You are fully engaged, are intrinsically motivated, and the time seems to fly by. People find their flow in many different activities (and you can absolutely have more than one). Some experience flow through playing music, sports, art, dance, and even through interpersonal connection like teaching and relationships.<br />
<br />
Now, more than ever, it's becoming easier and easier to lose ourselves in our gadgets - myself included - and mindlessly spend hours on social media. Limit your social media time and invest in a hobby or skill that is scientifically proven to enhance your life, unlike Facebook or Instagram, which as much as we hate to face - has been proven to do the opposite of enhance your life.<br />
<br />
The biggest threat to you experiencing flow in your everyday life is your lack of appreciation for doing something you enjoy, regardless of the direct benefit. Many business owners and successful leaders set time each day to do things they love. In turn, your enthusiasm for life and happiness will undoubtedly enhance everything else.<br />
<br />
Learn more about the characteristics of flow and how to achieve it in your every day life<a href="http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/its-simple-flow-to-health-and-happiness" target="_blank"> here</a> and <a href="http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness/getting-in-the-flow/" target="_blank">here</a>. You can find my research on flow and happiness by <a href="http://ijw.cgpublisher.com/product/pub.198/prod.162" target="_blank">visiting here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKkEJ7PVbYeAESNFts0SUZfgfvVlpbNsj9tyvYgMaoLMrtcAiK45FEyyQ65-mpwh1vzTp8y-h9tsSnxrsUaxJsUu90-gZNqKILn1PeT5GPMwWR9jZXTNvYXRcK9XQMTw3TC6LSmxGWl0p/s1600/dawn-sunset-person-woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKkEJ7PVbYeAESNFts0SUZfgfvVlpbNsj9tyvYgMaoLMrtcAiK45FEyyQ65-mpwh1vzTp8y-h9tsSnxrsUaxJsUu90-gZNqKILn1PeT5GPMwWR9jZXTNvYXRcK9XQMTw3TC6LSmxGWl0p/s640/dawn-sunset-person-woman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
3) Be kind. </h3>
If I could change the world, I would turn every single person's kindness meter to 10. I truly believe that this world would be a better place if human beings were naturally kind, giving, and empathetic. The reality is, however, human beings are complex, flawed, ebb and flow with their amounts of kindness (and hatred). Rather than thinking kindness is an "you either are or you aren't" sort of deal, a better approach is to set intentions with yourself. When faced with a decision, consider kindness as an important factor. This especially comes into play with relationships and interpersonal communication. If you imagine all communication as energy - never ending - we simply pass it along person by person - you can get the idea as to why spreading kindness can be so meaningful. We all have a choice to react to situations with anger, hatred, frustration. We also have the choice to approach all situations with kindness, compassion, and love. Imagine the kind of world you want to live in, and be an example for not only others, but for yourself. Let's all end 2018 being proud of who we are and how we have carried ourselves through our trails and tribulations.<br />
<br />
To learn more about how to become kinder in your everyday life, here is a wonderful article with <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kindness-blog/40-simple-ways-to-practice-kindness_b_5875484.html" target="_blank">40 ways you can practice kindness every day</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOtE2pSctmh0RRuPVbc2jjbXIVVt22UXlg-xEChWPD0SZxoIh3CBuDMJMTWXiyVg9ggOYM9OOBDNxldaokABzy8JKhSKrLYPnt4Gtun57-TiOujRDJmGH3kyiqdzkXfH1RxbTcWwAXF4H/s1600/pexels-photo-325526.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOtE2pSctmh0RRuPVbc2jjbXIVVt22UXlg-xEChWPD0SZxoIh3CBuDMJMTWXiyVg9ggOYM9OOBDNxldaokABzy8JKhSKrLYPnt4Gtun57-TiOujRDJmGH3kyiqdzkXfH1RxbTcWwAXF4H/s640/pexels-photo-325526.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<b>4) Give Up Sugar.</b></h3>
This is one of the best things you can do for your body, your energy, and your mind in 2018.<br />
<br />
Last May, after years of feeling exhausted by 2pm everyday and desperate to not feel so so hungry (and angry) all the time, I decided to join my friend <a href="https://www.alisoncebulla.com/give-up-sugar-for-good/" target="_blank">Alison Cebulla's Give Up Sugar For Good detox</a> group. Inspired by her similar tales of exhaustion, binge-eating sweets, and a constant feeling of being starved despite eating tons of (unhealthy) food, I jumped on board for her next six week detox group.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to sugar coat it (literally) - it was hard. But, it was the<i> hard-but-you'll-thank-yourself-later-and-be-so-damn-proud</i> kind of hard.<br />
<br />
I went through a three week period of detox where I genuinely considered keeping my favorite vice, but to the immense support of my husband, and the Sugar Detox Group (this is what support groups are for, ya'll!), I persevered and gave up sugar completely for the first time in my entire life.<br />
<br />
I'm now on round 3 of participating in the Sugar Detox Challenge and have never been more proud of my eating habits.<br />
<br />
What are the lasting benefits of giving up sugar, you ask?<br />
<br />
I lost twenty pounds and have kept it off. I no longer want to take a nap every afternoon. My moods are significantly more balanced and unrelated to if I've had a high-carb / high-sugar meal. And best of all - my skin has significantly cleared up, the inflammation in my body has gone down, and my gut bacteria is healthy! Other important health benefits include <a href="http://www.health.com/nutrition/health-benefits-quitting-sugar" target="_blank">a significant reduction in the chance of diabetes, heart attacks, obesity, cancer, and countless other diseases caused by the impacts of ingesting sugar long term</a>. I have also found I'm much calmer, kinder, and compassionate when sugar isn't controlling the reigns of my brain.<br />
<br />
Do yourself a favor and kick the sugar in 2018. Join Alison's next<a href="https://www.alisoncebulla.com/give-up-sugar-for-good/" target="_blank"> Sugar Detox Group</a> and save your health!<br />
<br />
<h3>
5) Recycle as much as possible. </h3>
The reality of current recycling standards is horrifying. You can currently find several incredible documentaries on Netflix right now on the topic. There is a literal island in the Pacific ocean made up entirely of plastic bottles and trash. Almost all fish in the ocean have plastic in their bodies, ranging from microscopic (which, you guessed it - gets consumed by us and then in our bodies), to large enough to kill the animal.<br />
<br />
In many countries and states, if you throw something into the trash and not recycling, even if it could be recycled, it ends up in a landfill and will not naturally break down. There are rarely standards and companies that go through regular trash to pull out the things that can be recycled.<br />
<br />
While we are innovating and continuing to come up with new ways to recycle, the most important step and responsibility is still with each individual person. Throw away your trash in the appropriate receptacle. Use a reusable coffee mug, water bottle, shopping bags, and anything else that allows for a reduction in waste. Buy products that are made from recycled products, thus encouraging and supporting the companies that reuse waste rather than make it. Consider taking in your clothing to recycling stations (which exist in most large cities), rather than a thrift store. Many thrift stores throw away clothes that are unfit for reselling, adding to the mountain of wasted clothing that the world produces every single day. I have personally transition my apparel line with Dirtbag Runners to <a href="http://dirtbagrunners.com/2017/09/27/recycledandorganiccotton/" target="_blank">utilize eco-friendly products, even if they are slightly more expensive</a>.<br />
<br />
Here is a list of the<a href="https://eponline.com/articles/2007/11/12/tips-top-ten-ways-to-recycle.aspx" target="_blank"> top ten ways that you can recycle</a>, and a <a href="https://www.epa.gov/recycle" target="_blank">very detailed website on recycling solutions</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlediHQhe6wIIN5UQBCZPtZ357yZxD3pVYk-R_fzNuOKaxcXB8RFpEJgtDUddIJkUSy6xXTeIPG_ZrjlHFvfwG_s_0TuIemZ4q-Hkcni-iaD9MJtVkpLPSyaGAgRhvRT8PnJPsd_jhwGm/s1600/pexels-photo-450301.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="940" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlediHQhe6wIIN5UQBCZPtZ357yZxD3pVYk-R_fzNuOKaxcXB8RFpEJgtDUddIJkUSy6xXTeIPG_ZrjlHFvfwG_s_0TuIemZ4q-Hkcni-iaD9MJtVkpLPSyaGAgRhvRT8PnJPsd_jhwGm/s640/pexels-photo-450301.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<b>6) Practice daily gratitude for what you have and find ways to help others.</b></h3>
Ever feel so overwhelmed with life and your own life struggles that you are engulfed with depression or anxiety?<br />
<br />
If you said yes to the above, you're a part of the majority of people living in modern times.<br />
<br />
It's sort of a weird combination - oftentimes those with the most blessings end up being the least grateful, and vice versa.<br />
<br />
The solution to depression and sadness to count your blessings and do good things for others.<br />
<br />
This is a lesson instilled in me from my Grandmother, who lived through the Great Depression and made it all the way to 100-years-old (and one month, to be precise!). She never let me, for a single moment of my life, allow myself to wallow in self pity for more than a few moments before she reminded me to count my blessings.<br />
<br />
I used to scoff at my Grandmother when she would toss aside my complaints about the little molehills I thought were mountains as a child. Over the years, I gradually started to understand the message she was trying to tell me.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Many of us, quite frankly, have been fortunate to live a very cushioned life compared to that of our ancestors (or of really any other time in history, if you think about it). If you live in an industrialized modern civilization, you most likely have it much better than millions of impoverished people on this planet. Some people are still born into slavery, live a short life due to disease and a lack of healthcare, are unable to put food on the table for themselves or their families, and will never, ever, have the opportunity that we every day often take for granted.<br />
<br />
"I grew up with eight brothers and sisters," My Grandmother would tell me, eyes drifting into the distance and deep into her memories. "We were immigrants. Barely had enough money for food. If we were lucky, every few months we would get a piece of fruit to share as a treat. It took six of my siblings and I to save up money one summer to get our very first radio. We lived in a small industry town in Pennsylvania, right next to the train tracks. As a child, I would watch hundreds of desperate and gaunt-looking men ride the train through town and on to the next, looking for work. Many were starving and had no money. Even though we were so poor that we never once had new clothing or quite enough food, you know what my mother always did? Every day, she would bake an extra loaf of bread or pie, knowing that these men were much worse off than we were. She became known for being the kind woman who lived in the small house by the train tracks, who would give you a bowl of soup and slice of bread if you asked. She never once accepted any money when occasionally they'd be able to offer it. To this day, I think about all of the lives she impacted and it reminds me to be a better person, and that there is always a way to give to others less fortunate."<br />
<br />
Her small acts of everyday service enabled her to feel gratitude for the opportunity to help others.<br />
<br />
At a loss for how you can help others and practice gratitude? Here is a list of <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/30/hgtv-giving-back-to-community_n_3856387.html" target="_blank">13 fun and easy ways to get involved in your local community</a> and<a href="https://greatist.com/discover/ways-to-give-back" target="_blank"> 41 ways that you can give back.</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
This next week, write out each intention on a post-it note, or somewhere that you can look at every day. Start each morning with these intentions in mind, and think about the type of person you want to be and the kind of world you want to live in. It's up to each of us individually to together make this world a kinder, healthier, and happier place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgohpufWRZ-51XA1BfSlIxt2tZNm46A9DjEqoFzb4yQarG9Nttrpupwgg1wGJzhaSSOcP01waiEh_jXQPlmqQYI1b0no8ML_KmZTqYWOofwNuwGRf4ln5cJiUerEJGTaWDlMfEgDVEL36a/s1600/pexels-photo-346797.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgohpufWRZ-51XA1BfSlIxt2tZNm46A9DjEqoFzb4yQarG9Nttrpupwgg1wGJzhaSSOcP01waiEh_jXQPlmqQYI1b0no8ML_KmZTqYWOofwNuwGRf4ln5cJiUerEJGTaWDlMfEgDVEL36a/s640/pexels-photo-346797.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-29942886484716537592017-08-08T09:26:00.001-07:002017-08-08T09:26:46.699-07:00The Great Explant: Removing My Breast Implants, Conquering Mold Poisoning, and Taking Back My Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0hwvbaQSANrSOai9eCPUSRpwmm1P1KLna6LvsBVpcjwpCjHd5ciM81oGypnIiJoGds6LNkrFycCfqIXl8LLEHQ93VrC-Ti6LeDeayvp0uklArvCE-sv_wxbhG0ALt4n154v6knF2T1W7/s1600/14322213_719883587416_2443644165003853565_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0hwvbaQSANrSOai9eCPUSRpwmm1P1KLna6LvsBVpcjwpCjHd5ciM81oGypnIiJoGds6LNkrFycCfqIXl8LLEHQ93VrC-Ti6LeDeayvp0uklArvCE-sv_wxbhG0ALt4n154v6knF2T1W7/s400/14322213_719883587416_2443644165003853565_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Earlier this year, I faced a hard fact: The breast implants I had put into my body at the age of 18 were making me sick, and I needed surgery to remove them.<br />
<br />
It took ten years for me to learn that the plastic from the implants were the cause behind so many of my crippling health problems. I had been suffering from a mystery systemic mold overgrowth for over eight of those years (which baffled my doctors) and it was getting worse by the day. I felt devastated when I realized that I had done this to myself.<br />
<br />
When I was 18, the words "research" and "long term consequences" weren't in my vocabulary. Body positivity and acceptance was not a thing in my social circle back then, and I was surrounded by several women at my waitressing job that had implants. It didn't seem like a big deal, and I had a large surplus of income from my new job with nothing to spend it on.<br />
<br />
This is what I look back on as my "perfect storm".<br />
<br />
But, the consequences didn't hit like a storm - they happened so slowly over the years that I blamed everything else but implants. I labeled myself as the type of person who had a sensitive system and angry gut. It was just who I was.<br />
<br />
The health consequences of having breast implants was never a topic that I thought much about, let alone imagine writing publicly about. Undergoing a breast augmentation is still one of the few things that I truly regret. I will never forget the first time I saw my body after the surgery, and feeling my stomach drop. I would have done anything in that moment to undo my choices.<br />
<br />
Like many others who have made regrettable life choices at at young age, I wish I could go back in time and remind my younger self that my body was beautiful just the way it was. I'd ask, "Have you thought about how this will impact your future as an athlete, or how this could impact your health over time?" I'd maybe even try to persuade my younger self to use that money for a European backpacking adventure or tattoo sleeve. <i>Anything else</i>.<br />
<br />
I was barely able to afford paying for the surgery in the first place, let alone paying to undo the procedure. So, I did what any other eighteen year old would do when they made a mistake without immediate consequences: I ignored it.<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
Despite society's shift away from idealizing larger breasts, a startling number of women still undergo breast implants. Of the 1.8 Million surgical procedures performed in 2016, the number one was breast augmentation. In 2000, a reported 5.8 million women have had breast implants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspY5NqP9bQHHlXno99E3NTl4YTcsHCcn_kLTKC7P-jPmENUA1rbG74he0Iu7BJ0Vigo45o_FlW5AHSF48SeZGh7MUmXPGOCw7oQVMP6bMkASfNSycgjOkDhvouN3rwULsnCM2Ji8TtcPk/s1600/gettyimages-90110814-c044df4d-6a40-40e8-9a99-4beef7ad5ec4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspY5NqP9bQHHlXno99E3NTl4YTcsHCcn_kLTKC7P-jPmENUA1rbG74he0Iu7BJ0Vigo45o_FlW5AHSF48SeZGh7MUmXPGOCw7oQVMP6bMkASfNSycgjOkDhvouN3rwULsnCM2Ji8TtcPk/s400/gettyimages-90110814-c044df4d-6a40-40e8-9a99-4beef7ad5ec4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Considering the fact we have very limited research on the long-term health consequences of breast implants, it's shocking to see how many women still undergo the procedure. We are nothing more than lab rats with a very low reward. Having larger breasts will never be worth the impact they have had on my body.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
Over the last few years, research and documentation of Breast Implant Illness has grown: <a href="http://www.center4research.org/implantalcl/"><span class="s1">http://www.center4research.org/implantalcl/</span></a>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> As of just this past month, there have been a reported nine cases of a rare form of cancer linked to implants: </span>http://www.cbsnews.com/news/breast-implant-deaths-linked-to-rare-cancer/. More and more women and doctors are now coming forward and speaking out publicly about Breast Implant Illness.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdg_D8oCdoqajFHVI63bljIXnSjSgaUOuGkkfF0QH7yILUKlg8bWE0qpL7JGlNXQOG2bdtkHEwZ9jNs4GKqW4866rm_dUzPz3jsZe1hWUVKry4k5KvNlfWd1HeEW3Y1oBfrOgtvur05M8C/s1600/Screen-Shot-2016-12-29-at-11.45.12-PM-700x499.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="700" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdg_D8oCdoqajFHVI63bljIXnSjSgaUOuGkkfF0QH7yILUKlg8bWE0qpL7JGlNXQOG2bdtkHEwZ9jNs4GKqW4866rm_dUzPz3jsZe1hWUVKry4k5KvNlfWd1HeEW3Y1oBfrOgtvur05M8C/s400/Screen-Shot-2016-12-29-at-11.45.12-PM-700x499.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clinical research on the symptoms of breast implants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is know known that the biofilm around implants, over time, creates the production of mold and yeast in the body. It is also known that having breast implants significantly impairs the body's immune system, which in turn makes you extremely susceptible to a myriad of health complications. (More information about mold toxins here: https://blog.bulletproof.com/why-mycotoxins-are-kryptonite/).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMfU2H1mGXhuMihKvq8pjz6DmV0xoNZoCgCwX1KbP5xjF9Zez9rgACbI1j0JCi_TbubyeWqjcj4b5r4x1YThx07buGNVYGwjCYMrd36IazpAOdAoounhGi95KTouNeKZzSg-6ihE1GKBI/s1600/Are-Your-Breast-Implants-Making-You-Sick-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMfU2H1mGXhuMihKvq8pjz6DmV0xoNZoCgCwX1KbP5xjF9Zez9rgACbI1j0JCi_TbubyeWqjcj4b5r4x1YThx07buGNVYGwjCYMrd36IazpAOdAoounhGi95KTouNeKZzSg-6ihE1GKBI/s320/Are-Your-Breast-Implants-Making-You-Sick-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-converted-space">While there are some that are able to lead normal lives with breast implants, I fell hard into the other category: my body was using all of it's energy and resources to "fight" off my implants and my health was falling apart because of it. My immune system was destroyed. Not knowing the cause of my various illnesses only complicated the situation. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlSPgt6MDcy-G3WpqzVvdilotnHCHhABzFBHZZ5QXhT-9W28etK4kElSslIElKlozGaAtDVVFnrfWxaX1ReeikwZRR1wZyBkXhDhVKb2OWx0rbrlllVX8mzJbcMot5l9srU-ksSpD6JYP/s1600/implants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="620" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlSPgt6MDcy-G3WpqzVvdilotnHCHhABzFBHZZ5QXhT-9W28etK4kElSslIElKlozGaAtDVVFnrfWxaX1ReeikwZRR1wZyBkXhDhVKb2OWx0rbrlllVX8mzJbcMot5l9srU-ksSpD6JYP/s400/implants.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-converted-space">At my lowest, I was no longer able to run (I had adrenal failure despite taking good care of my body and sleeping all the time), I experienced extreme daily exhaustion (and caffeine addiction), had a constant Candida skin rash covering 75% of my body, had severe joint and muscle pain, felt uncontrollable anxiety if I didn't eat sugar (fungi overgrowth in my gut), and my vision was getting progressively worse (I experienced a 50% loss of overall vision due to inflammation in my eyes in 2016). It was a weird random mix of diagnoses from my doctors: A mystery Chronic Eye Inflammation Illness, Candida, Lactose Intolerance / Gluten Intolerance / Chronic Pain / Anemia / Leaky Gut / IBS. It went on and on. I was tangled in a mess of diagnoses and doctors appointments. But again - because I had no idea the cause - was often left reverting back to my original response: denial. Treat the symptoms as best I could and hope for the best.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-converted-space">The road out of my jungle of health problems was paved by a single person - my fiance, Michael.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-converted-space">It was during a discussion with him at the beginning of the year that I first mentioned my desire to remove my breast implants (before I knew they were making me sick, and I simply felt they were the only thing about myself I didn't like), but I had no means of doing so financially. After a few more serious conversations on the subject, lots of research, and the life-changing moment of discovering that I had the late stages of Breast Implant Illness, he offered to pay for my surgery. It's one of the most important things anyone has ever done for me. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-converted-space">I have no doubt in my mind that my future husband has quite literally saved my life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-converted-space">I felt a tidal wave of emotions, gratitude, and the first glimpse of a light at the end of the tunnel in a long time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span><span class="Apple-converted-space">In the months following our conversation about removing my implants, I fell deep into a rabbit hole of research. Thousands of testimonials from women with breast implants / post breast "explant" (the term for removing breast implants) - all described the same symptoms I had been suffering from. It all was inter-connected, I had a support group, and there was a clear path towards recovery. I was relieved to learn that the vast majority of women who explanted experienced an almost full recovery within a year.</span></div>
<br />
In May, I scheduled the surgery to remove my implants and surrounding damaged tissues. My surgery date was planned for July 13th.<br />
<br />
In the two months I waited, I dove headfirst into researching anything and everything to do with breast implant illness, breast implant removal, detoxing the body from mold toxicity, and surgery recovery timelines. I readied myself mentally, and tried my best to calm my mind about the impending surgery.<br />
<br />
One of the biggest components to preparing my body for surgery and recovery was diet. I learned that sugar, high-carb foods and yeast fed the overgrowth of mold toxins / yeast in my body.<br />
<br />
A Low Mold / Yeast Diet meant: no more beer / alcohol (as it's fermented and contains a large amount of mold / yeast), no sugar, no gluten (often contaminated with mold / yeast), no fermented foods, no cheese (mold!).<br />
<br />
See our beautiful fridge below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="960" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJl1t1-cO0C_I69V2cO0lLtqaec-yY6WdiAsxNM9JQ_24142W7dA1Rvn1JosOtQVjG7T0q94vZe5gONS_ro21Q120jf6JxspjRETivAhenyLLUUcyJQMg0wBSugjzuEuopyRQRWeZrWod/s400/Fridge.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Luckily, Michael and I had been following the Bulletproof Diet for a few months, and it aligned very closely with a low mold / yeast diet. I had also recently started my friend <a href="https://www.alisoncebulla.com/" target="_blank">Alison Cebulla's Sugar Detox</a>. After feeling sick for so long, I was now desperate to do anything to help my body heal.<br />
<br />
I chose to not publicly talk about my surgery until now because I wanted to be on the other side of the situation. Rather than end my story at the scheduling of a surgery and a cliff-hanger, I wanted to be able to tell it from a more reflective standpoint.<br />
<br />
It took me three and a half weeks after my surgery to get to a point where I felt I could lasso all of the thoughts into an article I felt comfortable sharing.<br />
<br />
I'm proud to say now: The day I removed my implants was one of the most important days of my life.<br />
<br />
Unlike the first time I saw my body after I got implants, when I saw my body after removing them - it was like looking at the real me for the first time in ten years. I felt whole and complete. My small breasts were like a prize for the struggle I had been through. They were all mine, they were perfect for running and outdoor adventures, and never again did I have to worry about foreign objects wrecking havoc on my system.<br />
<br />
I felt immediate relief on a mind, body and soul level: My brain fog started to clear, my skin rash started to go away, my body no longer ached and my extreme exhaustion was improving. There was a lightness in my heart. The surgery worked.<br />
<br />
Now that I am overflowing with positive emotions and an abundance of knowledge on the subject of breast implants - Here is the point where I am going to stand on my small soap box for a quick moment and say some important things. I'm not going to sugar coat it (literally, ever again): if you are considering getting breast implants, for whatever reason, DO NOT DO IT. Spend your money on an epic vacation, paying off debt, a new haircut, new clothes, taking twenty of your closest friends out for a night on the town, an expensive hand-made push up bra - anything else!<br />
<br />
Despite what plastic surgeons say (who just wants your money), breast implants are foreign objects in your body and are not permanent. Most surgeons recommend replacing your implants every 10-15 years. Over a lifetime, even if you never develop Breast Implant Illness, having implants can cost you well over $50,000, and thats on the cheap side. If having bigger breasts means that much to you - a good push up bra is so much cheaper and can do the trick. In total, my breasts have now cost me $20,000, not counting the cost of the numerous doctors visits associated with the symptoms from mold toxicity. It's simply not worth it.<br />
<br />
If you have breast implants, I hope my story has shed some light into the seriousness of how they can impact your body over time (if they aren't already causing you health problems).<br />
<br />
What's next for me?<br />
<br />
My first plan is to fully recover from the surgery and the heal my body through a healthy diet and anti-fungal herbal supplements. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47TpdPMkUy-qXzWy4KHaYyWGbP_X-0s6duTJ_roM_MfqfyTZZI-aI4TK0rbWIc4OBZCcVfhmkB1m1x94hLOnZfXjtRkVychNgVUM5z61OVRZoQ7g-b96s8gMzkONSufmCkoI6ey5SLU-i/s1600/MichaelandMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="960" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47TpdPMkUy-qXzWy4KHaYyWGbP_X-0s6duTJ_roM_MfqfyTZZI-aI4TK0rbWIc4OBZCcVfhmkB1m1x94hLOnZfXjtRkVychNgVUM5z61OVRZoQ7g-b96s8gMzkONSufmCkoI6ey5SLU-i/s400/MichaelandMe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One week post-explant and feeling AMAZING leaving the house for the first time. We went to a movies in the park and watched Goonies. So much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have the OK to start exercising in two weeks, which I'm extremely excited about. This will help the detoxifying process my body is going through.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_cpjGpku0y4F4pnhF5dc925PtlmJ32XsqcDnvwNTKR5GOJ3zWaAkrA6_Nw795WLBedAG2IiqlWoNrSEPjRwy_FbQ6i34MXyGTfkwKGiOUP2zcPqdtbQ0c8ZGmKcUKrfRB7gbprFLP8zU/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_cpjGpku0y4F4pnhF5dc925PtlmJ32XsqcDnvwNTKR5GOJ3zWaAkrA6_Nw795WLBedAG2IiqlWoNrSEPjRwy_FbQ6i34MXyGTfkwKGiOUP2zcPqdtbQ0c8ZGmKcUKrfRB7gbprFLP8zU/s400/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three weeks post explant surgery and feeling so grateful to feel good enough to go on a walk!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now that I'm no longer putting anything before my health, everything is getting better.<br />
<br />
As of right now, I have two big things I'm looking forward to: Next month, Michael and I are going on a three-week road trip through California, Utah, Oregon and Washington with our mini-dog, Penny, to shoot videos and take photos for the fall Dirtbag Runners catalogue. Michael has become my business partner for DBR and has been designing some incredible artwork for our apparel, which we are overjoyed to begin sharing with the running community. After being stuck at home for over a month so I can heal from surgery, we are ecstatic to get out on the road and cleanse our souls.<br />
<br />
And, the second big thing in our future - in two months, Michael and I get married. I hope to be healed well enough by then so I have tons of energy to celebrate the whole weekend, enjoy some sparkling wine and some wedding pie ;-).<br />
<br />
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey and has taken the time to read my story. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns - feel free to reach out (crista@dirtbagrunners.com). There are so many other women out there who either have implants or are considering getting them put in. I now believe one of my life's missions is to encourage body positivity and increase awareness about the dangers of breast implants.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-34574003103629196482015-07-15T07:19:00.002-07:002015-07-15T07:52:06.087-07:00Eight Lessons From My First DNF: A Very Belated Leona Divide 50 Race
Report<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i><br>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; widows: 1;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Racing is pain, and that's why you do it. To challenge yourself and the limits of your physical and mental barriers. You don't experience that in an armchair watching television." -Mark Allen</span></i><br>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></i>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YSPEOZvX_htgiplOggAtLiMm5Z7EKDIZXtx1qHhmY11RPZSNffWVqyNpZNjxvTxINmtiLoI0SLnNiFOQHlBxCJtQ01H5BMDXRFcCfCM5NWJOtAPF4_8et7p6z4NI4dikoFo6rQYKHw01/s640/Leona7a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Lesson #1: Sometimes races go as planned; more often than not, however, the unexpected happens.</i></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b><i>- Laz, Founder of the Barkely Marathons.</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br></i></b></span></div>
<div>
Leona Divide was the first race I ever signed up for that I didn't really know if I could finish.<br>
<br>
The race entry fell right into my lap and it was one of those situations where you kind of just shrug your shoulders and said, "Why <i>not</i>?"<br>
<br>
Fifty miles. Over 10K feet of elevation gain. Notoriously hot and exposed.<br>
<br>
But it wasn't impossible. In fact, it was very possible that with the right amount of training I could pull it off.<br>
<br>
Part of me was absolutely terrified of what it would feel like to run fifty miles, and the other part of me was absolutely determined to do everything I could to finish the race. Even if it meant suffering.<br>
<br>
I had been running ultras for almost three years and had yet to take the leap from 50K to 50 miles, which is where many would consider the true shift from marathons to ultramarathons. I knew it was my time to try.<br>
<br>
I asked my boyfriend Peter to write me a training plan, and for three months I fell into a black hole of training and learning everything I could about the race. </div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Trail and ultra runners are a unique breed. We can try and prepare ourselves by analyzing course maps and elevation profiles. We can stalk the weather forecast a month in advance and read race reports from the previous years. We can try to imagine ourselves running each section of the trail, guess what kind of gel flavors we might like at that time and what emergency gear we might need to carry in our packs. We can nail down every little detail until it's almost a science, and then have it slip through our fingers from something we never anticipated. Racing is in many ways a gamble, and part of the game is accepting that there are far more factors that we cannot control than those which we can.<br>
<br>
I was ready to see what hand unfolded in front of me.<br>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">
</span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKcYHQriqzNVleHedr_Vbq7HvvuqaIbtYHJ_v778Ghagmc9IrFy8bLOZ20SGWu7cKRk8tZQpYs0wRlwW1s-mLLB46Y3PrYoeb5N_Pv-JyrP_18cr30MYXeZIbBh6r27ndVCdK6FmwrOiY/s640/Leona1a.jpg" width="640"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-style: normal;">
<br>
I stepped up to the starting line of Leona telling myself something I'd never said before (with the exception of running a 5K): </span><i>Run as hard as you can, the entire time.</i><br>
<i><br></i>
This approach was a huge risk.<br>
<br>
Most seasoned ultramarathoners will tell you to run the first half of your race conservatively and the second is when you give it your all. This is also scientifically proven to be a successful race strategy for performance.<br>
<br>
Leona Divide was a different type of race. It had strict cut-offs, huge climbs during the first half of the race, and the temperatures were unpredictable at best.<br>
<br>
There were two main factors pushing me to run hard and abandon my previous approach to racing: 1) The heat, and 2) Cut-off times.<br>
<br>
I knew that I had to finish as many miles as possible while it was still in the cool early morning. It seemed like a logical choice when dealing with a race where the temperatures could become scorching by mid-day.<br>
<br>
My second goal was to finish as many miles as I could so I wasn't chasing cut-off times during the heat of the day.<br>
<br>
The morning of the race, I was ready to see what the day would bring.<br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<h3>
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lesson #2: Stay consistent with your hydration and nutrition throughout your entire race.</span></i></b></h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ5oXD_so_825HN2EKW9H4j1R8WlHp5_7QHHelkoyRF7Fq-TfSPlETizEl4AB1havu9CB6Oziljukm1tXKKBDU1ErsadCFq-t5P0cQKZYUts2DhDAv_wbAfZeoENg9WWBV2O87jxL5XRs/s640/Leona6a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="640"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nine miles of beautiful single-track running down a mountainside = paradise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
The first half of my race was glorious, and it flew by in blur of early morning sunrises over the landscape and beautiful mountains.<br>
<br>
I was running as fast as I could and pushing my body hard. I felt focused and excited for the day ahead of me.<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2p4LRVq9LG4dDky5ZwUJu0Tw_9SLXWbmx8Bb_wlsprIqJOV15NaS1j1KPW1YA7a0gtrLoDXzk-6QJqvKS8MmWcDp_SUhVJAbVFYDnDs_49RbHkKsZy7AabvQVEoqGhckqjKSUx4PRXcL/s1600/leona2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2p4LRVq9LG4dDky5ZwUJu0Tw_9SLXWbmx8Bb_wlsprIqJOV15NaS1j1KPW1YA7a0gtrLoDXzk-6QJqvKS8MmWcDp_SUhVJAbVFYDnDs_49RbHkKsZy7AabvQVEoqGhckqjKSUx4PRXcL/s640/leona2.jpg" width="425"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoked on life and jumping for joy around the 8-mile mark. Photo by Michelle Evans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH1T1oNTlpZ0BYJpdwZCMIcB42JPCVp_5nsRLiq9N0ErbWjbvQy5dwxz618XgmTOLDt_0sO_eMbo1cvTJOBtkFiMe-2JJmJJutAfTtB1YQlhN841HwoFLw1XRDbYF7Yc2TUYZDMzulDt5/s640/leona5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Michelle captures my best sides, always. Feeling pretty silly at mile 8.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Peter, along with two of my good friends Tyler Clemens and Michelle Evans were able to crew for me at three locations. I was so appreciative of having them there, and knowing they were at each aid station gave me the motivation to push myself. The next thing I knew, I was heading towards the mile 18 aid station.<br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I finally made it to the aid station, I was over an hour ahead of the cut-offs and I was feeling great. </span><br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOylpWifRA8RWhVxH92WM_Z_0VhVp92bK9Hl7EZZ2lgk_B9And0JKgnL3XatuqiyYnXdLyS2wjraD5_JPqioPsSFemBpsOejL83W_wXKkIuvojJvyzBhhTEsKjyVCu2fWI_yFjRgAqGi_/s640/Leona3.jpg" width="425"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I spotted Peter and made my way over to him, smiling from ear to ear and proud of getting there so quick.<br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He took off my pack and pulled out the bladder to fill it up. It was still more than half full. He had filled it up over nine miles prior, and by the time I made it to the aid station, it should have been empty.</span><br>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You haven't been drinking enough!" He said. I could hear the concern in his voice.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
I stared at the bladder, realizing that in my joy of running fast through the first eighteen miles of the course, I had completely forgotten about my hydration and nutrition. In my head, it seemed like I was being good about drinking often enough and taking in gels. Having a bladder on your back and out of eye-sight, however, made it harder for me to gauge than the handhelds I was used to.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He then inspected the two front pockets of the pack and pulled out only two empty gels. The rest were unused.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I knew </span>immediately<span style="font-family: inherit;"> that I had fucked up big time.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made a face as him that said, <i>I know what you're about to say to me...</i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You're not eating enough either....<i>dude</i>!" </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
The next look on his face said, <i>You better hope you're not already too far into a caloric deficit. </i><br>
<i><br></i>
I had the biggest climb of the day ahead of me, and I swallowed hard, knowing that a seemingly small mistake could end up costing me my race.<br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He began to stuff more gels into the front pockets, and handed me another few to hold.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My pack was overflowing and I frowned at it, knowing that forcing myself to consume a large amount of calories at one time would be hard on my body.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
"I'll focus on eating and drinking the whole way up," I told him.<br>
<br>
I opened a package of gummy bears and started shoving them in my mouth.<br>
<br>
<i>Shit. Shit. Shit.</i><br>
<br>
I chewed hard, and the taste of the sugar made me feel queasy.<br>
<br>
<i>Double-shit.</i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Peter put my full pack back on, and it felt ridiculously heavy on my back.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Triple-shit.</i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I looked at the mountain ahead of me. I had some serious climbing to do.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My friend Naomi was leaving the aid station, and knowing I do better with company, I hurried to catch up with her.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I reached her, I saw that she also had several gels in her hands, and was quickly eating while eyeing the mountain ahead of us.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Eating is sometimes the hardest part," Naomi said. "But you just gotta do it."</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BQFtW4VF1TeVBy7RGHv-w9wnQnty_p9HVfIhr3WMHQ4TM5lHuJrC2idtf4ZMukuHIX6FlPyiW83YDPEXgwWHdHJs2IcGxmmj9M3FidRMTNDqev35ZSHwg6v2JtebVZ4VF38fys2TxFxE/s640/leona1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too busy trying to figure out where to stuff my gels to realize that Michelle was taking a photo....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Lesson #3: You don't have time for too much shit. Literally and figuratively. </span></span></i></h3>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><br></span></span></i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFYVUON1KaWtJ7SVwb7qHJjpG2fFKuxJbsVgjPKttqNIhMUmSxpvKsZHAdL2TR5UiCYW9_Bzo1A_41vK2UlD2l092c7IiaHCHY8h-jYmR5Xc6bYrYGGXB3D2s0QsBeZoMOc8moz0AYS_G/s640/Leona7a.jpg" width="640"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The sun was almost completely overhead as Naomi and I made our way up the side of the mountain. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few miles, I started to have a hard time keeping up with her. My calves were cramping and the heat was starting to make me feel light-headed.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Peter had put a bandana filled with ice around my neck and I cradled it against my face.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The sun was completely overhead and I felt like I was inside of an oven that was slowly heating up.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The gels and watermelon I had gorged myself on at the aid station were starting to turn my stomach.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cramp. <i>Churn. </i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br></i></span>
I wished I had some Tums.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Cramp. </span><i>Double-churn</i>.<br>
<br>
I wished I had Pepto-Bismol.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br>
I wished I had anything to spare me the discomfort of having my bowels go at war against themselves.<br>
<br>
<span style="font-style: normal; font-family: inherit;"><i>"</i>Go ahead without me, I need to uh, use a bush," I told Naomi. "I'll catch up with you."</span><br>
<span style="font-style: normal; font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-style: normal; font-family: inherit;">She gave me a look of concern and nodded, continuing on up the trail. </span><br>
<span style="font-style: normal; font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-style: normal; font-family: inherit;">I </span>immediately<span style="font-style: normal; font-family: inherit;"> started looking for a nearby bush. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not looking where I was stepping, I </span>accidentally<span style="font-family: inherit;"> walked directly into a patch of foxtails. Dozens of the little sharp fuckers embedded themselves into my socks and I knew I would have to pull them out before doing anything else. Instead of fussing with them, I took the socks off, and hoped that I wouldn't get any blisters between then and the next aid station. I wished I had put an extra pair of socks into my pack. Another lesson learned.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I spent about twenty minutes huddled behind a bush, clutching my stomach in agony. Every second felt like an eternity under the hot sun, and my legs hurt from crouching down.</span><br>
<br>
<i>I don't have time for this shit.</i><br>
<i><br></i>
After spending so much time on the side of the trail, when I finally started back up the mountain, I felt pretty disoriented.<br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I stopped looking at my watch and decided to tackle the mountain as safely as possible.<br>
<br>
My legs felt unsteady and I was slow.<br>
<br>
I was pushing myself as hard as I could, yet I moved at a snails pace.<br>
<br>
I was able to drink water but every time I ate a gel or a piece of a shot block, my stomach turned. I did my best to take in calories, but I knew that I was way, way under what I should have been eating for how hard I was climbing.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I neared the top of the climb, I spotted a couple of runners sitting on the side of the trail. They had their heads against their knees and they looked <i>wrecked</i>.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You guys okay?" I asked as I made my way up to them. "Do you need any gels or anything?"</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One woman looked up, slightly annoyed. "I'm fine." she said. Her face was bright red and flushed. She looked anything but fine.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Good luck," I said with a small smile, and continued on. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<br>
<h3>
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lesson #4: Having a crew comprised of your </span>significant<span style="font-family: inherit;"> other and best friends is really, really awesome. </span></i></b></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGr8KUzkSyMjlfJnG2uu7Aks-j3WIxIcwRTjL2wOxEDAZZDJRTFSjtDm_oEO66zLK1-jWlbseXEaNvuoSJY4A79mabYNU8oOnWZViCZ3eCOsSPuFEoA-PDaQhZ0eJfNCYujtl6GLgi9vOl/s640/Leona3a.jpg" width="640"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was almost to the top of the climb, I saw two figures standing at the trailhead. I still had another three miles until the next aid station, and wondered who they were.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I made my way closer, I saw that it was Peter and Tyler, looking out over the valley. They each had a beer in hand and I was insanely jealous.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Normally, I would go up and take one of their beers, cherishing a few sips as a reward for such a climb.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
Instead, the very idea of beer made my stomach do one of those "<i>I'm warning you</i>" rumbles and I pushed the thought out of my mind.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You guys are such dirtbags," I said as I walked up. It made me so happy to see them a few miles early on the trail. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"We decided we wanted to drink a beer at the top of the mountain and wait for you!" Peter said. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tyler grinned. "How was that climb?"</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<i>Brutal</i>," I said. "I spent twenty minutes behind a bush wanting to die. I think the watermelon I ate at the last aid station went right through me."</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
Peter looked concerned.<br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tyler looked down at my feet and saw that I had taken off my socks.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You didn't use your socks to..." He started. I knew what he was thinking.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<i>No!</i> I got them covered in thorns when I was trying to get to the bush," I said. "I had TP."</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"My legs feel trashed, and I'm having a hard time taking in gels," I told Peter as we headed back down the side of the mountain. We had three miles until the next aid station. I was starting to lose my ability to form complete thoughts.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I knew I was heading into the danger zone. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was probably pretty obvious how wrecked I already was, because Peter told me that him and Tyler were going to run ahead and get things ready for me at the aid station. </span>They knew they were going to have to do some damage control.<br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was a little bummed to lose their company on the run down, but I knew I needed to get in and out of the aid station as fast as possible. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I watched them run quickly down the mountain, beers still in hand.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
It was in that moment that I really appreciated having a boyfriend who is also an ultrarunner, and such amazingly supportive friends who were willing to give up their Saturday afternoon to crew for me. I also appreciated that they were trail running with beers, and somehow managed to not spill anything as I watched them run down the trail. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">During the race, Peter, Tyler and Michelle became lights at the end of the tunnel, pulling me forward and motivating me to push harder. I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">t was emotionally rejuvenating to be supported by the people I loved. All I could think to myself over and over was, </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">I'm so damn lucky.</i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCxW-WJbYnyDxRxlFW_GpIrSMebHRqWQWyixqQPOnLScTYQBsHuWaulqsW3VmTLY4H7geJ76BTyT-_A94qM9Z34-esclTqeVGJUxywH2YQ0xcYRZVij9GcnsJSYA1VDA45PFGdKgIdkOR/s640/Leona1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="640"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dirtbag royal treatment. Photo by Michelle Evans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br></div>
<br>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I reached the mile 26 aid station, Peter had a chair out and a re-filled another ice bandana for me. My friend Jack had a giant liter of soda waiting and Tyler had a fresh new pair of socks for me. I was starting to feel pretty terrible and this was easily the best part of the entire race for me. Kara came over with her dog Molly and I literally could have lived in that moment forever.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1VdharLlYrlehE75EKV7elqT6Qgudum05fmdlRVM6ml3CL5QH_Q2GxuBEwxJl9lM4Yi7koNZXIOVWrpaiu1PUsSfUcnSGFLbdJp8auPWUbW7oIw8drR-Fcfp0GgpecMk1PZW-rr9Co9R/s640/Leona6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kara and Molly giving me some encouragement at mile 26. Photo by Michelle Evans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"This is quite the dirtbag royal treatment," I told my crew.</span><br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I saw Naomi and my other friend Jen heading up the trail, and figured I was on a pretty good pace so far. I relaxed a little into the chair a bit and allowed myself the time to re-energize.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few more minutes of aid station bliss, my friend Derek walked up. "You gotta get out of here, girl!" He said, pointing to his watch. "You have an hour and fifteen minutes to get to the next aid station!"</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was like a giant adrenaline rush.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Shit!" I said, and stood up immediately. "Shit! Shit! </span><i>Shit!"</i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br></i></span>
I looked at my watch and did some quick mental math-- I knew I was in serious, serious trouble.<br>
<br>
Peter put my full hydration pack on and again, stuffed the pockets full of gels.<br>
<br>
I stood in place, afraid to move. I didn't want to leave my crew and I knew this was my make-it-or-break-it moment.<br>
<br>
"You got this, dude," Peter told me, with both hands on my shoulders. I nodded, and kissed him goodbye.<br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I gave my friends a thumbs-up and made my way back on the trail. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<h3 style="margin: 0px;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lesson #5: The race often begins when you have hit your physical limit. This is when you learn to run with your heart. </span></b></i></h3>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<i>This is it</i>," I thought to myself. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was a mile and a half out from the last aid station, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">sizing up the climb ahead of me. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The trail twisted and curved it’s way up and over the top of a small mountain. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was nothing compared to what I had already climbed. Yet somehow, it looked like of the largest mountains I'd ever laid eyes on. I had less than an hour to run four miles up and over the other side to make it to the next aid station cut-off. I knew that climbing over 2K feet of vert in less than fifteen minute miles would be a challenge on fresh legs.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My legs were anything but fresh.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the mile and a half I had ran since the last aid station, I had gone from feeling pretty shitty to feeling the worst I'd ever felt during a run. I regretted fully filling my 2-liter hydration pack. It felt like it weighed twenty pounds and my body struggled against the extra weight. I tried to drink as much water as I could but my stomach turned every time I took a sip. The muscles in my legs were beginning to cramp again and my hips strained with each step.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I willed myself up the trail as fast as I could go.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was like I was running up a sand hill. Each step seemed to take me nowhere, and oftentimes, I felt like I was being pulled backwards. Frustration boiled inside of my mind, clouding my judgement.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was losing my ability to focus, drifting between the edges of my own sanity and the trail. I was suddenly afraid of being alone. Fear was creeping up on me quietly, slinking in around my mind like a snake on it’s sleeping victim. What if I passed out on the side of the trail? Had I pushed myself too hard? Could I still make the next cut-off in time? </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
Could I will myself to simply stop hurting and run at top speed up this mountain? Could I mentally pull myself out of feeling like I was literally falling apart?</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The miles passed, and I remember nothing but a mixture of rocks and dirt and dry air and sun. My ice bandana had completely melted and dried. My lips were cracked and I felt like I was on a dead-end journey into the middle of the Sahara Desert.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My heartbeat was like a drum in my head, and I could feel the beads of sweat running down my temples. The heat was dizzying.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dirt and rocks and sun and footsteps. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A view of the valley opened up in front of me and I realized that the climb was over.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was completely blown away by the beauty of the landscape. I was elated that I could run downhill for a little bit. I felt my legs come back to me, just a little bit.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For a few glorious minutes, I let gravity pull my body down the side of the trail. I ran with complete joy and a belief that I would make it to the next aid station in time. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I rounded a corner, I glanced down at my watch.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It felt like a punch to the stomach.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was a mile and a half away from the aid station when my watch read 2:30PM, the last cutoff. The shock was like a punch in the stomach, and I stopped running completely. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I swayed in place, reeling in waves of disappointment. I didn't know what to do.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My legs were suddenly unable to keep me upright, and I quickly sat down onto a large rock on the side of the trail. The tears fell down my face and there was nothing I could do to stop them. My body shook and I fell completely apart. </span><br>
<br>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Lesson #6: Sometimes you just have to cry it out.</i></b></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first time someone told me that they cried during a run, I couldn't fathom it.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sure, I had hard runs before, but they never made me want to cry. Running was my source of joy. Running made me happy. I never connected crying and running.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet there I was, crying on the side of the trail and there was absolutely nothing I could do to stop it. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s just a race. </i>I reasoned with myself. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This was not your day. It doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The tears continued, and my body shook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You will train harder next time. This will be the last time you ever DNF a race.</span></i><br>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I struggled to pull myself together.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And then, I heard footsteps approaching.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Oh god.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the embarrassment of having someone see me sitting in the dirt and sobbing like a child. I squinted in the sunlight and saw that it was my friend and veteran of the sport, Larry Gassan. </span>I felt overwhelmed with gratitude in seeing the first familiar face in over an hour. The comfort of having someone I knew with me on the trail was like having a warm blanket wrapped around me.<br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Known for his quick musings about life and satirical, off-handed sense of humor, I braced myself to be the butt of a joke. I knew I must have looked a little ridiculous. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nine times out of ten, Larry would have made fun of me for sitting in the dirt and crying. That day, however, he looked to be in a comparable state of misery. I felt bad for him, knowing he was also probably feeling like shit, but I was also kind of relieved. If Larry was having a bad day, that mean't that I wasn't completely being unreasonable about having one, too. Misery loves company (sorry, Larry!).</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He paused when he reached me. His face was washed with an expression that said, <i>I know exactly how you feel. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wasn't used to Sensitive Larry, but I sure as hell appreciated it at that moment.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We didn't need words, our exchange of glances said it all.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The day was so much harder than we both had anticipated. The sun was hotter, the climbs were undeniably more challenging. The miles were not forgiving, and n<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">either were the cut-off times.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">We stood for another few moments in silence, surveying the rest of the course ahead of us, until I finally spoke.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I wanted this so bad, Larry,” said quietly, pushing a rock in the dirt around with my foot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“We both did, Darlin’,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He looked down at the valley below us and towards the direction of the finish line.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"We still have another six miles to get to the finish," He said.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He pulled his handheld out of his pack and took a long drink.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“You know,” He added, “I’m not a bit sorry that we won’t have to do that very last climb. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come on, let's get our asses to the finish line," He said.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
I stood up and mentally and figuratively brushed myself off.<br>
<br>
"Okay," I said, feeling slightly more pulled together. "Let's do this."<br>
<br></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We continued down the trail, and distracted ourselves by exchanging opinions on everything from race directing, to shoe choices, to what it was like being raised by parents who lived through the Great Depression. Although I was still reeling in disappointment, my spirit felt lifted from having Larry to run with.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we made it to the aid station, we sat down in two camping chairs, savoring a moment of peace. We still had another five miles to go.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"It's kind of insult to injury that we miss the cut-offs and still have to run over five miles to the finish," I said, eyeing a piece of fruit on the aid station table.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Larry nodded, with a look that said <i>you're fucking right it is.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">An aid station volunteer walked up to us and wrote our numbers down. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You'll be continuing on to the finish from here," She said to me. "You're passed the cut-off time."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Okay," I said, as if I didn't already know. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Larry handed me a slice of watermelon with his pocket knife.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I ate it slowly.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Everything was going to be okay.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<h3 style="margin: 0px;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lesson #7: Define your success based on your effort rather than your finishing time or mileage.</span></b></i></h3>
<div>
<i style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3Oa64C0vkXOooVMguCzHm-PFF5bcCtlRvP9QX8OMwUkYnxS2I7OCHcS8k4KPqTMjOjLZcJcz4M-9A_096ZP51iAszjJsJxLitn7zpBtTaDiNGjcWiEihiI1BDNDGxVRRhPyfMbmg5hTA/s640/Leona2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhausted and happy to be at the finish line. Photo by Michelle Evans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The one silver lining of missing the last cut-off was knowing, deep down, that if I had more time, I could have finished the distance. I simply couldn't do it fast enough. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I crossed the finish line of Leona Divide a strange mess of emotions. I wanted to run through the finish line at mile 50, not 36. I wanted to run through with a smile on my face, proud of the hard work I had put in.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Instead, I found myself crossing the finish line, completely dreading the moment that I would have to tell</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Peter, Michelle and Tyler that I didn't make it. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My eyes found Peter standing in a group a little bit past the finish line. Michelle and Tyler looked over, and giant smiles spread across their faces.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Good job, dude!" Peter said, giving me a high-five before I had a chance to say anything.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I didn't finish," I said quietly and looked down at my feet.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You still ran a really hard thirty-six miles!" He said. "You did a good job today."</span><br>
<br>
I looked him in the eyes for a long moment.<br>
<br>
I wanted to believe him.<br>
<br></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A woman appeared next to me with a finishers medal. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"But I didn't..." I started to say, and she ignored me, placing it around my neck anyway.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She congratulated me for finishing.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She didn't know that I didn't finish the whole distance, and it was then that I realized that it didn't matter.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had literally just ran the hardest race of my entire life. I had pushed myself harder than I ever had before. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had given the race absolutely everything in me. And most importantly, I didn't give up. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"That was <i>so hard</i>," I told Peter, bracing my hands against my knees for a moment.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me, reminding me again that I had done a good job.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Michelle chimed in,"Dude, lots of people didn't make the cut-off. It was a brutal day out there. You gave it your all and you should be proud of yourself!"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also realized then that I was the only one disappointed in myself. Not a single person around me told me I should have tried harder or that I was a failure. In fact, as everyone was more or less congratulating me for a hard day's work on the trails. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They were right.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I found Naomi and congratulated her on her finish. She smiled ear to ear, and then told me that she also got cut-off. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"It's okay," She said, still smiling. "It just wasn't my day!"</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Her ease and acceptance of missing the cut-offs amazed me. I knew she had a lot of experience as an ultrarunner, and it made me feel better to know that I was not the only one to not make the final cut-off time. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We took a photo, and I began to feel my spirit lifted.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignw9xHpzmtHgaqmHGW34ryHOHCWSKcZ0MVZUbp1byluSvgNmNyTQUFh2NFQTirA6_vHcNE1U9eZ9wa81OBVktASgWewCAKxRaBK0_mn4_V02OphyLTxFNOwAEFelrcP1gwu-4GV4CECYe/s640/leona4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi Ruiz and I at the finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0y_jY5IWbE5xQU4guTUSTq1kLl17zdGL89oBp9zd2ikcRkB1Enci6Ww3p8JPzy-XlHpn00jV1ORfL1LdIFcZiNJm4zZhF5BdP7f4A73WqAlQJs7IM8RWP-CXK_PtJ5GcCEnzccrCEmES/s640/Leona4a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a pretty beautiful sunset to watch through the trees at the finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I did what any other ultrarunner who just finished the hardest race of their life would do--I cracked open a beer and sat down in a chair at the finish line with my crew.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was wonderful. </span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsW9ZqiID-cTfrDmo7ZnrH0OajDkomw2GVxS945nmkRXWA4v_-gw94x1XgmHbEy0pa3pIvUBpC_-hl2m0S1friDhID6GxAIJtEiN-RXuXa7yuC9jm0RlflO4iB0JJ9hCgEmq6U_qDnRIk/s640/Leona7.jpg" width="640"></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPYTNQ29FYDlImF362SzmsEbEJimSvScNcepM2xDAHPrZ1J_-6UWPgn6pqt2_yys7xN3Xu7urImokrvZ-N6OrDAHUTfXc3L6gfdKVmi9j3E2KBfwPVFPfvs-mUKwMdODJmu3Wt7Fft9-N/s640/Leona8.jpg" width="640"></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzHKfRR_Fb5L1v0O1OgJFBuD4NqMpoxCqXLQVzFf9HHetCslr2yca_3_m1cT9iBIay-5T_FQUQrH83XXyTTMP-zN4iD3fGlYSfAbIxgat3-KMjXnDuuPqRBS2GHQ3Wk_dNHpcTMQFOtyU/s640/leona3.jpg" width="640"></div>
<br></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<h2>
Lesson #8: Your first DNF will be painful, but you will survive. And, probably learn some very important lessons from it.</h2>
<h3 style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
For many of us, the sting of the first D.N.F. in a race is particularly painful. We all know it is bound to happen sooner or later, yet somehow, when it actually happens, it's hard to not feel crushed and defeated. It took me a shockingly long amount of time to understand that I was<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the single limiting factor in moving on from the negative aspects of the experience and moving towards growth and understanding. Yeah, a DNF sucks but at the end of the day, it's really not that big of a deal. Beginners DNF. Middle-of-the-packers DNF. Pros DNF. It happens to almost anyone, unless your name is Kilian Jornet. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
As athletes, it is inevitable that we will go through periods of injury and set-back. Even though it may be challenging to find the lessons in difficult or disappointing situations, there is always a choice. Sometimes the lessons are big and hurt and sting and take weeks to fully process or understand. Sometimes the lessons are small and feel better after a few days of healing and a little bit of Neosporin. Either way, there is value to each experience.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a reality: </span>Ten miles is far. Fifty miles is far. Two hundred miles is <i>really</i> far. The first mile you've ran after a long break from running (or never having ran before) is <i>really, really far. </i>Too many runners (myself included) tend to make racing into an all-or-nothing gamble: you either win or you lose, there is no grey area. This is unfortunate because at the end of the day, simply being able to run is a gift and we should never take that for granted. All of the training you put in for a race where you DNF-ed can be channeled into another race in the future. Training and racing is like building a house from the ground up, rather than building castles in the sky. We need not shoot down our progress simply because we didn't achieve one of our goals.<br>
<br>
Another important thing to remember: There will always be more races. New goals. Bigger sights and bigger mountains. Accept that fact and the fear of failing becomes much less disheartening. Failing becomes a part of the process. Failing paves the road to your future victories. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br></div>
</div>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-82977441704472096452015-03-19T10:53:00.005-07:002015-03-19T10:56:13.731-07:00Marin Ultra Challenge 50K: That One Time I Slipped On A Crab (And Everything Else That Happened)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTgr9znTFk_T-V5NbRb-Y-v1dQZrx9MHfTVFng0h_wHg0U821_Q3TdaGvC5IAG24UHk9WEAejiXMyUtmpUjkH9ankIBZzTyNWdkd12r69WEJD0hvRSV3gbCQdK6qB_3B4FHF4SUSVRQIA/s1600/Coast.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I registered for the Marin Ultra Challenge 50K in San Francisco for three main reasons: 1) My training plan for the Leona Divide 50 called for a 30 mile run with decent elevation gain that weekend, 2) The course looked gorgeous (and hard!), and 3) After telling my boyfriend about the race, I convinced him to sign up as well (he chose the 50-mile option). Triple-win!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With a little more than a month left to train for Leona, I approached the MUC 50K as training run rather than a race. My intention was to finish with enough left in me so that I would still be able to reach my goal mileage for the next week. This was the first of two week of my highest mileage for my training plan.. The goal was to hit 50-55 miles for the first week, and hit 60-65 the next week. That's a lot of miles and time to iron out the kinks for my nutrition and gear. And for breaking in my new Luna Sandals (the Gordos).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The night before the race, I laid out the contents of my hydration pack, course map and gear on the table in front of me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1gwDc5KwbvmXIFmc2_mGwG1xP1mgQBeUerF8z6Oxht7HAmJ7Rd1dBjKavXLsks1IC7FCpRsEe1PO1bRrDAun2PpxctLii7ddRE3Nj8W9cUhpj2-tz3JVX4T5G25eBG30-Pqt2L6H2FjR/s1600/10553633_666700726296_7532131182355525352_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made sure my Garmin was fully-charged. Double-checked that I had my heart-rate monitor and Salt Stick Tabs. Counted the safety pins attached to my race bib. I<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> considered the relative benefits of carrying two handhelds versus a hydration pack. </span>Rearranged the order of my gels, from least-favorite to most favorite. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To a non-runner, it must have looked strange to see me stuff several small gels into a pocket of my pack, only to pull them out again moments later, contemplating the order of which I may or may not want to eat them during my race. Espresso gel first thing in the race with no nearby bathrooms? Maybe not the greatest of ideas...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wouldn't necessarily consider myself to be the type of person who is overly attentive to detail, but with racing, I'm downright OCD at times. I find this stage of race preparation oddly therapeutic and calming. It makes me feel better have everything ready to go and organized the night before the race. That left me with more brain-space to dwell over other important things like whether or not the ice in the cooler will keep the beers cold until the end of the race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my nutrition, I planned on using <a href="http://tailwindnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Tailwind </a>(a sensitive-stomach friendly electrolyte / nutrition powder you put into your water-- think of it as Gatorade on crack), <a href="http://epicbar.com/" target="_blank">a Bison EPIC bar</a>, Salt Stick Tabs as needed, three or four gels (some with caffeine, some not), five Medjool Dates, and a chocolate-covered marshmallow egg (because things like that make me really happy in the middle of a race). I figured I'd also be picking at the food at the aid stations, but in general, I liked to be fully-prepared by myself. I also had my headlamp (we would be starting in the dark), sunglasses and my trusty <a href="http://dirtbagrunners.com/" target="_blank">Dirtbag Runners</a> trucker hat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even with my obsessive packing and scanning over the map, I still I went to bed that night feeling restless. I wanted to run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Race Day Morning - A Crab-tastic Beginning </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcLqWl7vPs-GHwgcK_7rN4A0IMFr4S-XsDv8091Anvi8GoXMEVkPYV_Hdp-jhPP_79tHVsBCkywaypAhmG3XXoJtttLbFcm-gZTsZY15ptGgxNlJWh9RvkxznTS7H537XVemg8oGz4w-6/s1600/Morning.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
Peter woke up early the morning of our race (around 3:30 am!) and went into the kitchen to brew a pot of coffee. After a few minutes, I dragged myself out of bed, still sleepy-eyed and feeling like I didn't really sleep at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a cup of coffee each and a few bites of food, we filled our thermoses with the leftover coffee and drove to the starting line of the race.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The event start and finish was set up just below the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. </span>We arrived forty-five minutes early to give ourselves plenty of time to finish our coffees and handle business. As we wandered around killing time before the start, we walked to the shore's edge, taking in the sparkling reflection of the bridge in the water. It was beautiful.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As with every race start, I found myself observing other runners and their gear. What kinds of hydration packs they had, what types of headlamps they used, the shoes (or lack thereof). I looked down and realized I was probably the only person running in <a href="http://lunasandals.com/" target="_blank">Luna Sandals</a>. While at the Born To Run Ultramarathon my feet would disappear among a sea of Lunas, in the Marin Headlands of San Francisco, I looked mildly out-of-place.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Regardless, I felt confident that the model I was wearing / testing out / breaking in -- <a href="http://lunasandals.com/collections/trail-lunas/products/luna-gordo" target="_blank">The Gordo</a>-- would hold up well on the terrain. It was thicker and burlier than the typical Lunas I ran in, and had a sole that was specifically designed for trail running.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I was also planning on wearing them for the Leona Divide 50, so this was the perfect setting to put them to the test.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The race director called for the runners to head to the starting line --the 50 mile and 50K would both start shortly after 6 am.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peter and I wished each other good luck, and soon we were all off running into the darkness.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peter happily bounded towards the front of the pack, and I hung back a little (okay, a <i>lot</i>), finding a comfortable pace and making sure I kept a reasonable heart-rate. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was still pretty dark out, and my headlamp was doing a bad job of lighting up the ground in front of me. I tried to carefully watch where I was stepping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was only maybe half a mile out when my right foot landed on something large that crunch-SMASH-<i>squished </i>and I felt my center of gravity change drastically. It happened so quickly that my arms didn't even have a chance to brace my fall.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My left shin hit the ground first, dragging against the pavement to stop my forward momentum.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hadn't even made it to the trailhead yet.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm technically running on the road right now.</span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Running down a steep single-track whilst channeling your inner Kilian Jornet? Worthy of a wipe-out.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Flat paved road? Nope.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i>
A nearby runner stopped for a moment to make sure I was alright.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><br /></i></span>
"I'm fine! Just a little scrape!" I said, quickly standing up and brushing the rocks off my legs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I inspected my now stinging shin and saw dark red streaks run down my leg. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scrapes looked more like an animal had slashed the front of my shin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankfully, it didn't hurt too bad.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I pointed my headlamp in the direction of where I slipped, and I couldn't believe what had taken me out:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A fucking <i>crab</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like, the kind of crab with big claws you might find steamed and served alongside melted butter at a seafood restaurant. The back of its shell was cracked down the middle and it's insides were spilling out through the sides.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brutal way to go out, little dude.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It made my scratched-up leg look like a paper-cut in comparison.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought about taking a photo, but the mob of runners was still pretty dense and I figured it was better just to keep moving forward. I had an important task at hand: running. Far.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Marin Headlands </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7JNt7zZScMcIkrQrUTNCZ6Dnxuvq5f5TqooLKFWcpACku1gQYXq71eGmOu523mQRY5Dqbb9jTXPdjjr8YBj_6IEzQWbSvweA_Pyjr_OujM1VTMbmT21IcVXMIpHZWDAkzdHR6v7v6LLr/s1600/Morning1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>The next few miles passed like a blur.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Up up up, down down down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Up down, up down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I watched as the twinkling headlamps bobbed in the darkness of the valley in front of me. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the sun started to peak it's way out from the mountains behind me, I was able to finally see the surrounding mountain ranges. It was gorgeous.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everything was green and vibrant. Spring was in full bloom and I was grateful to be able to run during such a perfect day. The weather was set to be the low 70s during the day with some clouds, so needless to say, I couldn't ask for better conditions!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At around mile 8 we began to climb along the coast and I couldn't help but stop and take a few photos.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTgr9znTFk_T-V5NbRb-Y-v1dQZrx9MHfTVFng0h_wHg0U821_Q3TdaGvC5IAG24UHk9WEAejiXMyUtmpUjkH9ankIBZzTyNWdkd12r69WEJD0hvRSV3gbCQdK6qB_3B4FHF4SUSVRQIA/s1600/Coast.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rolling single-track ran along the coast for a few more miles, and then drifted back into the mountains. I found myself running down a path that led alongside a farm. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two figures swoop down from a nearby fence and position themselves in the middle of the trail ahead of me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stopped running, startled.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The two birds ruffled their feathers and gobbled menacingly at me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclV5dINXIE7rrqA_fvai6Fd77AjibJXcsyg-T_VYDVCRjuoj3LN1HMXPygUOCVpwP3bognuCOeJwLtteMfBAwjC5B6DV5ut0EUnXFMjgqabbBikc-aILMCP3dcJJyZvkpvZ3qDcolqolV/s640/blogger-image--1476277141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclV5dINXIE7rrqA_fvai6Fd77AjibJXcsyg-T_VYDVCRjuoj3LN1HMXPygUOCVpwP3bognuCOeJwLtteMfBAwjC5B6DV5ut0EUnXFMjgqabbBikc-aILMCP3dcJJyZvkpvZ3qDcolqolV/s640/blogger-image--1476277141.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has got to be a joke...right?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Do I try to scare them away? Should I attempt to run by?</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't really know what to do.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> a few tentative steps forward, and one of the turkeys lunged at me. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The thoughts raced through my mind:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Are turkey beaks sharp? </i><i>Can a turkey bite draw blood?</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is this some sort of retribution for all the turkey I've eaten in my life?</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How fast do turkeys run?</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...Can I run faster than a turkey?</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why do these turkeys hate me so much?</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeling anxious about how long a stand-off with two turkeys could take, I decided to take a chance and just run for it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I barely got by as one of the turkeys stumbled over its own feet to reach me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now the bigger turkey was angry-- and he ran after me-- gaining speed as I pushed hard towards the aid station in the distance.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I glanced behind me and saw with horror that <i>the turkey was actually getting closer.</i> It was like something out of a cartoon and I wished that I had taken those martial arts lessons as a kid, so maybe I could have just kung-fued the turkey as a last resort. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The aid station volunteers looked over and realized what was happening.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead of rushing to my defense, they did what any other self-respecting group of people with smart phones would do -- they started taking photos and video-taping.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The turkey chased me all the way to the aid station, where I quickly ran behind the table. One of the volunteers shook a jacket at the bird and it scurried off back to its perch, waiting for the next runner to torment. The volunteers were doubled-over and laughing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An older volunteer came up to me, giggling to herself. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"They've been doing that to the poor runners all morning! Just sitting on the fence and jumping down when they see the next one coming!"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Today has been more eventful than I could have anticipated," I said, grabbing a gel from the table. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"One of the birds ripped a guys shorts earlier! You got out lucky," she told me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then she noticed my leg. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Nevermind! It looks like something already got to you!" She said, eyebrows raised a little. "Want us to clean that up?"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No!" I said a little too quickly. "Thanks, though." </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really didn't want to mess with it until after the race, fearing it would just make it hurt more.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Okay..." She said, with a look <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">of disapproval that reviled my Grandmother's. I knew the look well. It said: <i>You young kids these days think you're so invincible... </i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I grabbed half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "I'll take care of it after I'm done. Promise!"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I smiled and left before she had a chance to talk me into a bandaid. I ran up the trail, eating my sandwich and attempting to pick up the pace a bit.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyBneqIFzSEnrTMC22s_zMefrFsGg1PoBml7GsbcqgCz8X4lyLjFjD4tDl2JDhhqjFI-_w0-2lvQn-E7J0jgFI7TMWqiAq1S1H_hG6bFITSO49lfpO-MZPp3DbMZqa8bw_fiu1HHX0zVv/s1600/farm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I made my way up the biggest climb of the day, I felt my legs slowly loosen up. I felt strong. It was strange to think about the fact that I started to feel my best around the four hour mark. Talk about a long warm-up period!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After an exhilarating descent into the next valley, the trail twisted and led to an expansive grassy field where the grass grew higher than my head. It felt like wonderland and I could barely see more than a few yards ahead of me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Suddenly, I was climbing again, and the trail had become a thick canopy of trees covered with vines and flowers. It reminded me more of a jungle in the Amazon than in the mountains above San Francisco. The quickly changing settings was a little shocking but amazingly entertaining. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN6n0fqXpe6wee2DTxeiCu1gDJws3v2KKRlDCK7M9l6MIi-LVPTrdmdKq63ZBGtApKXqau3g23vm60lS39oKJ2f0lAwa5xCbkbzvXXiWjD4ci53qxuYX91tcIxVpl1sRiDSq29wCkNvNf/s1600/Jungle.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I lost track of time between miles twenty and twenty-nine. At some point, I do remember looking down at my watch around mile twenty-five, and thinking to myself that this was the half-way mark for Leona. I wondered what another twenty-five miles on my legs in a month would feel like.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was nearing the end of the race when my hips started to feel pretty tight and a few hot spots started burning on the bottoms of my feet. I saw the San Francisco bay in the distance, and I felt a pull towards it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought of a saying of my Grandpa's in this moment: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Nothing to do but do it."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing to do but do it.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The remaining miles passed by in what seemed like seconds.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBB6iKh27fE3m922rKXV5YW5J44ULc0uyIPvfGxQjhPbiMFu4NWEE27hkifWf5YuoAkWay25AL9yu3nPWUQRVhy5S7Ml93mBHOpR7wvg32neK4zMWrVQGLSEnyEQS6D9MQwVn1Ik15VEW/s1600/11059723_666773829796_2520544421888560417_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The course ended up finishing at a little over 32 miles (thanks for the bonus mile, guys!). I ran through the finish line, elated. My legs felt trashed but relatively good considering the seven thousand feet of climbing I had just done. I hobbled to the nearest grassy patch on the ground and sat down. I looked over at the mountains I had just ran through.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt nothing but pure satisfaction. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Post-race entertainment</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I slowly made my way to the finish line aid station, and marveled over an assortment of snacks, food and drinks. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"We have soda, gatorade, tailwind....beer," One volunteer told me, perking up a bit at the end.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What kind of beer?" I asked, hopeful for something other than a Coors Lite or Budweiser.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sierra Nevada and Laguanitas IPA," She told me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I smiled.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"An IPA would be amazing, thank you!" I said.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She pulled the beer out of a cooler filled with ice, popped off the top and handed it to me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took a long drink. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It tasted amazing. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stood there in a daze, eating<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> a couple of slices of watermelon and trying to gain motivation to do anything other than just stand there and stare at the food.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My left leg stung a bit and I looked down at it. Having been mentally separating myself from the cut for the majority of the day, the reality of the situation suddenly came into seriousness. My whole left leg was covered with dried blood and dirt. It looked pretty gross and looked like the perfect breeding ground for a serious infection. If someone was going to get sick from not cleaning out a cut well enough, that person would probably be me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I figured I should probably run some water over it at the very least. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I asked one of the volunteers if they had access to a hose.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What for?" He asked.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh, I just want to wash off my leg," I said, pointing to my battle wounds. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His eyes widened, "Why don't you just go to the medical tent?" He suggested, pointing to a little tent a couple yards away.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I grimaced, already knowing what was in store for me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only thing worse than cleaning out a cut is letting another person do it for you.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I drank the rest of my beer, hoping it would help curb the pain I was about to endure. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> walked over, hesitantly.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A small old woman with a large straw hat sat in a lawn chair reading a book.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I approached, she looked up and then put the book down in her lap. It had a picture of a shirtless man with long hair, riding a horse on the beach. I tried not to laugh.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Are you the medic?" I asked.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sure am! What do you--" She said, eyes trailing downward to my leg. "Oh! Want me to clean that up?"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Yes, please," I said. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sit right here! I'll get you put back together in no time."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sat down in the chair and watched as she rummaged through a box of supplies, pulling out a pair of latex gloves. After putting them on, she then gabbed a bottle of soap and a cloth, wetting it slightly. She pulled out a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and alcohol and set them on the small table next to us.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"This is going to sting a little," She said, holding the cloth above my leg. She held onto the back of my calf, securing my leg in place.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That made me worried.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took a deep breath and nodded and--</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OH. MY. <span style="font-size: large;">GOD</span>.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I couldn't stop myself from yelling. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AaahhhhhrrrrgggggggughhhOWowOWWWWWW!!</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So. Much. Pain.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The old lady scrubbed at my leg like it was an old dish that hadn't been washed in years. The cloth felt like a brillo pad, and I looked down in horror as the blood started pouring down my leg again, the cut looking fresher and deeper than it they had originally looked. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I'm sorry, I have to get all the little rocks out!" She said, scrubbing harder.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt nauseous. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She held a paper towel to my leg and then reached for the hydrogen peroxide.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No! <i>No that! I don't need tha-AAHHH!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was in full-Grandma mode, ignoring my pleas and continuing to scrub deeper into my leg. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It hurt worse than getting a teeth cleaning from an angry dentist. It hurt worse than any tattoo I'd ever gotten. It hurt worse than getting my nose pierced or ankle broken. It made ultrarunning feel like a casual stroll through the park.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"If it makes you feel any better, I made an old man cry earlier," The old lady said, smiling wider than I would have liked. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wasn't a bit surprised. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I couldn't even talk back. I could hardly breath. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stared in the direction of the race start and finish, hoping to distract myself as she scrubbed and dabbed and rinsed.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Almost done!" She said.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I then saw Peter coming through the finish line, a mere hour after I came in. Taking into consideration that I was slowly running the 50K and he was racing the 50, I wasn't completely surprised. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dude is <i>fast. </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"My boyfriend just finished, I'm all good now, thank you, I gotta go!" I said, trying to get away from her as fast as possible.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Hold on, I gotta put something on that!"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I'm good! I want it to air dry, <i>please</i>!"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got my second look of disapproval that day. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Just be careful!" She said, frowning. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Thank youuuu! I really appreciate it!" I told her, slinking out from her grasp. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv-OlfnTr7rjd3DvLEWiAXt2AvxBCkSt5-KPpJAXPIQnaO2V2x7nxfDIrkGmaoUmCDbI0l7FSg7HgWstAOUbMCdzTWt5Bkwn-3SdHr1e6Ka-pjDxV-RgSBkmurQvGNJ4DXVUxaaXJ1Euc/s1600/BattleWounds.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried my best to walk as normally as possible over to Peter, who was standing in the shade of the finish line aid station.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Dude! Good job!" I said, giving him a high-five. "How was your race?"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could tell by the look on his face that he was feeling the same pure joy I felt at the end of my race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He told me that he pushed hard the entire time and hit a PR for the 50 mile distance by a little under an hour. It was a challenging course and I was happy to see him so pumped about his finishing time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He noticed my leg. "What happened?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It's a funny story..." I started, wondering if I should just tell him that I wiped out, Kilian-style while running down one of the descents.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I slipped on a crab."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He didn't look surprised. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We shared our stories from the day and sat in the shade of the finish line tent. We talked to few other runners and enjoyed a couple beers. It was a rad ending to a pretty rad day. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I earned my stripes on this one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">T-minus thirty days until the Leona Divide 50!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU9Cxp7xsEinAUZXt1zb1gioNvHMb8Vl-IKagw86w31w3qEYnNkNxdCoD93tJsTCd8LDm4pDGrrn6OazSPoH2v2mal7YWAttSY6vg7aWFQLAQLMcxBHrZR6Etapvr3b5g_l4c1c6a7qHA/s1600/FinishLineMUC50K.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-69937168913379869532015-02-23T16:20:00.003-08:002015-02-23T16:35:33.516-08:00The Terrible And Wonderful Story Of How I Won A 50-Mile Race Entry Fee (And Subsequently Decided To Finally Start Training)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqIBmHmW9sG2nAjj83D7V7U0pbnG2qDlp8qmNP1KIByjJl6YctDrBtao6_LC6rF51Q9GbWHs9FO8Mxbm1kgRaRjd7eZO_Th6fG65p16pl6ajOxqvmc9vhRnD0dVxLbtZu17zdE6f37IbK/s1600/10341699_664490715176_4508454356241118451_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqIBmHmW9sG2nAjj83D7V7U0pbnG2qDlp8qmNP1KIByjJl6YctDrBtao6_LC6rF51Q9GbWHs9FO8Mxbm1kgRaRjd7eZO_Th6fG65p16pl6ajOxqvmc9vhRnD0dVxLbtZu17zdE6f37IbK/s1600/10341699_664490715176_4508454356241118451_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mid-training run in Yosemite. So epic! (Photo cred: Peter Brennen).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The last time I really trained for a race was three years ago for my first half-marathon. I religiously followed a training plan that I tore out of Trail Running Magazine and on race day, I felt pretty prepared. I ran within five minutes of my goal time, and I felt great during my entire race. After that, however, my running routine turned into a "<i>I'll Run When I Feel Like It</i>' approach, which for me, ended up being 2-3 times a week. If that.<br />
<br />
Most runners can agree that it's pretty hard to build endurance and train for a long-distance race only running a couple times a week. Attempting to squeezing in big miles in those few days can result in injury, feeling overtrained and under prepared.<br />
<br />
I felt like I was playing an on-going game with myself of, "<i>How far can I run with little to no training?"</i><br />
<br />
This approach lasted about three years.<br />
<br />
I'd managed to run three 50Ks, several half-marathons and slugged through more group runs than I could count on the least amount of training as possible. Although I toyed with the idea of following a plan, I always resolved that if I just ran every day and pushed myself, it would be enough. The Lazy Runner inside of me, however, had different plans. It wanted to take a day off. It wanted to take two days off. It wanted to only run three miles. It wanted comfort, easy runs, and to avoid big climbs. It wanted to cut runs short, turn around early and pretty much always take the easy road.<br />
<br />
There is really no other way to say it other than this-- I was giving in completely to my inner Lazy Runner.<br />
<br />
If anyone has ever read <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/" target="_blank">The Oatmeal </a>(which I highly recommend), I would argue that my inner Lazy Runner is a cousin of <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running" target="_blank">the Blerch</a>.<br />
<br />
The Blerch and the Lazy Runner do not want to go out for a run. They think it sounds like a nice idea, but in reality, would rather sit back and <i>think </i>about running. They'd rather read stories of other runners. They'd rather live vicariously through their friends. They'd pretty much rather do anything other than running. My inner Lazy Runner had become comfortable inside my mind and settled in for the long haul.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I had been hanging out on a plateau of "I'm A Runner But I Hardly Run" for a long time, and was not exactly thrilled about it. Deep down I wanted to improve, set bigger goals for myself and actually race -- not just focus on finishing. I wanted to get into the flow every day during my runs, feel the wind against my face and break through the walls I had build around myself. I wanted to step up to the starting line of a race, confident in my training.<br />
<br />
I watched many of my friends effortlessly run every day, improve over time, sign up for races that they felt prepared for at the time and have no struggle to get in their weekly mileage goals.<br />
<br />
My first step in change was accepting that not all runners approach training the same. Some thrive on a lack of structure. Some need it.<br />
<br />
What I really needed was a goal and something to hold me accountable. I needed a plan and structure. I needed to know exactly how much I should run each week to effectively prepare. I needed a lot more than, "Just throw on your shoes and run every day!"<br />
<br />
Two months ago, I went to a trail running film presentation and entered my name into a raffle for a free race entry into the Leona Divide 50. I'd never ran a 50 before and I'd heard that Leona was a really, <i>really </i>hard race. 10,000ft of elevation gain, unpredictable weather, 15-20 miles further than I'd ever gone before....<br />
<br />
Seeing as how there was a large amount of people entering their names into the raffle, I remember thinking to myself, "There is <i>no way </i>I'll win this."<br />
<br />
Fate decided to make a mockery of my internal dialogue.<br />
<br />
Right before they announced the winner, I turned to my boyfriend Peter and said, "I really hope they don't call my name, because then I'd actually have to train!"<br />
<br />
That was the Lazy Runner speaking.<br />
<br />
I didn't realize at the time how much it had hard-wired itself into my brain.<br />
<br />
I knew deep down that I couldn't use my wing-it approach to training with Leona.<br />
<br />
Two seconds later, they called my name over the loud speaker. I saw several familiar faces turn around in the rows in front of me and give me thumbs-up.<br />
<br />
I sunk down into my seat and turned to Peter, saying, "Oh <i>shit</i>. Fuck!"....Quickly followed by another series of "Shit! Fuck! Oh. My. <i>God</i>."<br />
<br />
I don't know what was more horrifying to me in that moment-- hearing my name over the loud speaker in a room of 200+ ultrarunners, having a large amount of people suddenly turn around and look at me, or the idea of running a brutal 50-mile race coming into reality.<br />
<br />
Peter looked elated.<br />
<br />
"You're doing it!" He told me flat-out. "Time to start training!"<br />
<br />
I stared ahead, visions of climbing up impossibly-large mountains flooding my mind.<br />
<br />
<i>I'm fucking running a 50-Mile race.</i><br />
<br />
Up until this point, my inner Lazy Runner had been relaxing on the couch, minding it's own business, when I simply walked up, tipped the couch over and knocked it onto the ground.<br />
<br />
It was a rude awakening.<br />
<br />
"It's time to fucking get serious!" I told it, prying the copy of Ultrarunning Magazine out of it's hands. "No more couch-potato! No more skipping runs! No more 'just winging it! Opportunities don't last forever, and the time is <i>now.</i>"<br />
<br />
My inner Lazy Runner looked distraught.<br />
<br />
"But! But!" It tried to argue, digging into it's memory banks for quick excuses. "I bet you can still do it without training! You can wing <i>anything! Please, don't make me run every day!"</i><br />
<br />
"Out!" I commanded it, pointing to the front door.<br />
<br />
The Lazy Runner inside of me hung its head, and silently walked out the front door.<br />
<br />
I wasn't a bit sorry to see it go.<br />
<br />
I looked at Peter, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and excitement. "I'm going to fucking train."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
A few years back, a friend once told me that if something both terrifies and excites you, you should probably do it.<br />
<br />
Training for the Leona Divide 50 has been exactly that.<br />
<br />
The first week or so, I existed in a state of mild shock.<br />
<br />
<i>Can I do it? Is 50 miles too far? Am I absolutely crazy?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The only way I could see myself having a fighting chance against the climbs in Leona is to follow a plan that prepares me. Knowing that Peter had written himself several training plans in Excel, I casually asked if he could make one for me, too (yay for dating an Ultrarunner who likes structure and is detail-oriented!).<br />
<br />
The next day, I had an eleven week training plan mapped out for me waiting in my inbox.<br />
<br />
It has now been six weeks of following a pretty structured plan highlighted with long runs, hill work, tempo runs, recovery weeks and a slow build of weekly mileage. It's been a huge change, but I'm thankful for the support of Peter and a pretty rad community of ultrarunners. I pick their brains on a daily basis and have been learning a lot about myself as a runner, along with my potential (which I had been neglecting for far too long). I had been selling myself short in more ways than I could count. Looking back, I think it was mostly out of fear. As in, <i>what if </i>I train for a race and still do not succeed? In some ways, I felt like holding myself back from training was also holding myself back from letting myself down.<br />
<br />
The only thing I was truly letting myself down from was not believing in myself.<br />
<br />
I'm not worrying so much about failing anymore. If I fail, at least I know that I put in a lot of hard work and I'm 99.9% closer than I would have been without it.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm keeping myself accountable on all levels-- I'm using my Garmin, tracking my runs on Strava and utilizing an amazing thing called a heart-rate monitor.<br />
<br />
When I first bought my Garmin a few years back and pulled the heart-rate monitor out of the box, I tossed it aside thinking it was useless and far too much information for me to process while running. <i>It's going to disrupt my flow, </i>I had thought to myself. Yeah, okay.<br />
<br />
What really disrupted my flow was my lack of running and giving in to the inner Lazy Runner.<br />
<br />
Learning how to train using a heart-rate monitor has been a <i>huge </i>help, and I now know how hard to push myself and when to ease up. I thought I knew my body pretty well, and my heart-rate monitor proved me <i>wrong. </i>It's been an important tool which I'm going to keep using in my training.<br />
<br />
I've learned three important things in the last two months: I need structure. I need goals. And most of all, I need to believe in myself.<br />
<br />
And get this-- I can actually <i>feel </i>myself getting better. I'm getting stronger. Climbs which felt miserable a few weeks back are getting easier. My heart-rate, although at times still alarmingly high compared to my well-trained friends, is improving.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful to have re-learned how much I love running. I now look forward to getting out on my runs every single day. There is no more desire to avoid it. I've become comfortable with the uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
Leona Divide is less than two months away now (on April 18th).<br />
<br />
It seems like in a blink of an eye it will be race morning, and I'll be gearing up to run all day long.<br />
<br />
Yes, I'm still a little terrified.<br />
<br />
More than anything, though, is I'm really, <i>really</i> fucking excited.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-86611907632086503782014-10-23T10:11:00.001-07:002014-10-23T10:14:11.298-07:00Salt Stick Caps Plus Review & Give AwayHave you ever finished a particularly hard run and found yourself covered in a fine layer of salt? Ever wonder what's up with that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJO0ZDK0xEGFKfZ1hwT-NMCKPMPDnvSRmZgDOylRY2oApeFIh53Nw9eFKM1iwiBEEl2RjGzwB8i-QsLTwfveFsQ85DTiPkKzqQrfZBzo67uqq4I3yRnnUuN894MTl1opt-xR8WlRIxhsA/s1600/sweaty.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Sweat is made up of mostly water and sodium. The more you sweat, the more you lose. When your body is low in sodium, you are more likely to experience muscle cramping. This gets exponentially worse as your levels get lower, and things like heat, intensity of the activity, and total caloric loss all impact your performance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rg_2Q7wbtlyPpRfTgpGbhAfi7dURbnVYUOr28L5QQ3M-eDZXnyQhk865CSEZDK_335gXHEXUC09TByS2zF9vJF-S3abdZg3YZXgEJHUBA2XJBrsnr5UyLhIC1k_Ew8RdXvTdwj9XY-KB/s1600/SLT104.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></div>
<br />
According to Salt Stick's FAQ, "Proper electrolyte supplementation prior to, and throughout your event, along with appropriate fluid intake, is key to avoiding cramps and performing your best. A balanced supply of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium is your best weapon against cramping. With those electrolytes lost in a 220-63-16-8 ratio for the average athlete, it is in the athlete's best interest to endure that replacement of the full spectrum of electrolytes is replaces, and in a form and quantity the body can absorb, such as that provided conveniently in a SaltStick capsule."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXrte75_ko3TyXaWU2gWoF-sUba5pLwJQxtvxfrd3lbc79TTDQ1rTsj2jU7Om51AJYaWu2DWcK_nCF8zxMlAQ5-ff4DV1mQiMBUFw9oyb1_X6Y9Xv4QBtJRxFiKIttYRk0ElB33zf0JsA/s1600/SaltStickCapsPlus.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></div>
<br />
SaltStick carries <b>two types </b>of capsules: SaltSticks Caps & SaltSticks Caps Plus. The biggest difference between the two is the added Caffeine boost in the SaltSticks Caps Plus, along with sodium citrate which can help settle an upset stomach.<br />
<br />
My personal favorite are the SaltStick Caps Plus, because I am a huge fan of the added caffeine! I have been using SaltSticks Caps during my long runs for two years now, and have noticed a huge difference in comparison to when I <i>didn't </i>take them. I find that SaltStick Caps reduce headaches and that "bonk" feeling I get towards the end of a hard run. Most Ultrarunners I know also use SaltSticks in both training and racing. There are even some running vests that are designed with a small pocket especially for the SaltStick Caps!<br />
<br />
Here are a list of the ingredients for the SaltSticks Caps:<br />
<br />
Sodium (215 mg)<br />
Potassium (63 mg)<br />
Calcium (22 mg)<br />
Choride (11 mg)<br />
Vitamin D (350 mg)<br />
Caffeine (30 mg)<br />
<br />
The capsules contain <i>no </i>gluten, soy or nuts.<br />
<br />
<b>Fun Fact</b>: SaltSticks can also help <i>prevent</i> a hangover! Because hangovers tend to be caused primarily from dehydration, taking a SaltStick Cap will help your body rehydrate.<br />
<br />
If you're planning on running an ultramarathon or endurance event, using SaltSticks Caps as a part of your nutrition regimen is essential!<br />
<br />
SaltStick was also nice enough to give me a bottle of the SaltSticks Caps Plus to giveaway!<br />
<br />
It's really simple-- All you have to do is share this post on Facebook or Twitter and leave a comment below saying what your favorite way to get drenched in sweat is! Winner will be picked by November 1st.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-66234979094939874932014-10-08T11:52:00.002-07:002014-10-08T12:07:54.210-07:006 Reasons Why You Should Not Go To College (And 4 Why You Should)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Vb3683-DmB6VhDjHxFpg_XFP_cCwFbQ5irV-sBN-gUcgcnrwIhZIDqiIisCZhpbnXUQDTfyn0PcHo8z1M9QTEwJif_NoJPd4mtlEDtMLjNoDK5HGBHtnMz0PQKqaWWkyP6hCaQtXM-GK/s1600/College.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></div>
<br />
Before anyone goes and assumes I'm saying this because I didn't get an education, let me say this:<br />
<br />
I have my Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Psychology. I have three academic publications and have attended several Psychology conferences showcasing my research from the last six years. I have been very successful in academia. I feel very fortunate to have an education in a field that I am passionate about and love.<br />
<br />
And, unfortunately, I've also been out of school for over a year and realized that <i>no, </i>I don't want to be a Psychologist, and <i>no, </i>I don't want to be a professor (at this point, at least). Although I don't regret it one single bit, I can admit at this point that it's made finding a job a challenge. I'm over-qualified for most jobs, and under-qualified for any that would actually help me pay off my loans. Experience in the field is an important factor that schooling often doesn't provide. When you are out of college and can no longer use the "I'm going to school" excuse, you can't exactly be picky with your choices.<br />
<br />
I'm in a lot of debt, and look to some of my friends who skipped college (and thus, debt) with envy. I am stuck in the limbo between deciding on getting my Ph.D anyway just so I can get a job to pay off my loans, or enter the job field and take <i>anything </i>that strikes my interest, even if my degree isn't necessary for it. Our parent's generation probably had several different jobs over the course of their lifetime. Which is completely normal. The problem with our approach now is that going to college puts you on a single-track. It doesn't give you much room for flexibility. Many students decide on their majors when they were only 17 or 18 years old. Who really knows what they want to do with <i>the rest of their lives </i>at that age? You can't exactly skip around and explore jobs in different fields when you paid 80K for a degree in one particular area.<br />
<br />
Our generation is divided between those who went to college and are in an obscene amount of debt, and those who skipped college and started working...and have little to no debt.<br />
<br />
In the last 8 years, I have learned a few important things about education. The most important being, <i>not everyone should go to college. </i><br />
<br />
Our parents told us that we had to get good grades in high school so we could get into a good college. That a good college would help us get into a good graduate school. After graduate school we would have a nice shiny job waiting for us at the exit, like a limo driver holding a sign for someone at the airport.<br />
<br />
Sorry to burst everyone's bubble but...the plane has landed and <i>nobody </i>is at the exit waiting for you.<br />
<br />
The only thing standing at the end of college is the federal government, holding a sign letting you know that you now have six months until you have to start paying back the money you borrowed. Unless, of course, you happened to be a Computer Science or Biology major in which case, you probably will get a job right away.<br />
<br />
Here are six important reasons why you <i>shouldn't </i>go to college:<br />
<br />
<b>1) You have nothing better to do and you figure you "might as well".</b><br />
This is probably the worst reason of them all. If you are using college as a temporary fix for not knowing what you want to do with your life, you're in for a tough surprise. Your confusion will probably be there when you get out (along with some student loans to pay back, too). Of course, there will always be those who discover their passions and figure it out when they are in college. There are exceptions to every rule. But generally speaking, 10-30K a year for "discovering" your passions is a <i>very </i>risky gamble you'll be dealing with the rest of your life. You're better off taking a few classes at the community college level for a year or two if you want to play the college field.<br />
<br />
<b>2) Your parents tell you to.</b><br />
Unless they are paying for your schooling, letting your parents tell you what to do after you turn 18 is a straight-shot to regret. Yes, some parents may know their child's strengths and encourage them to pursue a passion that they would be successful at. However, if it's not a choice that <i>you </i>make for yourself, you are risking becoming unhappy with your degree, and debt, later down the line. In graduate school, there are numerous instances when passion becomes <i>vitally important </i>in having the emotional strength to persevere. There is no doubt in my mind that I would have dropped out mid-way through my Master's Degree if I wasn't absolutely in love with what I was studying.<br />
<br />
<b>3) You don't want to start paying back your school loans so you enroll in <i>more </i>school to delay them.</b><br />
This is a sick cycle that unfortunately many people are stuck in. Don't do it.<br />
<br />
<b>4) You think it's the only way to become successful.</b><br />
Wrong. This list of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/most-successful-college-droputs-2013-9?op=1" target="_blank">most successful college drop-outs</a> will change your mind. Or maybe the fact that Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg were all college drop-outs. The creator of Tumblr, the 9th most visited website in the world to date, <i>didn't even graduate high school. </i>If you have a passion and want to start your business, do it! Invest that 50-70K into your business rather than an education that you don't necessarily need.<br />
<br />
<b>5) If you want to go to school for art.</b><br />
Before any of you art majors throw your paint brushes at me in disgust, let me say this: <a href="http://elitedaily.com/envision/want-to-be-an-artist-heres-why-you-should-forget-about-art-school/" target="_blank">your talent can be cultivated in ways that don't cost you an obscene amount of money</a>. Yes, of course, you will learn skills in art school that may help you land a job. The reality is, there are a large amount of artists who never went to college and are just as successful, if not more, than those who spent money on an education. Nowadays, <a href="http://www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com/blog/2011/100-awesome-art-lessons-on-youtube/" target="_blank">you can learn almost anything through tutorials on YouTube</a>. Don't pay money for something you can learn for free or through a mentor. I have yet to hear about any art galleries or exibits that require a college education. Did Picasso, Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Michaelangelo or Monet pay money to learn about art? No. And neither should you.<br />
<br />
<b>6) If you have no idea what kind of job you want afterwards.</b><br />
I made the mistake of spending about six years studying Psychology before I even once thought about what kind of job it would help me get in the end. I know plenty of people who did the same. "Professional Student" is not a job title and will not pay money. Remember that college isn't just a "thing" that everyone does. It's intended on helping you learn skills so you can become qualified for a job you want.<br />
<br />
And here are four <b>GOOD</b> reasons why you should go to college:<br />
<br />
<b>1) You know <i>exactly </i>what kind of job you want, and a degree is <i>necessary </i>to get that job.</b><br />
<br />
<b>2) You are extremely passionate about the subject matter and the debt is worth it even if it doesn't provide you with a job right away.</b><br />
<br />
<b>3) Someone else is paying for it (i.e., scholarship, your parents, your job).</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4) You are going to school for Computer Science, Biology or Math. These fields have an <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/25-college-majors-with-lowest-unemployment-rates/" target="_blank">extremely low un-employment rate</a>.</b><br />
<br />
College has turned into something that the average high schooler thinks he or she <i>has </i>to do. I'm here to dispel that truth. College is a choice, and it should never be taken lightly. Explore the world, take a few classes at a community college level, look at the job force and think about what kind of job you actually want.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-50023210910319049362014-09-02T11:16:00.000-07:002014-09-03T12:20:08.641-07:006 Reasons To Run In Luna Sandals<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmzRnm6Kyhks8YUj0RFLF0dHlA-03r3-_OGq_YnWepdtaHvPkLLcpvyqMEHC7gLhdt3vd_Y9ndcwfdZAZpKSSjpHqCTcrWsw0Qu0lkq14q2oT5dGyMq-AGs_Qgy5JMGuXsK4r1KDl1LgZ/s1600/luna1.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: <a href="http://reflectionsphotographystudio.com/" target="_blank">Luis Escobar</a></div>
<br />
Let me start this post off by saying I am <i>extremely </i>biased when it comes to running in sandals.<br />
<br />
Over the last few years, I have transitioned from running in regular running shoes, to minimalist running shoes, and now 100% in sandals.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDJVML3EcoA0vK29uQ8vXTMi8nOOw5Nogk9YzgFRo9wa-1DTsVDqEnBeVJukNrEjNwZvk9M8VoA2JbqsFVtEXztHI8fl44OPUWoE7k7RK18qto1LsMkbM2yzVRR7ilfyM8FeTm-3F8l6g/s1600/luna.png" /></div>
<br />
People are always shocked when I say I run in sandals, which makes my day because then I can take it a step further by telling them that I don't just run a few miles a day in them-- I run ultramarathons in them. I run through rivers in them. I hike in them. I walk around town in them. The only place I don't wear them is in the gym (because I'm not allowed to). It's safe to say at this point that Luna Sandals have set a standard for a new type of footwear: Adventure Sandal.<br />
<br />
My Luna Sandals have become a second skin for my feet, molded perfectly and I forget that anything is on my feet at all. I don't think twice about wearing my sandals on technical trails, muddy trails, at the beach or on the road. They work fantastic in all conditions and I have yet to regret wearing them on a run.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6dQYx2iPloPcyQwVzUaGPAKoN6f2SvDtwjm3dtNucwzEvBa_VE8AIjnhJYjzUevFigl97DZDSr_HFy80xtGa60WKojSFYLD_wdEZNtz8Ba-r8pDRYFqIEjFUzlwPp87Ucg0WH8kN-qEi/s1600/luna4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: <a href="http://reflectionsphotographystudio.com/" target="_blank">Luis Escobar</a></div>
<br />
Needless to say, I could go on for hours about how much I love them. Instead, I'll give you guys a brief run-down of my top 6 reasons to run in Luna Sandals:<br />
<br />
<br />
1) Luna Sandals will mold to your feet and fit like a glove. They actually get <i>better </i>as they break in. Instead of tossing your running shoes after 500 miles (like many shoe companies suggest)-- your Luna's will last three times as long. Fact: My first pair of Luna Leadville Pacers have at least a thousand trail miles on them and still have plenty of wear to go. I recently invested in a few pairs and am looking forward to a couple of good years out of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_NvVZkvAIfI-gW0RRdwaKs2D8SjznkIpDREhijFVylS3YCL8YIKQtVq6BGabj2_TZDnVe7kRyJClLdmqNEevjMsx5U7R2o4l23BFKaewXHZ5eqBi-78Et-6W_Q_iIbPYl6clm0Fstjej/s1600/luna5.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: <a href="http://reflectionsphotographystudio.com/" target="_blank">Luis Escobar</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxse17yn3tZkzyo8gRsKSLLoIfuU9DDrSRqIko8b4n5TsJPoSLc5ivPLo_C8xpMi4Ykc7zKMAQduamQH8kbpl6r8iCHgKmKdP-ZxUzxZNK7HxlOIoAsqzQxP8jkVCmppXH28NWv3_YFoCC/s1600/new_mono_mgt_large.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The <a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank">Luna Mono</a>, your "Everything" Sandal, good on trails, in water, on the road...everywhere! (Picture Credit: Luna Sandals)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
2) Black toenails and epic blisters? A thing of the past if you switch to Luna Sandals! No more need to worry about a big enough toe box or packing extra moleskins in your pack to protect your battered heels. Since I started running in Luna's, I have had maybe one or two small blisters. My last pair of running shoes left me with blisters so bad I actually had to stop running for two weeks to let them heal. One of my good friends, Jess Soco, recently ran the Western States 100 in a pair of Luna's and didn't have a single blister. I watched a few miserable runners pull their shoes off at the finish line-- needless to say, it confirmed my belief that many shoe companies are <i>destroying our feet. </i>I have yet to hear about someone returning a pair of Luna's because they didn't like them or that they caused problems for their feet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPcXkhf-lVE-vVcd-FPXcA0PNK1xjUMD-7pdKYE9ileKkfef7S4bsfZ7BMqcJbWb2OV3R0Olu_rmdtq30wCdIalN2t9x82s3F1CW2qYgk0b-r-qu0jpjgQhhLexM9Yumyt2D9a4HQi5Bx/s1600/mono_pit_blue_trad_laces_grande.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The <a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank">Traditional Luna Mono</a> (Photo Credit: Luna Sandals)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GvAF9Vj822mKDznFSUG1gYegmijOU0m25qHzFzvRjoNIvGjpgvTXW1krv_wnjJdFhgKZzBVKRXwi_sJpHDeuoQ53Di5rWCYR0w1LEAc9rdVzrb-xeCapSckjQlQRZ-6imu8KI5egzt_f/s1600/luna2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: <a href="http://reflectionsphotographystudio.com/" target="_blank">Luis Escobar</a></div>
<br />
3) You'll save a TON of money. Luna Sandals range in price from $36 (DIY Assembly Kit) to $125 (for the premium versions), which is on average much cheaper than the typical running shoe, which range from $85-$150+. You won't need to spend extra money on running socks, moleskins, inserts, and replacing your shoes once they wear out, ect. You get the most out of your money when you invest in a pair of Luna's.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cC-yn2e44aqe9w0wP6Ae9951BSxNP4Gv3k_QdsCTawJXnrBFhBFmXBcCuNL4QbPyQiuyRmYT7ZvWXga7kzrf2u6SX30MmVLYN0srpUMp0brPsSkNRA-CZ9hateLNJUZsdjmIwsrwvrZO/s1600/venadomgt_2_1_large.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The <a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank">Luna Venado</a>, your perfect street sandal! (Picture credit: Luna Sandals)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
4) You'll be supporting a small company instead of a large corporation. Luna has grown in the last several years from a couple of guys making sandals in a garage, to a small company selling sandals all over the world. Unlike bigger companies, locally owned businesses like Luna invest right back into the local economy, which overall helps to enrich the whole community. Small companies have a closer connection to their customers and the market place-- if you ever have a problem with your sandals or need help figuring out how to lace them up, you know they are only a phone call or e-mail away and will happily assist you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uObnDz2k2LXA4V8bKYm12H6JZzpuHRYEbsUFrkLrg6tCp-SbcYk9QnT8YhyphenhyphenfdQnMr6c-BsV3qEG30lPUmT3f2kzcClgZcf0FMVSKYtyRPK9lzz-3WKvpEC3eYq01sFviAZOCU4yr_zkY/s1600/luna3.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: <a href="http://reflectionsphotographystudio.com/" target="_blank">Luis Escobar</a></div>
<br />
5) Luna Sandals are handmade in Seattle-- they are built to last and high quality. The owners of Luna have spent countless hours testing out different styles of laces, footbeds, soles, and lacing styles to achieve the most comfort, style and durability as possible. Instead of choosing the cheapest options to maximize revenue, Luna focuses on quality. Buying handmade items is also better for the environment-- Luna does not require a large production facility to make the sandals. The majority of the sandal-making is done by hand by a small team of Luna cobblers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTk0kwIrKPc0mGkEkDp1My-aHKstb8y9P1n8zk8gs6Rt9Lm4rYZEnDXjWaQV8BTo0JFjIHsgSrmlGZpz4GzYUhSnxaY1JwYUaqfocdJTvQmH4M-lHKFTxscxxG3hSLHzHgbvahqLPk1A0t/s1600/IMG_7965_large.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The <a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank">Milk Chocolate Mono, </a>your ultimate luxury sandal! (Picture Credit: Luna Sandals)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
6) They <i>look</i> awesome and have several different models to choose from. Check it out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhClgEt1-K9XfXpW_1d3kK8xe4KfqAZqqoLHZJ8DT8MDnsv0PyJXXPdzta8ITUCCp52PjJDYRfooz38KF3JyJGVBR99x6IjHsSRG-sPdff0Smz-7p6qlYZB6VZFMfmuO7kePl8iutJFI0j/s1600/feet_tom.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo credit: Tom Norwood.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So what are you waiting for?! <a href="https://lunasandals.refersion.com/c/f25e" target="_blank">Click here</a> to get yourself a pair of Luna Sandals. You'll thank me later :)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-71588960645752083952014-08-28T11:09:00.001-07:002014-08-30T10:13:20.530-07:0010 Reasons To Run A 50K Instead Of A Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjx9EsquX-ffXUldDi67koI6ChkLExnGSVHvKU_7uSqrNakJjNhGN6YYcitA9GYjDIHC2RMGHTTq0NWAp7VUnGe8PvLgqGjGM40vsvxJrzhzw0pdgznVjpruROHpG82VSUggTohg5v3MB/s1600/B2RDay1-148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjx9EsquX-ffXUldDi67koI6ChkLExnGSVHvKU_7uSqrNakJjNhGN6YYcitA9GYjDIHC2RMGHTTq0NWAp7VUnGe8PvLgqGjGM40vsvxJrzhzw0pdgznVjpruROHpG82VSUggTohg5v3MB/s1600/B2RDay1-148.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: Samantha Lovett Photography</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Marathons are an entirely different ball game than ultras. Although a few miles difference doesn't seem like that much, marathons have several major differences than ultras.<br />
<br />
Here are ten reasons to run a 50K instead of a marathon:<br />
<br />
<b>1. It's only a couple more miles and you get some serious bragging rights.</b><br />
A 50K (31 miles) is only a mere <i>five </i>miles longer than a marathon. Go those extra few miles. I promise it'll be worth it.<br />
<br />
<b>2. The aid stations (and volunteers) are WAY better.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cKCUxKPmJnxyn_HHGyxU4vdYjejwAgjOYDdglRhwyzzBJ736QMV6TBcVpT9-XJo_VbP8LuIl70tbBoaAVjSoRwoqW3ulkMX5k67ABkHcYx2kbEb4NM42KLUW3cni83XnrOF-v_VLLyir/s1600/526928_574823888216_212427923_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cKCUxKPmJnxyn_HHGyxU4vdYjejwAgjOYDdglRhwyzzBJ736QMV6TBcVpT9-XJo_VbP8LuIl70tbBoaAVjSoRwoqW3ulkMX5k67ABkHcYx2kbEb4NM42KLUW3cni83XnrOF-v_VLLyir/s1600/526928_574823888216_212427923_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is me at the aid station of the Red Rock 50 a couple of years ago. I'm wearing a German beer-maid costume. Salted potatoes, anyone??</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NJw2Xl0opq214TSx73V-IUDJeUsoT18pk5TbKW-oywBteihrnmL3oiuc2J3TK_ap3vy3Fj4WOl_mqYOrC1KZNqcr8_shyphenhyphenVT3wlcOVO0vCoLZI0tquX4LMy87J-dh_0aVHLig3Ccj-LTO/s1600/aidstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NJw2Xl0opq214TSx73V-IUDJeUsoT18pk5TbKW-oywBteihrnmL3oiuc2J3TK_ap3vy3Fj4WOl_mqYOrC1KZNqcr8_shyphenhyphenVT3wlcOVO0vCoLZI0tquX4LMy87J-dh_0aVHLig3Ccj-LTO/s1600/aidstation.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tyler and Stephanie looking happy to be at the aid station for the Nine Trails 35-Mile Ultra!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2V9_trORnHVZoyr3ZR5RyWeeEC-Jhi94jubat8QfkWPo370UqKYwWQ3Uwi_dikQADsdz8njFcq_rk05L8D4nGVrwoK4jRxny5ffC6sSiRO-ELoTz-2K2YuBpj_2u1QIsb1V_JcLo8mFP/s1600/aidstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2V9_trORnHVZoyr3ZR5RyWeeEC-Jhi94jubat8QfkWPo370UqKYwWQ3Uwi_dikQADsdz8njFcq_rk05L8D4nGVrwoK4jRxny5ffC6sSiRO-ELoTz-2K2YuBpj_2u1QIsb1V_JcLo8mFP/s1600/aidstation.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look at that SPREAD! (Photo cred: FastCory.com)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I apologize in advance if this offends anyone who has volunteered at a marathon. While I can't speak for those hardworking volunteers who do their job right, I have had my fair share of shorter-distance races where the volunteers had absolutely no idea what they are doing. Instead of the local high school track team awkwardly handing you cups of water, <a href="https://www.ultrarunning.com/features/aid-station-expertise/" target="_blank">you'll find actual ultrarunners volunteering at the aid stations of Ultras</a>. They will treat you like royalty; ask you what they can get for you and <i>bring it to you. </i>They will place towels that have been soaking in ice cold water on your back, give you endless words of encouragement, and lift your spirits. They know what they are doing. I cannot tell you how many times I've walked into an aid station dead-set on quitting and been completely revitalized thanks to the volunteers. The food options at ultras are also incredible. I have seen sushi, pizza, candy, homemade cookies, cake....BEER....you name it-- it's been at an aid station in an Ultra. I double-dare you to find an aid station at a marathon that has fireball whiskey and cupcakes.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Trails are more beautiful than running on the road.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLPgILZCZineimkJgtKM9RylM14EIBSapqHp_WsUyufonoEbWyAkPkycp00-UH7hcqFa6FYfnPLit9WBHA-JBBWeoFdfLWxKV-0US3o30-UuV7BnpmmJQjaj4loND0j7VY45yoTtJjWfb/s1600/grandcanyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLPgILZCZineimkJgtKM9RylM14EIBSapqHp_WsUyufonoEbWyAkPkycp00-UH7hcqFa6FYfnPLit9WBHA-JBBWeoFdfLWxKV-0US3o30-UuV7BnpmmJQjaj4loND0j7VY45yoTtJjWfb/s1600/grandcanyon.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Where would you rather run?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KYBSofsIuwWKfFOQ5pTy6GmQzFUWWMRuxbJ5ccbF3ws8UyJwVtIOtm8vzvA__rV46BvpjQAJVhctkMBSl1DrkUKkaNJXXSAZmypfU9Iry5zA3bNyOEHAu-ieq1TclkDvq1sBEXsJBEyp/s1600/half14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KYBSofsIuwWKfFOQ5pTy6GmQzFUWWMRuxbJ5ccbF3ws8UyJwVtIOtm8vzvA__rV46BvpjQAJVhctkMBSl1DrkUKkaNJXXSAZmypfU9Iry5zA3bNyOEHAu-ieq1TclkDvq1sBEXsJBEyp/s1600/half14.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
I'll never forget my first 5K-- it was around an airport hanger and every single step was <i>misery</i>. There was no beautiful backdrop to distract myself with; it was just me and the pavement. The repetitiveness of the race drove me mad, I couldn't imagine 26.2 miles of it. I struggled to push myself and wondered why I was even running in the first place.<br />
<br />
I didn't run again for several months, let alone try to run any longer.<br />
<br />
Ultras, on the other hand, are often designed specifically with the location in mind. The majority of Ultras happen on trail-- most of which are beautiful. When you are pushing yourself through the miles, nothing is more rewarding than an expansive view of a valley at sunrise. Or seeing animals scurrying through the forest. Many ultras give you an excuse to travel to parts of the world and see trails that you'd never get a chance to visit otherwise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLngLxebQm4RRWNExpy5vyKtaZNR54yTNjNtLK9dqsL7dluOOeLiHjx8QxhIHoE49Aem352ygasQ3yhm0rllmg0dPu5_hYHxoleZS2l4RCXzWDuJpFUcJtN1oqeL3A-kDz5AZycFmzozPd/s1600/blogr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLngLxebQm4RRWNExpy5vyKtaZNR54yTNjNtLK9dqsL7dluOOeLiHjx8QxhIHoE49Aem352ygasQ3yhm0rllmg0dPu5_hYHxoleZS2l4RCXzWDuJpFUcJtN1oqeL3A-kDz5AZycFmzozPd/s1600/blogr1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>4. You get a more supportive community filled with friendlier people.</b><br />
In my research, I compared marathon runners with ultrarunners on their personality types and competitiveness. I found that marathon runners were more introverted and much more competitive than ultrarunners. If you have toed the line at a marathon, you'd notice that most people have their headphones in and aren't talking to anyone. In ultras, it's the opposite. <a href="http://misscristascott.blogspot.com/2014/05/seven-ways-trail-ultrarunning-can.html" target="_blank">I have made countless friends in the middle of ultras</a>. I almost never listen to music when I run with other ultrarunners. Try and make friends during your next marathon and see how hard it is; you'll probably get some weird looks if you try to strike up a conversation with another runner during a marathon. Also, unlike with marathons where you tend to go home right after, Ultras usually are an all weekend affair complete with camping, socializing and all-around FUN!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIyWDeGt06d1HLHKZl4UR8AoHKm7GDBYzBA0G7kjmV2d6E76_xRJ6nTlE5WDUq68DwzpolHLx5T-I316Zl0QS9R6pzyzntq4SrmP17tANm5HmsmTF8voj5nWSnTWNnMnL41npkIXCpcAJ/s1600/maggieandme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIyWDeGt06d1HLHKZl4UR8AoHKm7GDBYzBA0G7kjmV2d6E76_xRJ6nTlE5WDUq68DwzpolHLx5T-I316Zl0QS9R6pzyzntq4SrmP17tANm5HmsmTF8voj5nWSnTWNnMnL41npkIXCpcAJ/s1600/maggieandme.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maggie and I ran into eachother during the last section of our 50K and finished together. Those miles went by so much faster as we laughed and chatted about life!</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>5. Dollar per mile, Ultras tend to be cheaper. </b><br />
$300 for 26.2 miles? You've-Got-To-Be-KIDDING-Me. While you will surely find some 100-Mile ultramarathons that have a hefty price-tag, you can at least assure yourself that it makes sense given the distance and amount of work required to put on such a long race. Marathons with a $300 price tag just make me scratch my head. I'd rather get the most out of my dollar, thank you.<br />
<br />
<b>6. You're supporting locals rather than corporations.</b><br />
The majority of Ultramarathons are directed by Ultrarunners themselves. They rely on volunteers and local running groups to support their races. I have several friends who are race directors and trust me, there is just something magical about having a race director who knows what they are doing from experience. Making sure the aid stations are well-stocked with food you actually want, accurately marking the courses, finish-line parties....Ultras just do it better. You never know what to expect when you go to an Ultramarathon. Especially if it's put on by Luis Escobar (AllWeDoIsRun.com). See examples below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw5X0AOb8HbVk39nPxNjvzs6LCjLA6qKbMxqRMZ4-rA5lREEbmCdVDVL6aiqRRQv4tT6vWcQm4uHZhfbp6UlGfg9t7X3DT4ND_lANAGZUntpoe6PSuSvvO5hEEYd2jWAAtUVaSELvqHUy/s1600/Dancing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw5X0AOb8HbVk39nPxNjvzs6LCjLA6qKbMxqRMZ4-rA5lREEbmCdVDVL6aiqRRQv4tT6vWcQm4uHZhfbp6UlGfg9t7X3DT4ND_lANAGZUntpoe6PSuSvvO5hEEYd2jWAAtUVaSELvqHUy/s1600/Dancing2.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have you ever been to a marathon that had an epic after-party with a metal-meets-mariatchi band? I bet not. (Photo credit: Larry Gassan)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOyVFfHzdA-RnCXjQjCgtCuLLOQj6Xb-rKD3JN8V2fdmvoAkcrBQq7fJrBTQbLsYF6AIEdv_lZmY_hnXgg5n0k7RnfAly7rw_Hl6O-B3QlJ3C3HJPN9c2SP7DdHZO0XCtKZ1VohrsMLyJ/s1600/B2RDay1-108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOyVFfHzdA-RnCXjQjCgtCuLLOQj6Xb-rKD3JN8V2fdmvoAkcrBQq7fJrBTQbLsYF6AIEdv_lZmY_hnXgg5n0k7RnfAly7rw_Hl6O-B3QlJ3C3HJPN9c2SP7DdHZO0XCtKZ1VohrsMLyJ/s1600/B2RDay1-108.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or how about an Ultra with a beer mile the day before?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Photo credit: Samantha Lovett Photography)</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>7. Better chances of placing in your age divisions.</b><br />
Ultras tend to be much smaller than marathons in terms of people signed up. 20,000 people in one marathon?! Not only is it going to be congested as hell, but the chances of you placing in your age division (or overall...) are much much harder. In Ultras, the playing field is leveled out more. The average Ultra has between 100-300 participants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD84p1ClXtf7hCTSFcCIuKms3Fkv5smGe_Kq9S8Q-l0ISqWWUmG7tzhlWyqHXBnDb7P_Q5mrBPu7eq_a-lBs_if6-NJ1qR85PYUpM_3C3LhB9NzZOWzhOQfZbs6E0e6rr-yOlg3ZBBytK/s1600/gal_nyc-marathon39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD84p1ClXtf7hCTSFcCIuKms3Fkv5smGe_Kq9S8Q-l0ISqWWUmG7tzhlWyqHXBnDb7P_Q5mrBPu7eq_a-lBs_if6-NJ1qR85PYUpM_3C3LhB9NzZOWzhOQfZbs6E0e6rr-yOlg3ZBBytK/s1600/gal_nyc-marathon39.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The NYC marathon....what do you think your chances are in this one? (Photo Cred: Kaftan Bikini Photography).</div>
<br />
<b>8. You'll be happier and healthier.</b><br />
There are numerous studies which show that <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-moment-youth/201403/does-nature-make-us-happy" target="_blank">immersion in nature makes you happier</a>. It lowers your blood cortisol levels (stress hormones), it improves your mood, and it is more challenging (which gives you more endorphins!). After a couple of hours on the trail, you are guaranteed to be in a better mood than if you were doing the same amount of miles on the road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HpAQmmJgYWKNq6_WR7Vsjnx1ZaQ9v3p1UMGZTEwp3nzfr5npHlIo4ph5ZTLKiXkYTdR3VVM6aXZ-4WVOPut83zioGQUYC1VPy4U4wenZbeeQ-rJm0mpZYNv8xAarjJ4DKvoTQEUCT3lU/s1600/BornToRun01_Tom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HpAQmmJgYWKNq6_WR7Vsjnx1ZaQ9v3p1UMGZTEwp3nzfr5npHlIo4ph5ZTLKiXkYTdR3VVM6aXZ-4WVOPut83zioGQUYC1VPy4U4wenZbeeQ-rJm0mpZYNv8xAarjJ4DKvoTQEUCT3lU/s1600/BornToRun01_Tom.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look at all those happy runners! You'd never think we all just ran 31 miles.</div>
<br />
<b>9. The playing field is leveled out between genders.</b><br />
New research suggests that in distances lasting several hours or more, the <a href="http://faculty.washington.edu/crowther/Misc/RBC/gender.shtml" target="_blank">gender gap is significantly reduced</a>. Not only are more women able to compete against men in ultras, but <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/trail-running-training/why-women-rule?page=single" target="_blank">some are actually beating them</a>. Women, rejoice!<br />
<br />
<b>10. There is room for growth.</b><br />
Unlike the marathon, which is always going to be 26.2 miles, in ultras, you have room for growth. There is actually a big variance of distance in ultramarathons. They range from 50K (which is the shortest distance to be considered an ultramarathon), to 50-miles, 100K, 100-Miles and beyond. This gives you numerous areas for goal-setting and growth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0wcB9T126xb5XnqcH90AeScNxvBUCjg7F_kfDBf71CaUZLLpLNbLHmlxndtgKd4yA6eZqTKEoE30dawv774GXjEn-0MiQg4LSN7V2-samqsPuGlvKZmRF5jHdd0Bo6BbARU_1_Wgaduv/s1600/95175cd96e96cac619a94d63cdba3f7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0wcB9T126xb5XnqcH90AeScNxvBUCjg7F_kfDBf71CaUZLLpLNbLHmlxndtgKd4yA6eZqTKEoE30dawv774GXjEn-0MiQg4LSN7V2-samqsPuGlvKZmRF5jHdd0Bo6BbARU_1_Wgaduv/s1600/95175cd96e96cac619a94d63cdba3f7d.jpg" height="328" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These are just some of the various reasons I came up with to run an ultra instead of a marathon. I'm sure there are countless more. <b>What are other reasons to run an ultramarathon instead of an ultra?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-12743788247814347332014-08-25T10:54:00.003-07:002014-08-26T14:00:42.184-07:0010 Signs You're A Dirt-Bag Trail-Runner<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbyTzYDjiu24quSmlnIntPb8rLnNR3HDFshPBYN68XWVEvw68EkggwfqBNQFQ97EElqAxQuVsnYEsLGbiMx_ioMZTM9HJon-l0H5UF1mJh6hqvr_Y_ptH-P8Vz-wdK_N2bKJue7cJBKdI/s1600/10288794_10152074086612854_3077445069286764920_n.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tyler and Cat channeling their inner dirtbags in Bryce Canyon. (Photo Credit: Molly Nugent).</div>
<br />
<br />
Chances are, if you're reading this, you are or suspect someone you know to be a dirtbag trail-runner.<br />
<br />
I'm here to set the record straight and throw some of my awesome dirt-bag friends under the bus a bit (sorry guys, it's for the greater good of the dirtbag community).<br />
<br />
We've all read the <a href="http://www.wilddefined.com/2014/04/top-10-ways-to-be-hipster-ultra-runner.html" target="_blank">article</a> that compares ultrarunners to hipsters. And loved it.<br />
<br />
However, I'm not sure that <i>hipster </i>is the right word for us. We simply aren't that clean. Or trendy.<br />
<br />
I think dirtbag is more appropriate. It's like a hybrid of hipster, homeless person and adventure junkie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8otpQ6tDZcFD0p3BD_8EuADFX62884_yDHK4VlF8tsFbx1SG3B8DtF0lItcYilIuBoNb5zuRl7Tt4N_GR_3e36LF6YPUww-penAKv52qeT-4yvlwl_BQ5Mm_ZmQ0pztVnFPzhmKcAdeN/s1600/942400_10151819806261522_1063291930_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8otpQ6tDZcFD0p3BD_8EuADFX62884_yDHK4VlF8tsFbx1SG3B8DtF0lItcYilIuBoNb5zuRl7Tt4N_GR_3e36LF6YPUww-penAKv52qeT-4yvlwl_BQ5Mm_ZmQ0pztVnFPzhmKcAdeN/s1600/942400_10151819806261522_1063291930_n.jpg" height="249" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo credit: The New York Times</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If you wonder about your own (or want to determine someone else's) dirtbag status, here are ten signs:<br />
<br />
1. You are nomadic. You either a) Live in your car/ RV/ tent , b) Are planning on living in your car/ RV/ tent , or c) Are couch-crashing long-term. Traveling is a must for every dirtbag trail runner (unless you live in Boulder, Colorado, in which case <i>I hate you. ....</i>can I sleep on your couch?<i>)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM2P28UaliBzLak6DY_27dUoSO4gQq1kkXrYtxRh7DrBXcDTqvD8GgL4jyr5cGf4HmtEfgEyhb2tVUCRBzIUzazsKfVkJC7ZNV2u7I4m9AC1xs7nY7XyTPz1gw95BVJbE4A_Oa_hyphenhyphenAYWB/s1600/tylerhome.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tyler Tomasello's epic tent set-up in Colorado (Photo cred: Tyler).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisG2BSS9OQRz3wWOU8Zii9MsXSbVv3DW-ec2CENNNiWB5D-nYsWVg5EejWJtbebVvBNTo8dp5ML4qioH16aLaymPDUKzDyBKCW3rQDlcmgJCvsgHa0IVJAcw8_V3ok5U2oSEjJVVw2o-xl/s1600/10359486_10202375579967228_6378402148054864741_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shacky and Vanessa's awesome RV, affectionally named The Summit Seeker. (Photo cred: Shacky)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BGFSsuTI-DoZIrASjjmXSWginrokKo-0A3HyvsLu9ChsroIVjWl-DFLLXhYqHR2UPjGAvcrC8Rz0Pm9ZbQdZZk9LZ2nBanHrcJ7P-EZiis8WAkw4wvO4aL8rytbs-P4pJryju4IMlVBH/s1600/flintmobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BGFSsuTI-DoZIrASjjmXSWginrokKo-0A3HyvsLu9ChsroIVjWl-DFLLXhYqHR2UPjGAvcrC8Rz0Pm9ZbQdZZk9LZ2nBanHrcJ7P-EZiis8WAkw4wvO4aL8rytbs-P4pJryju4IMlVBH/s1600/flintmobile.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another fellow dirtbag, Flint, in his "Flintmobile". Living the hobo life like a PRO! (Photo credit: Mike Miller).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijooW96D2GL9i91_at138FvNqeccwZBIGvjEFqMc7_xIyi1mXix0EjDdwoD46LJY1MMHuZFmD7MvIDRl4yRWII7whIj2154vd5bxL1FZ1NJYIxYBO47TviDGLZYn3T-T8PSke7fRGn41JX/s1600/dirtbaghobo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijooW96D2GL9i91_at138FvNqeccwZBIGvjEFqMc7_xIyi1mXix0EjDdwoD46LJY1MMHuZFmD7MvIDRl4yRWII7whIj2154vd5bxL1FZ1NJYIxYBO47TviDGLZYn3T-T8PSke7fRGn41JX/s1600/dirtbaghobo.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cat Bradley and I on one of our adventures to Seattle, in full-dirtbag mode.</div>
<br />
2. Showering is a complete and total luxury. If you've found that even after home from an adventure that you still take a shower <i>only when completely necessary, </i>chances are you're a dirtbag. Double-points if you have ever worn your running clothes straight into the shower, because <i>it just. Makes. Sense. </i><br />
<br />
3. Flannel is worn all-year-round (even on your runs) and preferably in a disheveled manner. Patagonia Houdini jacket? Puh-leasseee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFbP6nv3eo1dokAUD020iO0TkHmArnB4dSZpuFPRP-yc_FExZU5nWundtPIFK7XfhyphenhyphenonruwdftaafL_EPKLPbtNatnk0De3O0Y30ImNzI0HuiJErj3AE_UV_UcLarfokfDMFoYv0Uu6Ef/s1600/10500340_632030575556_2129832625461488304_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cat Bradley rocking her flannel and Luna Sandals like a true dirtbag.</div>
<br />
<br />
4. Buffs are basically another name for the <i>Dirtbag Hair Whisperer. </i>In fact, you can't imagine life <i>before </i>buffs. They keep your hair where it should be, are stylish as hell, and in a bind can be used as TP (note: never touch an abandoned buff in the wilderness). Second to buffs are trucker hats. Every dirtbag must own a trucker hat. Race t-shirts are another must for the dirtbag trail-runner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkaDxpmytggymOvYcKZ5gEGniMN28qfKMY5PE3ZA2NzGEb94PZ14pxM_UXUXxKG1xLOGwMGiCBx3YcPai1Yvw8qDPBCyRRC-frZ6MUvsTt-cu-j34nQMQrculBA4VVmFT_fQqLiHV7WOd/s1600/10475218_10152074085092854_6779581081394985272_n.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tyler and Sean in full dirtbag attire. (Photo credit: Molly Nugent).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlwtHUr80Gxuldan-2e7JEErd2PUkuKyLe4ZMEe0BijnzFMx8Ro_cox_p4IfzJvIfEdIWtH3UXGtfCfkMC98JO9Yf2dYlQ0lHBxjaamaV5nEFu2lwIPsvLm7xoXl8B05o7995N5cEzPJu/s1600/idols.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlwtHUr80Gxuldan-2e7JEErd2PUkuKyLe4ZMEe0BijnzFMx8Ro_cox_p4IfzJvIfEdIWtH3UXGtfCfkMC98JO9Yf2dYlQ0lHBxjaamaV5nEFu2lwIPsvLm7xoXl8B05o7995N5cEzPJu/s1600/idols.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Dirtbag King and Queen....Jenn Shelton and Anton Krupicka (Photo cred: Luis Escobar).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
5. You rarely (or never...) wash your handhelds, hydration packs, ect. Because that takes entirely too much effort. Black mold? Who cares! If you're going to get sick from something it's going to be that sketchy pool of murky water you drank from on your last trail run.<br />
<br />
6. You have a love affair with craft beer (or PBR-- the gauntlet tends to swing in both directions). Double-points if you have a cooler in your trunk that is literally just for beer. (And always filled with beer to look forward to at the end of your longer trail runs. Sometimes you wonder if that's the reason you trail run at all.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9iSKhDNOLogXyuGconvQUHTvd3CMRq9vBh5SFKbdOPTxeLhijXPUOkWRcS1ufD-WQtl_FDEBryLqTIdOw9G5esdYBNNnhlSLZV5KiuCdZO8_zBx6ebICpy8gdehPpaqhmWEwZ5CD3qsY/s1600/10351464_626874124126_4236821983051716392_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Double-points if you drink your beer out of a cozy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJcmOe4T3F_W1Hjvf7co0xOkU7_Bhpx6PZg8gPiPVvUh8MlT_cytXU5xYBA_9Z7k1vH3M_m-B4aMsMKxgmmf_vv1py2LSHQ5p7TICgbTFAxzQQfHUHU_Hy1d7_NfANylMSGAsqPbo7kol/s1600/10494656_630660885426_808155462576934048_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Budweiser in the back of a truck, total dirtbags.</div>
<br />
<br />
7. Speaking of beer....You've also done a beer mile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmt-CBkxd5ciWy4bwKHQl7D8b_X_tTHeffE7w_TY4V8V_k6hIjWwWfsUnsZbQzz6N6nfDbGJ0ZfQktV4ND2DAyfPwZZO5BRxvZoW6y7yevDQZf3zCfSsKW6ssQzsbBGdSzhsssnEH8_Lj/s1600/10383024_10203315547763579_6124397597461179380_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Post-Born To Run Ultra Beer Mile. (Photo cred: Nancy Kaplan).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrhrAktA-WbegWV_D571lIW2avT9Eh8uOG-LELqgY-StkwJc_zbWFRs7JS1JZIjuJ3gS9WCZXoJQ0i0jwkvdHJcqjKqTCpmlUk7eBQAmK6ymF2kfmc_MTCTxoJbPLEIbef18_3VIp4sfu/s1600/beermile.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beers are ready! (Photo cred: Traci Asaurus).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCauNhd57XnZHZcVTh56LKyrtQ9IruaNHXJlyyz7C9KGXpX9FIL2sxRR4MWHNQZjvrMunZelsohVN63m-cgSE08Se_SWKTn4HrWBKq3uuo_3DziCRrIQNQN-Q7fuAmcFZGijq2sqdJlgL/s1600/beermile2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCauNhd57XnZHZcVTh56LKyrtQ9IruaNHXJlyyz7C9KGXpX9FIL2sxRR4MWHNQZjvrMunZelsohVN63m-cgSE08Se_SWKTn4HrWBKq3uuo_3DziCRrIQNQN-Q7fuAmcFZGijq2sqdJlgL/s1600/beermile2.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The beer mile Master, Pat Sweeney (Photo credit: Abby Dunne).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
8. You have a beard (or mustache). Ladies, for us this means pretty much not shaving anything and giving absolutely no fucks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0VuxHO6T5kkPC4dQsafGK_NFvGPmzI0P1dgQbFm9E0CxRIbT8HkcEvNfZ0mv5jmkUhl1WJN6USoIUXiF8e-h5miVvMY90xPChx3hFJwmxFWXZ2zwQcHT2SrxP8-dDcnt4JsgypLTqvZp/s1600/10471355_631039381916_3775775191670901291_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beards, Beers and Buffs....the dirtbag trifecta. </div>
<br />
9. You've wandered into a public place post-long run and wondered why the hell everyone is staring. Because, I mean, salt caked on your face and dirty legs are totally normal. It's not like you're walking around naked or something. Double-points if you have ever taken a hobo shower in the bathroom of a public place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzBfkwl1QeURNrPXk0Mm5u32Zl4R3df1qlZs6j1muewvIKYX1xupYjMmivDozZRFKItq11njHT2VfaIqJk7KS6ny3jRNC4KTxfc8hJVkn-AVO-GHlLFBL_qweGnLjQnd5OoECKLLR_hnL/s1600/dirtbagtyler.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tyler Tomasello and his dirty post-Western States 100 feet. Photo credit: Luis Escobar</div>
<br />
<br />
10. All of your friends also fall into the above categories. This is called your dirt-bag trail running posse. Double-points if you guys already have a nickname for your group. Oftentimes also referred to as your running tribe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SKkjGI83MkAA82_Uoz4yLKPWFrL7ic07nH1eXzB8r_SjItvC-Y56BWJ2lCAMCs-b1fJKUtkKZo5Cu1OKFIALoYv9FbxT6dIGbvgfXcXnMYBUTukMTX4KC9O1LlNHuHBACEHEY_NLsuxq/s1600/dirtbag1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is my dirtbag trail-running posse. Oh wait, why do we look so clean?! (It's because our dirtbag leader, Luis Escobar, made us all take showers. Have you noticed I mentioned not-showering three times already?)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK045n_qw1_6Q-topGjXQqSDY2eVlrW2pp5cA3OIYdT53u9IzY_AjEJBk955IxMwzvh4VzpBIeNuHTlgLMZPlzHMB7t5EwzMfGRbmEuIjwxo7RyjPVDSuav49EZAl-Xa41Nz9gcx_tIIE/s1600/10464031_631113318746_1426611721876170222_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What are other sure-signs that you might be a dirtbag trail runner?</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-32034612133384666242014-06-10T09:57:00.001-07:002014-06-10T10:31:41.839-07:00The 2014 Born To Run Ultramarathon: Stories Of My Dirtbag Trail-Running Posse<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
</h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjRuAZcHyLp3OKPMFH9oEaXAVu7feaOHC08xaVGYnR6rQ60s1Vx0DYoRIuxebNhUKLIG06oI4pX43SSkM2-gmK0o1kcndvHUllkxkNcrfr_9-BO2cC8_0ZHsnXXCdlijJXy_XJM_Se2-y8Sn7II9x0Lqu3m8C1PFKx7Mi23rqMHvvsHmp5D2My1vdo8-M8e_00gScS4Iesmx_d4JGUqJ1aeRMo3Jtn2qYi5Zgr2oN-BsTmD_jKEccHtFSX2zJskhMk4RLXSsikwIYjyTLeql1cR-PW-w2EFDbm9o0nhsnXcnbzXP3S9HQOs0sA6zGBy0Ua-xwaJFmkfkZAKWnYJAUi2Mw3zXF8zdAW6cN_j3tkkG4Oj38cd42fxuM3qBFjGATMYhisMWMJh5h_piBln6A=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 2014 Born To Run Beer Mile </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.pixieset.com/borntorun2014/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When most people hear the name <i>Born To Run, </i>they think of the best-selling book by Christopher McDougall. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I hear it, I think of</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> an ultramarathon directed by Luis Escobar, held on a cattle ranch in Los Olivos, California. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Born To Run, </i>for many, now brings to mind images of</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> rolling hills and large sycamore trees. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">C</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">owboy hats and loud country music</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The hot summer sun and i</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ce cold beer straight out of the cooler</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Clusters of tents, camping vans and cars.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Colorful flags blowing in the breeze</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A meeting ground for a close-knit community of</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> runners and <i>Mas Locos</i> from all around the world. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiQh6JcLR6xLee5OZFgFeB1QvuiSb4gdTNhd8jQnUHEssJgcXquZCA9XdtvIJzcPMyZnn3z_Fh00OHIq0jLLkEGMgbIVL7y3JxEk08p1r5xFN_6NQHBDTr0hGJ-aO5F3BRZy0K7EDn-MS4PqyLoFlpfQuVCLULWUAMFw7L0eLsL-ZwRRTsNCattQVMX6B7Jyz2V0wwRW6XrkDpr2q2gqL6hlxYN7AZDFfUsPwE-IpBqVV3rRTlxdrnl0Im28Uh0Xbn_svc7aaTo69e5FXmv6D5prLqxGRkh76rE0zySaDzRTKc43PCM0VQ1CB49m1d9Y4-43UPadVJYcadChYgruvLDuapaiFoYNSiw7-AKn85W20rxT4UjWPKwR5W1tpENvwkGgkj9zdADokMPkm1r=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px; text-align: start;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit:<a href="http://www.samanthalovettphotography.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.samanthalovettphotography.com/" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Luis has created a new genre of trail and ultra racing by putting the focus on celebration rather than competition. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People are not signing up for the Born To Run Ultramarathon because they hear you get a cool buckle (nope), they want to earn some serious bragging rights (double-nope), or they found it randomly on UltraSignUp (I <i>highly</i> doubt it). If someone did actually manage to sign up for this race at random-- not knowing what they were getting themselves into-- chances are they would turn around right at the gate. They'd see the <i>Welcome</i> <i>Veterinarians! </i>sign and think to themselves, <i> "</i><wbr></wbr>Must be in the wrong place..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>First lesson: You never know what to expect at the Born To Run Ultramarathon.</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Luis mentioned once that Born To Run was just an idea in the beginning, discussed between him and a couple of friends around a campfire. In the last three years I've attended, I've seen it almost triple in size. There is something special about Born To Run compared to other races, and people are starting to notice.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiNxOlqiCAY8umMT-UeI17iy0Zhc34LTpEsWVxhV2th1TdS3xRRj7qJQD2reenKF3KKX1HOaoyZGtKfzUmV8oRsUNiv-a-aPEp12Ok8fvg1OG4F8bFf-czaBtZk3gUZ4GUkvCSe-SdxdAGah7uWwpZ4I9iN2npPSRP5Tut9OptP094pCvqGjhucr-UaJOEZSDkcXXj9bRND-gOuTs9xkI5kihOC6z4FEMQyShUTDEVcQkQoHQOdj-S0nAFmMN45z_07NJ-1ak1wr89mSzHIt7xpIs_ZvS1vF7mk72u4JZMTUFkwi9FnpxlbONpuCi23UW_G6HUJ6s6835AYh4Duu3yyPYoqadmsVbFGEd8q5TugmJVgEsFsZX2waV5EKQmWkg98WwWBfnk5clQuML-8zenI_ZI=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I'd trust these people with my life" -</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Luis Escobar,</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Race Director Extraordinaire</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: Pat Sweeney</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luis asked on the group’s Facebook wall to describe the event in ten words or less.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The ones that stood out to me were:</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>“</i><i><span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); color: #141823;">It’s a three day festival that celebrates the culture and <span style="font-size: large;">community</span> of ultra running.</span></i><i>” </i>–Darkling Thrush<i></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>“</i><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #141823; font-style: italic;">A gathering of the <span style="font-size: large;">tribal spirit</span> within us all. Where deep friendships are made through the passion of enduring.</span><i>” </i>– Michelle Evans<i></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>“</i><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #141823; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: large;">A runner's retreat</span> for the heart, mind, and body.</span><i>” </i>–Kevin Wolf<i></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>“</i><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #141823; font-style: italic;">Runapalooza. <span style="font-size: large;">A Burning Man-like experience</span> for people those who like to run far. </span><i>” </i>–Mark Warren</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>“</i><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #141823; font-style: italic;">For a running publication, the answer should be <span style="font-size: large;">‘no comment’</span>."</span><i> –</i>Bo Mavity<i></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjjP1Cy5N0aE5jW_oPDRe__S5Zm-6Ndo3ZyF-ufO4NfWbU0WfxarguHDt_21nNi54OuW6mX8GtGpedSHD9W1_CcVzLxyLxtUbISgUGh8kL3XUBE2wcQLZ59rdL1SA1s_L4Yk5-F_J7R4tVd4YGfUPpeNXbUNia9xvLrArqdRtbsq7bgDrfVLdSHHTfRWkn9BQ1sjlTiMymaLwrVO2l2u1G9VfkW9uOy0AggYAPINWOnYXTlyiOZMVwdDlZn9X4v19a2DFrnS0qPnVrDQ_5tEmaMnLqo5rVmSyfnfHW_9ur0Ob8C7Joo_p-N8FbAMjch9dVoemMXlOctA7jgPFGKaOYXrE7ZB9QS4CA5GZcS5_pTvkwBsdnyuhL7CvskXcdLPI4NkE8F3v62cxl_4XOC=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luis Escobar hugging Billy Barnett</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: <a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.pixieset.com/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></span></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There is no way I could give you a ten-word summary of the 2014 Born To Run Ultramarathon. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What I <i>can</i> give you is my story, and it starts on May 16th, a Thursday afternoon.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pat Sweeney's Beer Half-Marathon, the <i>Mas Locos & </i>Luna Sandals</span></h2>
<div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgC8EuMRF_zovDC3F_ClBK6ZgZF2yKYVYfabN26i2-cDFl8khfyKDbz08HnL4a1WJqiFWOmCdvcso8QU3uMGATKj4WAH7EcgCalAHHPWsZX1sSP_St0LLPKAU_88lf8a2Hb7qvmk__gSpyIkDRPN2KDU_fbMM4Y-B6cluXicWhrOoCP0A5zJ9euKRDyR9wFCKsAERyapHWUpvJtaJiEbzqj-535soh4ha1c8c3aqFY4JyyavbJJlhObzu9TWVl0jxCKorAA5ckQPhNvZ_rFZF6Xz8aTlRmNO1_2r967qOcFrZdIWhXVMlrWVoEV_2pZnjtpBBMo7s0HRWAF7wxp0NE9odMvmk6i7mYysLcivymLlLddfBvlamoOqzzVDzShpe5pRs07-SZsvlsuJaTc6YKV=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pat Sweeney, going in for the kill on his beer half-marathon! Darkling Thrush and Chris Clemens on his tail.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: Tom Norwood</span></div>
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I drove up early on Thursday afternoon for the sole purpose of witnessing Patrick Sweeney attempt a beer half-marathon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At first I thought it was impossible. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One beer mile</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">was hard enough for me to stomach (literally). A beer </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">half-marathon? </i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Is it even possible to burn off the alcohol every mile? Can you finish a beer half-marathon without getting completely hammered? What's your running form like after that many drinks? Isn't this similar to what '</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hashing</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">' is? Was Pat going to be drinking Stone Ale or would he drink a cheap light beer? </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So many questions.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I figured, <i>if anyone can do it, it's Pat!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He said he was going to do it sometime in the afternoon at the ranch. A simple out-and-back from the center of the camp and starting line. Thirteen times. Thirteen beers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I drove through the campground and</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> parked in an open area near the starting line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I walked over to a group of people cheering</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> on a masked runner. I couldn't see the runner's face but I could tell from his Luna's and dark tan that it was Pat Sweeney. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He was in</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> the middle of his beer half-marathon.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Oh, hell yeah! </i>I thought to myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Maria Walton spotted me as I was walking over and a giant grin spread across her face. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I threw my arms around her in a big bear hug.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Maria! I've missed you!" I said, squeezing her a little too tight. Even though I was just with her only a few weeks before in the Grand Canyon, I already missed her. Her endless amounts of love and compassion was intoxicating to be around, and I cherished every second with her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her smile grew, "And I've missed you!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked over at Pat, who was fishing out another beer from his cooler.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"What mile is he on?" I asked Maria.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"TEN!" She said, grinning. "And he's still kicking everyone's asses."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course he is! I shook my head and laughed, "I bet he's going to get another world record with this...I hope someone is recording it!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I think they are!" She said. She glanced back at my car under the tree.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Have you set up your tent yet? Mine is over there, with the <i>Mas Locos. </i>You're welcome to camp with us!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That solved my first order of business: getting everything set up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I haven't set up yet! I think I'll camp over there with you guys for sure, thanks!" I said. "I'm gunna go do that now, and try to finish before Pat is done!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"He's been averaging eight or nine minute miles," She said, smiling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Holy shit!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I quickly hugged her again and went to go move my car.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I drove around the campsite until I found Maria's car, and then parked next to it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Looking around, I debated where to set up my tent. I started to set up in an open area nearby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"It'll probably suck being in the sun like that," I heard a voice say from behind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I turned around and recognized him instantly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Josue'!" I said, hugging him hello. "It's so nice to finally meet you! Maria has told me a lot about you. Are you camping here, too?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Yup, I'm right here!" He said, pointing to a small blue tent nearby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Awesome!" I said, and looked at a spot under the shade of a nearby tree. "I think that is a good place to set up!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You'll thank yourself later when your tent isn't a hundred degrees inside in the middle of the day," he said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Josue Stephens is Maria's co-race director for the Caballo Blanco Ultramarathon in the Copper Canyons, as well as a race director for two other survival ultramarathons. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His races make mud runs look like a casual strolls through the park-- t</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hey are so brutal that just reading the race reports gives you serious anxiety. I had some legitimate sympathy pains for one runner who wrote about Josue's Survival Ultramarathon in Nicaragua last year</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Create your own huarache sandals, run an ultra in them, make your own bow and arrow, summit an active volcano? Josue has got you covered. (You can find out more at </span><a href="http://fuegoyagua.org/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FuegoYAgua.org</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For being such a hardcore race director, I was surprised to see how laid back and friendly he was in person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We chatted a bit about Austin, Texas (where he lives) and how Torchy's is basically the best taco shack, <i>ever. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were talking about how amazing Gordough's Gourmet Doughnuts is when Maria returned to the campsite with Guadajuko at her heel.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Pat is going to be finishing up soon, let's go over there and cheer him on!" She said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I grabbed a beer from my cooler and we all made our way back to the starting line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pat was running back towards the start, quickly gaining speed. His smile was stretched ear-to-ear. I've seen Pat happy before, but I don't think I'd ever seen him as happy as he was at that moment.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Darkling Thrush (in his full Treebeard costume) and Chris Clemens chased after Pat while he closed in on his twelfth mile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I can't even keep up with Pat when he's twelve beers in!" Darkling joked as he passed me by.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pat grabbed the last beer of out his cooler, and braced one hand against the fence as he struggled to open it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luis helped Pat with the beer and gave him a costume to wear for his last mile, complete with a red (pink?) cape. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEi3bW5quY8PVMJtsps8PM89nhaq8fgV3hXNLyT_EBacejSiUim0H5Lch0_8Ac2uYutr59irgxIc8vxq_xYIO8j-kLlfuMBkWPak2t54-eleOlArHB3bR_IVJsqUtb7FVzkmpHLqyCPTWb49ktYrcdE5vaSW2JbCP0Tqulwgjrx5xIEt8p84LuDEwhe1KULCgunLgjtFDVoCXeSf_Te2jIlhfItYzlf9tzQp5JGE838sVC6j2AESHNLY9yoR9C3zD0XsADaTuPDrHAg5fffZ4Qv-kHRPWbyjuzmm_SqktmVPzLLT_by_VvvibjU-kbxYjMji6HrBpPeAgESHvsgIso9MBUcpkXjHXyMAICV2nM9Gn3Fju18y46aERA716MOQJpmKL2L_oY-etCDHSS1Acfeu=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="481" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sweeney and Sheriff Escobar</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo cred: Tom Norwood</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj4kuVloN2UhOy7g_q5Z_T7lzAkBtuyd1ZFO0dSQxnegqAIhKQC4g7PXBMVIO-w4LeQoxGtdGxeJeh8MgFtQ_f8vH1y5ADMYdnzRwxTfWQ12TmEzxc8ar7cSMEbDOK5OWAwsCKO_pAUZpG3zFAHeDP5FnVaC3i9VTcz_oQjdJp6AxGL9HJx2yNUqX0WMksZTKTz63exDB-sOMkYrWirups9u9XikfZgVZLE8kaEZRipXv8i6bi6tgWNtO8_YWhAcfSeooHO7BU731xmAiK18THf5l7CRQld2M_KcQ_ZT8Gqxc0L2tP-1G-AjOQBHEmoIsWpymK9uqpxKWHRtzPmE6qY710_Ad8nBY5ge8RRtS1aVm8aL8d8VMs1HSBi9hUp2M3KCs9BRt2J0pJJzR8Tcvw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tyler Tomasello, Mike Miller, Chris Clemens and the Incredible Masked Sweeney!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo cred: Tom Norwood</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had barely finished my beer before Pat was already heading in for the end of his beer half-marathon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The group started simultaneously cheering him on and laughing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A couple people pulled out their cameras and started taking photos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few things:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1) He was running in a straight line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) He was running <i>fast. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and 3) He finished two packs of beers and <i>was only five minutes shy of beating my half-marathon time.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My fastest half time? Two hours, ten minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His time? Two hours, fifteen minutes! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That <i>has </i>to be a Guinness World Record.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think Pat is doing his Stone Ale sponsorship proud.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then, the aftermath:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhyqdc6r6BWMLn4a2TP3Ue1oMLVm6u_kCNlQmOKcMHuQ-vIFQOlvqnCNO_piwC5d14nKhzY7rxb10q7lpzymG_gRf6rY6FrqISDV0D23Pqg0BdpMjAqqBB0m4ZpN5JwxAWLOIX1h2ReVQynXWGT67Fhflon3nbWJMgW9CbDk4DQ3l7L3_k4rK-li-NRvYNeYy16dw413Zo2p9_tETfVJStSofWSoL1oIRz_2AFP36KHClFkWibs_Kn5nOSpO6TOkmCXCDugXpiY-lxMZzvcTDF2f-TGbGe5G_JVBt_cGi85-L3lYJpi52dUwboP2SD4cbgLh-uRtm1CDrHeuB3rSCjSrcvlftjfdLLwInSzac6bqwrQOzgeDuTjXKdeCVN04Xf4XlCfe-wh9xOrAA=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pat Sweeney relishes in his victory. Krista Cavender, Mike Rose, Scott Smuin, Mike Miller and I watch on in amusement.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo cred: Maggie Akyuz</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiAtk2i6Juya1xPlTjp-gUoM5kEvi1a73W-CHRwOfbyOrF-SQqXtXuiQj0ev-SB1B5ZTjZxf88t-crTQ9Byhy3vQrVwcbCYFKCNBTyXDHxy7B8DMdFIrFoGbfN-LTaPTys1hUolFkHCo82pqwX1i_rvoLGBhmcgKercM9AG0Jgxz5W1rPIMnPOl6UR6Fjlci6b3SXVpkgOYQJHOVyudIXcSS7cs5a2lgP8xs1aAxlGdPxc_Y5i1vpLv3c5cnahVEFcQGpxhzLp_LFQiOYHhwQUy4VJpML5iYuBv5ODJ_q2qMm3IQb0b1kH3AdOGwg7_3EnESqIYEFk74qz8Uds3r_9zfnVaQzgKhk9IG6NiOXpKlVjlPHk4m-PhGupqqepvSc1GMHkUxQiSsolud4QYQ_M=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tom said, "Let's see em, Vegan abs vs. Abs of bacon!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo cred: Tom Norwood</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* * *</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While Luis Escobar was busy creating the Born To Run Ultramarathon, Barefoot Ted was busy creating a sandal company in Seattle called Luna Sandals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A large amount of the people at the Born To Run Ultramarathon were wearing Luna Sandals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No, they weren't paid to wear them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No, it wasn't planned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And this is just the beginning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also, it's safe to say that Luna Sandals make people happy, look at all those smiles!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhMLNekRneWZIazQkBfFiBqhp0LMR8wzkNOSWILV_PcBKveVVRZAllQrVxy8NbMS5hDYkTqjmXkFjD53b3S_4zFTdEqnNI7LRFUtWpyL5R-GcWh-fP2kxq7cBAIFzRr6OeJVtO16e6tdKxn7OpYnn7ZMJfn8hC68xrz07irdohNL25WnSXrkbnudPatLbT0d_ptjWNbdkqSKIurabmmNXSAOEiicv618pAoThbrbNbnJkhMhvzehJ9j7k4NnE3fJ-uhtuGOBDcq_gkI22bnwIByks-6xiFpSG_0eBgwBze5so-EQwqbLwuyvMN-itYQluf57OiVhEHCZYASUATeZFkQCORhL2EKGeKJ2rZ-h2PoZng1xICY3pJHJdL1nrhualhtoliRnyveHNO9yLOiwnosT6E=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From left to right: Benedict Duggar, Cat Bradley, Sean Garbutt, Bobby Walpole, Michelle Evans, Myself, Odin Hedley & Tyler Clemens</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: Tom Norwood</span></div>
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgoPsdgKUwI9g_HzaK_TwMdXJFTN5EhOXSGvvzLDMwRj1ANUMCx2g07piSKO4oKXKL36yYzP3VzvantsMVHFi_Sqchdfcm5MiClUqdjpWMaHPVpU8chBBYzNIsE8ZCVAVnlrRSmz_MlugW7jNeA-I-drm1HyRLJXBLws8cZVL2a5Hsz70t6p8jgbjf103Ujj4mLZT3ydpWc4vyB2w76PgUqUORu9oAgQaKIEYTPPm1t-HSgMacfVJgsQpeA0qc26ScgKPpDUkVaR3P6xBTD0-RK9JntpFbcatwzw0SwRsc6fEP5_bwFZepn6bBXy_ntuGlw-Fh5z27cjOE99D5n8USQWIATXFLFvvry7jNZVPAZiokbgb3LlKFgbUa1OZau9D17gR-WgPyIsV61dg=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luna Sandals everywhere! This photo was NOT staged!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo cred: Tom Norwood</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhxkrEeTGG7-VzZ5zXWdXTpmcadGflfpKG16t7GenJF7cqlmLY_l9tdJ90fv2mrMIgpodmC4CSCdwmZJMx8Lzj_JQiqdBtdk5izBbGomYUrmuL3ew8KelKdMc9Ix6BKreT_l4n_FTfIxZjJNrkMO3J8q7H1urGyabi_KGF9zKfJyQnRyjpsJN7nINWHlrO6e0x8Q7xYHRwsM7mu6hG-_YQiYlutJ98EonoqoT5P1jaNTgpFEZZsY-04dQvzsk5_46CwJDeFvSHpsKAgc8ZqczbFyd4AJCA-k5MVr_arOZHLGk1zmo9kybfpwh0F79B2rjv3zG7jNsbbRF-gADMMq8awB2vrDhHhEsyucBd8v2tMEj7-8RTswg3aySTCcow3UY0wMU22Bg0=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="480" /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I finally got to meet Barefoot Ted!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Run Archery With Tom Norwood</span></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaTgYkRzV4ydEzbRZR-fFwyOKvvUS2MlvhyISHDNiVhyphenhyphen0pjQvVX0osEwlsGQ3dKP2GI06T3w5naOwE12Ez3oUS-XRjxrhX1CJfNRfR-Z1XD2jeZdX-1K-jsn_W-rr6Ruium_ZndzIuUQq/s1600/TomArchery.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhy1Sf35ZMeiXfvg_rn-PXhVWgvb_9Ue2U0XvXzV2Mb4BpDVTRsBxvRgAxFsqpYn2TY7pV4xUu4-oB0Y4_ulAVvU6t5-TS30hQa3YS2m1JPNAGV_C2Vbsz2m_7IFoEQFpgKqplDKbR3cOSqe31Lb6aUcxZc9CarAi1Gad7PvLM9cVgk0o8R7YoORhLUR4CxW_5S2G85Y4rYfHwoiwiezm5UxyrVKig8vWEGzEXIb3o6n1PJDr7JOXSxQ2ML0sg01144_rfHZ8PjOqs-Lu8mZcc9lHrcq8bSBkLt0hwJR7kuGPuUSLSGE4aLxYlADu7zpY-I1yvxd4oS3IcWXRk0WiBqxYh5RMzUQE3GJ5A8GFwjbmbQQXqYlTtJcSAgoK8rrW4QgVL9Yad0wvodKqTx=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="423" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tom Norwood</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Jeffrey Genova</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"So, as Bobby and I were driving into the campground, we suddenly see a guy in Luna's running up the trail with a bow and arrow in his hands..." Michelle Evans told me. "We just shrugged and said to ourselves, 'We've made it!' I feel like that was a pretty accurate foreshadowing of what the rest of the weekend would be like."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We later figured out the person they saw was Tom Norwood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not only is Tom the lead Sales Monkey for Luna Sandals, but he is also one badass Ultrarunner and a master of archery! He decided to blend his love of running and archery with Born To Run's first Archery Run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">An up to 10K run filled with bows, arrows, and some serious coordination requirements.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"I feel like I've finally found a sport obscure enough to be competitive!" He said.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWMnZmEpUBqLKznt6-vjbktmsqSe7vf8C9iGomROplsSAHit3KGV7ly5VLU3EO4BN17ycJN1vrAF2psu6vtwYrPOf5n4QmR3UEvmm4w76qIGxVu4_oHM2crmRrKNmOqL7bfL_5vlpy9G9/s1600/archery_jeffry.jpg" height="579" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ultrarunners or warriors?....both!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Jeffrey Genova</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWypvsMv7GirqJvp5QgpfIejhI5woWwHydE4wMKLCXAgUcnV4EtJmhaJ__G0Jl5L2G5AHg8CVxEWAAZkonCwSbtCw5I-xYDM9XNuBbKrdmTKkiOK-9TmmYw0u-HNgFpV15R3LU_K9dTg1/s1600/scott_vanessa.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Scott Smuin showing us how it's done!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Vanessa Runs</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While Tom was practicing by our tents on Thursday afternoon, I cautiously approached.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"So...I want to do the archery run but.... I have absolutely zero hand-eye coordination," I told him, staring at a bow laying in the grass. I wondered if I could actually manage to hit a target. "If I have to hit a target to finish, I'll be running <i>all day.</i>"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Want to practice right now?" He said, eyes lighting up. "</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can try it without the leather arm-strap, but it would probably hurt."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I laughed and held my arm up. "I'm not that badass yet!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He tied on the leather strap around my forearm and laced it on.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"The only time I've ever shot a bow and arrow was at summer camp as a kid," I said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"That's more than most people!" He said, and handed me a large bow and arrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He demonstrated with another bow how to hold it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I tried to mimic him. It felt a little awkward but I had to admit it also felt pretty cool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He rested an arrow against a notch in the middle of the bow, and I held the end of the arrow against the string.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I instinctively tried to line up my eyesight with the arrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I aimed at a tree trunk in the distance, and</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> let go with the wrong hand. The arrow fell to my feet. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I looked down at the arrow, unsure as to what happened.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I gave Tom an <i>'I told you so!'</i> look.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Maybe let's move a little closer," He said, trying to not laugh. I admired his poker face.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I moved forward a couple feet and after a few tries, managed to shoot one single arrow into the trunk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"WOO!" I yelled, holding the bow up in the air. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"I'm gunna go ahead and call it a day while I'm still on the winning streak..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I handed Tom the bow and thanked him for the lesson. Baby steps!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photographer Jeffrey Genova was able to capture the image below, making me appear as if I actually knew what I was doing. Thanks Jeffrey!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ended up missing the actual Archery Run (I was out marking the trail), but I hear it was EPIC. This is definitely a tradition in the making at Born To Run. I have a year to practice, so hopefully next year I'll be able to join in on the arrow-shooting shenanigans. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSUrQyS1US6C_4IO1ycy-OGU_4MnQVOucBHju4S1XITHyikcVbaFA5aKfzgm_bBXTJd3NksC-BiyyH63EPvQaxiYn2DrOHp_s-tEGH6T1wRizj9w9Y32ZjQShqVFJM5kgif5DnT8-trND/s1600/CristaScott1.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhO5APEkad-lQuSuq5uMEebbL9cCtxUpn7HQwEVrT-NEaZaOuqtI1zMGfkLZkANGNtF48oEKNjbXcCCc13LFOCnkpkQMWhRF_rr0Gf9OOyd2neCCocN0-4NUAc9erojd5udhe3FLJcTKxQ8eaksjxVlo4oNTEULQI88fyORK0xPZtGXB3JnANDHA2AVxu9UIk9JvPYSJsW15ZjVBOjb_NExlry9o6ZQMaNOdW3NQP3Iue5-XUsQiov93-rajowibBq4cnjbuZ4hVeJzx7L2sbuPxdHk2ZDlvN9fSXjqjCM364GjgiFydbOW6JirVLZRZHeizmOA0YwYjCq3k4csKznXh-uFP1WfFnEl6q74aSIZ_EWmdYwHwf1NeGOkNkmwIpcB6fxEVCXW0eevwzofzJc=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="636" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Training for my next Obstacle Race!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Jeffrey Genova</span></div>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Darkling Thrush Playing a Flute,Trail Marking,& Plastic Skeletons</span></h3>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROCCpoP0tJuD1y0PT3NeFAtgVdgbplvCBHUjUO_7RITkpie2iOJpgoVaTwziJEmBCfKvCntyMCijyPgqgK8lkI8mlx_NeS-UTBi_0h5Zi37mCGeLXfiFmJVQcxyrW9XqZyLV_djGeEJXq/s1600/darkling_tom.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj0naOlV69uCfrkIlujMp3oofBgVDVVg7wVkb34hBGaZM-Xa4Q2RxZJ7LLixgB0THYjfkcnIPVGq5cCdma-MTF9WtfpwizaU2Nl5B9aQqV5wVIXYkti_WOmss-31KZQLhZCelWlh-rOmqmDDby9JNUxCtxkZXZhFk8DuKMJ8JcSmAxUqpRleDLjIziyuAoxV_zmnLsmbBQ1lK-IjsZluMizJam306cGHawUdrLID83JCc66a-JiKUcbhbHgtAdkjOOsi7fRUujhgaqgdIVMFYdFtLI90AuzrLaZuT2AKmM1Ryb9CLr-zN9B_zaHumfuGVA4fygCDcEJveEJgmARGrbETznPYzsnrDtrbedy_RmFkvmMQR-G6UaXdbCBg9-Jd2nee39IFcqY6iRopuRSJIo=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="481" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Darkling Thrush as Treebeard, wearing Luna's!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo cred: Tom Norwood</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I woke up Friday morning to the soft melody of a flute. It was incredibly peaceful, and a nice change from the usual shotguns and mariachi music wake-up call.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I climbed out of my tent and saw Darkling Thrush, happily strolling through the campsite with a flute in his hands. It reminded me of a bird's song-- soft and flowing like the wind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I could listen to him play for hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Coffee suddenly sounded incredible. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I went to my car in search of my french press, and myself a cup. I sipped it gingerly, relishing in it's bold flavor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There was something special about watching the camp slowly wake up-- people emerging from their tents, sleepy-eyed and saying quiet hello's. Offering to make each other coffee and sharing food. It made me realize how much we needed these sorts of experiences. It's not really about the race or the camping. It's about the primal aspect of community. It's the closest thing any of us will have to re-living our ancestral history. We have to make the effort to get out into nature and spend time together. There was an energy in the campground-- it was like a golden current, washing over all of us. We each brought a different hue to the spectrum, blending together in harmony.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">* * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had barely finished my coffee when I </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">saw a familiar red truck coming back into the camp. I put my coffee mug down, and slowly walked over to see what my friends were up to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brothers Chris and Tyler Clemens rode upfront, while their dad, Jim ("Papa Clemens"), and Maggie Akyuz sat in the back. Chris was blasting country music and Tyler's hand was in the air, rocking to the music.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pretty standard for those two. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Two of my other friends, Cat Bradley and Sean Garbutt, were waiting in the shade of a nearby tree. I walked up to them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Are they course marking?" I asked Sean.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I think so," He said, watching the group as they approached.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris pulled the truck to a stop a couple of yards away and a cloud of dirt billowed out from under it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris rolled down the window, "Luis is having us mark the course," He said. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He swung open the door of the truck and jumped down. He went to a nearby pile of water bottles and ice chests. "We also have to drop some stuff off at the aid stations. Do you guys wanna come?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cat, Sean, and I quickly nodded, knowing that we wouldn't want to miss trail-marking with these guys.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tyler got out from the other side of the truck. He walked up to the pile of stuff we were told to load up and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">picked up a plastic skeleton, still in the box.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Chris, is this the skeleton we are hanging on the yellow loop?" He asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I think it's the pink loop," Chris said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tyler looked at me and shrugged, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">tossing it into the back of the truck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once we had everything loaded up, Chris closed the tailgate and we all piled into the truck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I climbed into the back seat next to Maggie and Jim.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_MiB0ApxeSrzEqmrkJJYhDNhNnMhvS-aEEg6oZCJWuZqlWJQhaylLnCyxh6DVXFhWXeJO-yVsNdFcOi8KjAS9QPlxFj3ZrmapG149MRG3VChyfFOBgI3M5PaafmVfn4QC9OhXn6ZqWZD/s1600/TrailMarking2.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiUN1RP3-3Wi9J4Vju60fdQP71T0MfW4AWjSk7NAdBIm2syi0_xnUukRCMXHJ4iFb25-Ym9lRdwZTT_-v1UhJqVasxlLZ8h0Z4INLcXaUWrqCsFRe46CBpZtapQf-rG_ed5z7uSjtcZv92ZvYem9Aw1G-rXRnuqdh7TvEYwHwhoyBoFciEtppwtMcQnhx4sIrBtPSFY6UNygqWHl1JV4oxkpGRuJTHKRHN9X3arCwGMRl9W16zjC5YDJ_7rZMdVQmFtT2tTHvuM6qaQj-9D_ziwpeIX4lz37kArv_DqVeaGPoaP6EXx94aGaRlVWJwX57sX6_Zdl0xYKNqWiBLYpBYQNVS2lkmYuYJYsPbGlKCt0qDvNljU-fwFrHQ6jUCfGLfHljC1CbdLagMPYrKkOoo_=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maggie and I were ready to go!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo cred: Maggie Akyuz</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"We gotta go!" Chris said, lifting himself back into the driver's seat. He started the truck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ethan Brown appeared at the window, holding on to the frame of the truck and standing on the step. He held on with one hand, large grin spread across his face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"It's course-marking time, bitches!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cat and Sean jumped on the other side, holding on with both hands.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4-FyQqbkOGrx3SVO3GZq8BITP4tVqdN-3MTm1Ssrjn6r_cEBeFApRHHpJNr5SxXL4zdRveRUGLN2TSYsilZ4TfPuXqAcaNGG_JTTIpjWH9NumJGt-ffBGnR4LXTNaxoaGd2rmMv3Alj9/s1600/catandsean_kelly.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjseOEAcoYsJxFj5l3yu86KMZZzdVpATxat_FTE92DorIWfO6kg0o1qiRrwlJ3zZmSZU-iwgx6OrHKHNQHtzgONZHS0_Do42Jb1uUiz4Ckeee5UYGVDa72HVraKi6PhHz6Va5iwkbCv64MCswqftDFDWcJo-eYLkioWz-7o1pjlVpnVw_ZC83rPqoZSVOoM0qdKfbDQ37ejyHMedZwiX-1JKEtvTYclTt1i3sNQSgtG6ocbp10ED11mv6ddh7vnFMjj-Dj_Nrh_rHjmCcH9smh4GW__b3XhgWVSZg6QNkxJLVuec2ndykaUdwskvYIrLVe2molVhqzfmUBM0iAAqk_LyvH15NqFj8I2SlSsdtCJ6Yvc0NXD9ZCW-7EkjW6K3-9JnOxo04i8RunmlEMGB2-T0hNx=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sean and Cat hanging on for dear life!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo cred: Maggie Akyuz</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Within minutes, we were all off-- down the pink loop and kicking up a cloud of dirt behind us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImLFIoPoo483_nKGcC816dhkV_3lr8AEwhYrH-CzdsnGjAoIMPfyv_N_apFc6MGsimRxzXusSIax3fgF1y7KTB0R-Tq9jIRdLLrPLGw_mxqx_8tgWsY65s1CaPo08Gq1Ja5S3bCnOYZos/s1600/trailpep4_kelly.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhN0BlpzU9fKHGtaepCOw_Nb38Ce0cjvVOd2j9xRt5TNr3a_grtG1zieoONppr1CYGEghWylv2vQw6VWjXBZmvmX73oERyY8yMwdKyNqESvM9iK0KJ_1SIiGsGYmRJSLazTtGB53Zk5TSITUZ0LB2SFlm33OhCnXjd7-QsI20p6701ojGqRqsJt0-WVyhP_arovIsNWI_FpO_yomUeiYuWjlSpIqo8c5tI7lgGdvejYua-mqfovoPOoH_F7C2eA0d-7fRel_XT6DDOI3YZVKezbEHuCfiqJTPGC5UEMwqRYiedlnRyerbxxD_XYmrDliJ-S74owR9ZAMhvFhr_MoTYnffdKgqMdTzFZm1-n0UvzE4oagWLcDANtNY-IG199-IsAj5zR-Cm_R3NtlK9RNyq3S8c=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo cred: Maggie Akyuz</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We started marking the course the only way we knew how: To s</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">tand around every half mile or so, pondering how the hell to mark a course.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3w9xaWykn7yRS_nfv536J1Ybh629mZEbNX3wLF2M1yfFkjpQd18ufntm5ekPpkFWDJamjldqNlKZqlMLLS0XDw96BMU1PMHQmWILcp5Oh-S4TH4s4LD6oYqv8haW0OFlCmP-VPUqNllGi/s1600/TrailMarking.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhlFst3BJWWL8K3QoDUiF20Tm__it37WazW4kwRO15WraMRmhThQgDm5PRXoGZQNPBEry2IAGrIDlTXfORvDYxeULbI5SdzkGFuhhjhBh80fTKV-2uYl4PIYDNKDuq1C_Li43RtNsbAf8GQ-FjUr8SVSkNTLBqhOj5SAt2GW8fpBPc4h-RgNpIj1BDZ-UMkPmPHnHCfZS1Ih1G0mTrpVvouMTwxitqyVMiH50oeuFIz7RdcVt0w81W4CERPtvSgPRNosXbLKOlz7Dgfog-qsTH4U0v_N_2aQNNhdpRgY0tMdrOYkIOy7TqWlVzTWkUVOw7EieM-qcFjfK4KMFI0tvec9W_W3eZq-4I47nLLc67BF6pGGEY2oHaLqGpQ9CxyezeFzEmbZwrRnE1UkUFcolI=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Working hard or hardly working?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo cred: Maggie Akyuz</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"So it's on the pink loop that we hang the skeleton?" Tyler asked Chris.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Yeah, but not here, it's later on, where there is that grass hill." He said.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Are you sure?"</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"No."</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Shit."</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Wait, no, we definitely hang it from the tree. On the pink loop."</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A half an hour later or so, we pulled around the trail and saw a large overhanging tree-branch.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"That's the one!" Tyler said to Chris.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris nodded, "Yeah, that's it!"</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"We're gunna have to stand on the car," Ethan said, doing the mental math of how high the branch was. He shot one hand into the air, "I volunteer!"</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris pulled the truck to a stop right under the tree, and they all climbed out.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I heard Ethan climb on to the roof.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ducked down in my seat as the metal sheet above me warped in from their feet.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83tyDjzNt9_lJ4_BFizaB93gv1PuuNgq3vOyYilakzyWL1qPcRs0f0P4NPYf86oXOHIXmFEJhWjd0FuyQR3f-p-utuI-EcDOvVXg_P3xc_egkEodpgOGTl05DVH-0478AHunByrdogp23/s1600/trailprep3_kelly.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiGiTLUsTB3ny4ikj6LXqVKDNPUlycwmI2WArP6vzKC9GicY7_aVr4Y2gERD7c0-wYnBcK1OqrMqg3FrrAAVWho81rHMrZOSanKVoesiQlEof3J33GIYFMavuXS9QtNSYw5JMZcE9mRvQmjwHVbvwdwkqt0-vEahZWLJeBHUQpMBXU2Jp4uWXilXRBhy3mz4ou3u61VLQekmjth4hepiywL7Lilq-nJERLWqOUsL4sSBmlVORynTd4-PHhbOVy5mtoUcuChimmZOEJ5ZRGwoYoLz8WTh6l_J-IORL9angnzCqHBiZpYheco6UfBhGh3_FOTygv0ZqVQiXfOZT7pbJwB0DBnlu-s604mNHL_sdiYWDZghiNFbVVG15Y4bEfci00P5cwir4uz5AjQzr3ihnkQpnBn=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It takes a team to put a skeleton in a tree!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo cred: Maggie Akyuz</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You guys are gunna dent the truck!" I yelled out from the window. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A second later, I saw the skeleton's head pop off and bounce off the hood of the car.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Get it's head!" </span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<i>Crap</i>!"</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It took them a three or four tries, but they eventually got it to stay up in the tree.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2YUHGTwLsmL3FB4VVjauDDJujsJgDfZvH4kEOQCZ4Oj4u0RNejMGBZ5ZWth-UnD178YrDmeCKNmEDdkaOwG3RfF6IbulEHjiZjys1FsnW6H5bzrD_I0W3wqASuW_Fa2Y6OzhVXgWvnzA/s1600/trailprep.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg8GPCR1zY3R6ugjVAT_IcKK_FmJRsEaTjXoXi1Dvdf1pZ6L28Y-LEReMYgRWCDPniLykMWPzZW5yN9lf7oIDLIza_MnLfWqfv6gHVLrvw9anD2Ohyad0l0WC4NW8zBa7QtUOhQZcoOHpVe75-1OZzguYtTii6A-kBInze9mnxUCpGujZL-c1-6WYcBWrqzusVkRu0X2ZMCR3XH6hcz-OZ6Il-v3MfkSky0mUlOWl9ppUjsKvYN2VHgD_DSQFX3dgFsVqqyp30phAKgL2g1aPJMxvCqMlfSAzR_pdQMWvXLjfq9VbolbAzZpmvTkXBWWBEHs0mBaYPHRqImSwlyBJS3Y6losszq_cX0xcyeDzAAryZ_F_3qY8X13M3UFcnvzC9b96THZa5ClrfHGCI=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ethan, Tyler, Chris and Papa Clemens</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo cred: Maggie Akyuz</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We continued on marking the trail and blasting country music. We eventually turned a corner and Chris slowed down, eyeing an opening in the valley ahead. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I think that's where the bone pit is!" Chris said, pulling the truck over to the side of the trail.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Like...a real bone pit?" I asked.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"It's where they put the cows when they die, the ones that are old or sick and can't use." He said.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We all got out and walked towards the clearing.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The smell hit me first-- the hot summer sun was literally baking the aging cow bones.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We saw the skeletons of the cows in the distance, some still intact and others scattered into several piles.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"This is kind of gross," Sean said, with a smile on his face. He stepped down on a broken cow jaw and it crunched under his foot.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I don't know if I'm more grossed out or think this is the coolest thing ever..." I said, staring down at the rib-cage by my feet. "I kind of want to take one with me...but I bet it's super unsanitary."</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I should probably be wearing shoes," Cat said, looking down at her mis-matched socks. "Oh well!"</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You know what would be really funny?" Chris said, looking back at the truck.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"What?" Tyler said, a slight worry in his voice.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"If we put some flags from the trail leading up to here," He said with a huge smile on his face. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"That would be AWESOME!" Cat said jumping up and down. The bones crunched under her feet and she stopped jumping, inspecting the bottom of each foot for signs of damage. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Wait, you guys," Ethan said, in a tone of complete seriousness, which surprised me. "Luis would KILL us."</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We looked at him, wondering what the worst that could happen would be.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Some Vegan would get pissed, try to sue and it would create a shit storm for the ranchers. We don't want the bad ju-ju for Luis because of cow bones," He said.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We all looked at each other-- <i>shit.</i></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ethan had a good point.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We walked back to the truck, slightly disappointed in not being able to trick an entire group of runners into seeing a pit of cow bones. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhaOFQFeQxFY8s0_yhCM6llOaMKXT8ef8zwHi7myW8LWOuHQr8AgHXBQ6BMbvHRw42T5io-B9iOK9WYzXIhVQPz3zqSiP9Mqy03Bm4YiYVFGi5SAgDMW0UfpNX5yiMz5Dwdx9ARMmsYIWJ0pvkrm0WrAOqS9sBzScuYIkamxLlBfu_zsaEp7-f6e-NQ8tC2jZ7JyUFiNZZshCK-tBmZS-CCQkVH9TwgqPIB2eBfIjjb2uuMpoaa642Y88PKDiOikzQ_tpAc7_rXYH7gbDeIvSx8zZudGznCevSfwIWCEGJrjCtfgxI9G5MZct54MtkTmdii_OItmTdkDQFrKDC2htJsZepjZ1NoKtdgDr24gHbfLSe9DqMwzc861zAE56u0Z2yEgy8TG9x61onS0OJhc96RxLE=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We found a pit of cow bones!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo cred: Kelly Maggie Akyuz</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCDxy4B9A_OLZKppsGjPv0xB8awbpcuX0HNI4-tX13khLwLOZ57Qf2mxmBZTHn1ucSZ32Pl7sSaXtnxho-FQc0EU_l4DTOyA-5oUroIHExZF0Mn9kjzcRyOKBJDELlAWVKpV2b6B0ON5r/s1600/trailmarking_chris2.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiE-KUCRcJTqvA5CkzFN1d7pNTaZgLQMYJ6qLEKXKXEpBQm15Gr0kng7ngemqpf1A3DqYsP8HsubjYz-WA2gjPVsTY1uUK3d-n4U-8PXwoXsfUuTw5HZX0rs0ODEObulzXQuAX8E5K2_htRxweGy6GIPcf9CezytZQ3REfCGjjaSOOskajYOaFTXiPNqpBS5ryjEbROredIsIvKomN6G7NjuPc468oqsokHtDF40fBnggecIub55UvUMdFRTJjzl-_eP0DPK-zOEYxDm-wAzz-C7HCJeQkNUbQoztZgJBHhSioHaF3NjM6Xk2SRDJfUIgn65Tf5zkOVl8Z5w3ylf695D3kCJGH8UW27cu6JQRK0pOSFEEESSd8SThZz-pniaWskmpNyJUY9oeE_MWWtNSpCgxyxzSwg=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="481" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We found the only clean Port-A-Potty left on the ranch so naturally we had to take a picture in it!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Chris Clemens</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Towards the end of marking the yellow loop, the branches started to hang a bit lower from the sycamore trees.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I moved up to the front of the car next to Chris, and we both </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">talked to Ethan, who was hanging on outside the passenger door.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His animated expressions and general enthusiasm for life made him extremely entertaining to talk to. That and the fact he was a shocking wealth of knowledge for everything medical injury related. It made me want to pick his brain about the perils of trail-running.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I'm an EMT," He said, glancing up the road as he talked to us. "I see lots of shit."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Educate me. What happens if I eat shit running on a trail?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"If you break you leg, for example," He said, grinning ear to ear. "You have to stabilize it-- above and below the break, here and here." He pointed to his out-stretched leg. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Also, you might have to--"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A large branch approached and he swung himself under it, popping back up again, mid-sentence.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"-- pull the bottom of your foot to release the muscle. <i>Or, </i><span style="line-height: 17.066667556762695px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pull out the .9mm and fight off those damned wolves until you're out of ammo and good sized rocks.</span>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I considered for a brief moment actually having to defend myself against a pack of wolves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"I'd be screwed either way," I said, laughing.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked over at Tyler, who was holding on to the side of the truck. He was leaning out a little too far and a small branch caught him by surprise-- whipping him right across the face. Somehow unharmed yet still wide-eyed in shock, he quickly moved in closer to the truck. "I'm okay, I'm okay" He said, shaking his head. "That was just really close."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Tyler get in the truck!" Chris yelled, trying to make eye-contact with his brother through the window. Tyler ignored Chris and protested by hanging on tighter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Soon, <i>dodge the tree branch </i>became a game for Tyler, Ethan, Cat and Sean.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I watched with mixed anxiety and amusement as they anticipated their next obstacle ahead, while still trying to have a conversation with us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"What about snake bites?" I asked Ethan, still digging into his wilderness survival skills.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Get out of the trail as efficiently as possible," He said. "If you have cell phone service, call an ambulance. If you don't, walk back to your car and hope you run into someone."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another tree-branch approached.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ethan waited a few seconds too long and didn't move out of the way quickly enough-- the branch whipped him right across the back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Owwwww!" He yelled out, rubbing his back with his hand. "That one hurt...ugh...."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He did a little shake, and pulled a leaf from out of his shirt collar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You okay?" I asked, slightly afraid of the idea of blood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I'm fine, just bitch-slapped by a tree is all," Ethan said. "...a</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">nyway, what I was saying.... Snake bites! W</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hatever you do, </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">don't try to suck the venom out. </i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">t just gets in your mouth and that's yucky."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I imagined myself pondering sucking venom out of a snakebite.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Nope," I said, shaking my head. "I don't think I'd do that."</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Two hours, half a bag of chalk, endless amounts of yellow and pink ribbons later, we finally made our way back to camp just in time for the Bola racing and beer mile. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhoYP-gUQxmeAQECuaQS6ZiL1_frVh1LhngpAL8QBaQBSnS2b5il7Cr0s8JzsGktpzIZmai6EQ2UGRulYOS1U6UjTQ3UShcijvZN_mkCjKZbWGOFS6MENkwIc6jNsIuh4xpbjFIutRoZElGD6gtBd0XHRnJ8jy1DIGSLJM_BCwhJun3Q-g40tROm8o8tRwyXi2Xfpyt_daWum5il64Z_lQn7FBx7WPwWNUqf6OvAVLPRJWimB7dzifYkweQZe1xiJt852YuElGDg3fslm_4rkN464v-iHpci2kY9vmTXtEM1TE1sabv4Pbl7_KsBrJOXanLySwvAdw3eiovynDDCMRMcucwKYsfaheb4Lv_QIBIwrIIoG1mmzUCmPfRIzvfHUdJjw7ywvQmiOb06mA6qTXp5O30mH4=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe it's time to head back into camp....things are getting weird out here.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Chris Clemens</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bola Racing With The Raramuri</span></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji35V5_GIMeAaJsPPmKnwXfWqhIgsaXmCBMkzepkQ4_s5VKLIVLuypIHZPNCM3VvoXkWBqNTk5SiXeWBKITEqAS3ELpOUwtC50RvHAJ0uz3yzjnPWIoJoPPytNqJl2uqdkrG8MblpPrJsm/s1600/B2RDay1-7.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Photo Cred: </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the most exciting things to happen at Born To Run this year was the fact that three Raramuri runners traveled all the way from the Copper Canyons to run with us.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also were able to raise the funds to sponsor them. Now, each of the Raramuri has their own visa for <i>ten years. </i>It was an honor to be able to run with them and participate in the Bola racing alongside them.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks again to </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> for capturing such a perfect weekend.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13LuvZ20k8em-LUSb6sw_O6DJmxG9Z0mD_QCvxp8eUA2ysjA3FYI4uzjZWOaIDxmfjl8A3SMUpFeXlFwJm-3Rd7R2NwIUlL1M9dEReIAhgvzwqU-ksLwkwg5GZUhbk-_Vp4LhiIPs-VPp/s1600/B2RDay1-72.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgpXOoYnTIwi5YP3sKyWv4hkUsuGG4sXCp3eJQyh13IPRKj1fPByL0cjG8CqEbLdV-TeRZ9hD85c6w1PBrURsxLB0_pW1VLGLajoN1-Ra3CQBaQr-GZqLle1Csw7uWIStJzg_A-BHlp4eQhlZLOhlFebFk-NHbyMVVSV8Aawnc_HVlmWokuR-Ej2ES_QZGri8UtcbUjN7hfovtTY_37h90uD43_FDRl7pXTCpoLAxkMMjivyETwdTEftorjMYbahn_zVStQGJa9PCKUX8G5YqB2CRLvCOnX0REIaWuNdku88epgbVcpGq2BmCOdqxtwc-ckEWIqrBNnZnSKskcIguzFq__McZdFztDUxnuAZvVyThFzpUR_e7CiTySQxKx0pw1_414W_M8WLYiNlGkO=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jenn Shelton lines up for some bola racing!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: <a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydWEN1EeJCA_gdvssLg-yAZ_B5Gh8UgghqawBUHy_nJ9EMAinyxWlEuCF6r14BetkFdDp5zh9qB74M81T12Fn_h1KUG-HXBYdts8GHzk-sJySmjyXRog5AN-NWCtcjFa-Lsy2H-k3mgFI/s1600/B2RDay1-77.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgOv6MoCf2-QkY6YOj3XQIvpJrnKDrXMqH4TcLV-fy8CeMnYhqytr2kgwuDODoj1s6H9wMPIjPRZerxkE81KEFdkI5WIlU7_yuhEFl37sM6uBdLUBgMyjVD8iRQNRVXl9EWVtnnZLOhzF8xbmLBjVYP37CjrF960MBwokdYcgMFIYrE3-0Swve9yJRdUEhlzBM_QpltEu0R81fBYic6q1r-YB_GK71yPNlJE6Ye5tz-RR_Clqloce9-VA6qPZGmCBytMX0DYu7R0GtaOZ7Z2OQHfBwxmWCacxMgWkIxRtmTFobya5wbc1czdJv6hPGrw0KtWXslyAIDozjB3HhzQaz-v7YclKtJdLXZtb2ZTCSi5VdRr2eyPo_5C5rvv4YbDivS5OlNlzfQLsdULYMV=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ7B_fVnJtcX4LHI5hNbzW-6Ukhehd8VaReRpmnqhXAfQ3y27u2JEaIVyiTXenzD2rkblvrstOgzuqEU4IO6zB7QM0uFvfbrWhS4aSj39gQmrArgC10EMqILXXkgwCINA9MrTmFL34bmw/s1600/B2RDay1-11.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiN59SC-5P59PqopX2Dzxf6NmiQR4Zxavb49Li4dt2j41966tsLfsQ1lx1Sx67xTjPIChp7GydVzEMXvjcdoJcMPdG4p7l_nz0dV1NIuiqz1cCx5IzV5zrjB_U-U8FE6s04EAXupeMfHNTz32Z4spdqoW0lAipU5GpRxMn8PfA0BLQdgkAByGsasTxlUWQmg1Tc7Wi3U0MKB_CMYztidMArWfTMyXuFRN_3tX6GgZ7OMLzZ1dNuoOpOlx9XU7jMJL3OvTXTYu2vZEwGr22XXJqbTBsjqNMHKdxXULj5FYhys-5Ta1utC8UQea9oQf-q0L9TEBbUbvnimjVZRKJVWPfnYo-tdAXBiJJJmcXHolYZFyII8phI4UkAV91qk0d82ReEisilIbLPZc_ckLm0=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiqxKFc63FPNXt10w5POseQ5rKY4WErfD_xrdn0HP8t9XmTr8ROLnwkLAGCKschT35MF-cjsDn85lFBzjeOUOOZ4YRRjZI9pLhlBtyrxxuiR1DA44ewvv4E_RUqfs7HsBoqARWkK-v0SdvAECsZEgeaL1zvfpsUlWpdflFQlxUtDharN6EKUv7q7WprBcN865J1g-D4oxEO_1kgbsWGhxOJKndNLSz5-2LmYmtIn7GVjaDcV8kqBOdpJf388SR5xV1bF75cnoL4QbZYVslhhc1tPnidP5JoQBH5xY8O5ihoA630mYOJmW_6N_O5Pm6bmK8scKUSsbSBdN3T3P858XaIWNC4rpkCDeajkseywGOiU20UPKTM3itr8THJ3RJL_zQq7GYcizMLSdUpHfpX0w=s0-d-e1-ft" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiqxKFc63FPNXt10w5POseQ5rKY4WErfD_xrdn0HP8t9XmTr8ROLnwkLAGCKschT35MF-cjsDn85lFBzjeOUOOZ4YRRjZI9pLhlBtyrxxuiR1DA44ewvv4E_RUqfs7HsBoqARWkK-v0SdvAECsZEgeaL1zvfpsUlWpdflFQlxUtDharN6EKUv7q7WprBcN865J1g-D4oxEO_1kgbsWGhxOJKndNLSz5-2LmYmtIn7GVjaDcV8kqBOdpJf388SR5xV1bF75cnoL4QbZYVslhhc1tPnidP5JoQBH5xY8O5ihoA630mYOJmW_6N_O5Pm6bmK8scKUSsbSBdN3T3P858XaIWNC4rpkCDeajkseywGOiU20UPKTM3itr8THJ3RJL_zQq7GYcizMLSdUpHfpX0w=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGSRhtt4gjZb5xbamys2IkN-oDLkypFvlD5Gn1xck73KohDZXjogVE8gdwypHzADFQFcmIBeC_TH76P5uQM3RAO8CyepgWovv96MxtAVRli4yoJLXQ0RPnQAvw7Us6hDIYfVsPagSs45h/s1600/B2RDay1-24.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RFTjjicOS56h-co5_a7JydOekuoQGr7Ydts3I0GbcYVyBYT229knwVWPqw_CVpb1pWaGNRbxUM-JZ98ZVPOf5Xs3i-T8UjgQl0G31PBd7qLCUfymQTO3G-G-FOmOIEcXvrUQV6GIe7Fr/s1600/B2RDay1-4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg0Sj1WFUjrJaXGSdL5S9oSlMT3rZJe36efMZFTCnOQuWvieYh_UYU6tpCQKn1hn10A91b3sU1Tmb771kGP2Pvbsvr1fejyyPeoQ4NVrBBwPJJo_JsLAHqbeXgFKEhGrL8Gki4JmLO41S/s1600/bolaracing_chrisrios.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh9zzpxW9fR4GsifZdoRrJaoLh2Gnm-gefPCRClt49FnkvKzLuUjexZEtHBafwF3DF8sWGa0NIB5qDhR_EDU3OuvNNPqYVuTuysTM5Rk1CEcwy8aIesy7DjpgdUnyBBz52WclOJGvQ1Yysjug5cod0twx9RyHqIG3KY_9ja2O4CLpo4essP-scZzc547EYU-ileo-sed_nPQ4rD543lz2875GEr2DYA-i5XnPWsynw8_ZO95REm5X6h_kXNCuD3KFHLHAwkurHaWmnqvRD9DF-PV2b57S0zgifo75Vdysf5nuSbCgxIjbI6WJMA8sCz_yV7_j9tgnBnp3NA9Ja1ZhhIbjmYwoMyK05rjwEq3LEkY-u2X1f2hF-3rTOLvgS45vX3WkBd5yFJr7KO_4O_teyMPelTotkALw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the first time ever, Luis is the one looking slightly worried. Me on the other hand? Can't take my eyes off the ball!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo cred: Chris Rios</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The 2014 Born To Run Beer Mile</span></h3>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCqj-8yXfcB_nsIj6JBicDKYaWrSn79ZS7HeWSC-vUHPBPCQ75a0gS5Ckault4W8Eg8WKFE4D7656epqjYSApS_1Jy1KWJ1cMxK8s1wTF1Xx3GyZXoU2_F179qK7OK2hUBwKmChGPo7BS/s1600/B2RDay1-108.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh0Z9sgRCJWXeux0u7f6fohKf93fvu1zvE88INv5yEhmqFQlbWGEzML3ZIDMwl12Xt4DeXmZpYMAnQxNb1J6wR4RZifH6Q1BYda95B1TJWQPAv8EWXNwi9K8WwbUQl1f_BJz70ej4m2hpeF7p_RdEM-smP4vwizw-WS1oV28WLm6soRcpf1zuiQFjswmZQlZlyjvdABgQLjFCzTQCnBThgxHvpDvMcvOBkw3wUIIUySWJKxlszzf1bO4snHJZjvlriWhHDM5IsZp22NMA9JYRUD45s6JQgPGUgnFuZEFU__WaOg6vGJN3oMsofDpZxChjBzqYJcKL8NNkKBKSRikH3FPv5zBRY5LolFGonVLGkhJegGmQQ5aAtxoNBFQblOg682XJHm5-V65_hKoI4YjQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A few things I learned from doing this beer mile:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Warm beer is <i>way </i>harder to chug than cold beer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) Burping makes everything better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Whiskey Jerry is shockingly fast at the Beer Mile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4) Chugging a Gatorade and eating a burrito within an hour of a beer mile is something you will really, <i>really, </i>regret.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5) A beer mile is the best way to prepare yourself for Metalachi. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story for this one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A special thanks to </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for capturing all of the beautiful images below of the beer mile (and bola racing!). You made our debauchery look captivating. </span><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESPvkjs-nKj7-mZ-OOSenZ2rluRXoZNcBn38U3cnSjypLL4eFSWh44WhIl5LxGPUO1z1V_b6OMJcePtnVMyM9BwePXJTny8aTGvy5QMuemJlBzqPgr4XXaV49cDDU1gtCvVvE9EFs6kDM/s1600/B2RDay1-102.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiap5umizAjM_i3yIsGgU1WL8ztpHfeTH6LRdqkt3qAXVUlqhDJJi8IqamsxVjwcTal21buMIIiyiw-9zUEKvS9NCmQwhpbPwbqpiMZj0Dr3MjlaXESn5jwXKjS8SViCallhpBb0M4J0UE9MNc3v2qYXBH6S-FVoVoKE4dActMlgCXUm1O09SPIYPsbJKio8PIwTvl-uH7zKIUizLwJtaWrwIhOH2qi6rThADOd4BQIVFQdAP3hpyQngYWyOh6r62niuGX8SBjne0CcafMg-pB-2hhyphenhyphenvNCF4oNoafeiS35-k2Fdr8tq2cCRu-r23KRBn13M_xhF7fnzq3fEnhxMBheP0Fyj9_yHjLEvugl_XMd7VvQcGakCYZs0Fp0Cp9QO6HrKTBjfLAtpv4oi2m-7Gw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgnHkzc9Es2KIDdVCIq3r5T5tCG_nttwJfyRmlUNbNWhEMlqmQ5sQ1bymIPV0GFQkFL8qy35L1O_j-PyOclZwb0lfq8_Dqu-NvbTvTmopONI8i9N5TXMEJgeCEXS3d3-Uw3aouFNb0US3JOUK1Di3xWM9kvTBYtZeerGww13zH_9c6d49WWw32GQ_U1q-LmVp7WlkkvCbaV5Oyc2VvEncmj4OUqTQU0LT4A3LZQflSOnCzBQ-QTW_1IU5xVxqmUld39PLiIRB6Y-ewVoS31oxZxCyEEAaIDfJIHptLu5l8Cvc9Zn4tVq6oPTYDrUKd6GNmoTEUj2q7nr1mirSAJLKd_-WUEU7g-VN-jjCN8gibHs-noxBMbzdvp8PA0MLtS6zkz6-gt_D4EOPxVHcVonw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4XiCbZrhz7N_OhpNPfUNtaErcWIezuDcobIXHucBC49P3M_Si03CS0QCUhcr1D7BDPsaaBRuedY2wSrhgVqDmEC-MZeWKLFezd66_4xcPhp_FSHs76o_RFUVYYuNRb4t0HNFcboC9MrB/s1600/B2RDay1-127.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgWsRLBf0v-cj1qLihvx1siVwNfuor1Xwqicxg-3hp0nyIpLHAnpaT8lppQYKQZ-A0Ju09dW5xs0gYFvBb1M_3XOfYupGaz5zFH98oAJvwTvpnWl8EHEx8eSVga0LkOl1BdzxbNabv360QkQWdh1SirySLF-d0K45kNPNQ5_61mF6agvcfLjo14XiYkQic-aRonJfDq7Dp_xbMLm7pnn9_85RqGIfCH7eE_Izu31odE0Mds1qGic5bBGMT7ArSCZbrYqOB79eBWNrAfSuUf27W921br260NSUoHYTubgZfyfPgB3myV1OGeU9A_ZlrZswmlB5sAPpxPwG_3MQrMUD9J4nfks3PyqfHkcfO5OvKx5n9yScXBT9TrFtwY1mo1jGWt00pJTjPaNcQRyWqdLg=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4dCUbQZ3LePHIkzebymyD2vDfrwUn_tIladjX11IjoHbym2Se4rjGD1xoAD16UkDYGTn6IXoNnoqrqhErs76VjAjbuU8AdcHXkFMapHLxoPnlfDn25ozBGXU3-jjKZ_ThUdfZR_CRrL7/s1600/B2RDay1-124.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjPdTJyciP4-9_h8Yv_YGUa4YJJ4dGfKupTjLWOu_VWO5J1uAEbuc79EcbkpujOVGIaOKaVaxcah2SKR75g4snk-zz40P-7N3kyRcu-WsrpOoAhD8ujwoHexr1uGuVAjJMcOAe_By_wYQO0-Tcmp6oaZULBiKDNfLMZBUL_L_tq-Zi97dl1wvkWs6zxdVmRuvSKRs11TbDTDTqckbwa9WoQBmFGWoTZ7OIQ6FHAbpwFowD6eJuB9i0LN2LdxwX-iW48QBBST2eat39Py8-oAsrMfGZlDlIz11gBGPWO5wpRFsaS_y1m0LLeS7OL49QxZNYlh6kgKlL0WHwDR12xP4-6k6dZnez7ZMbefVGf9skkpbx098IUaLMQXXCXRp-mcKwiYr_dd8WtxlGZp0S1WQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wqYqwwwnK2n9Tle6KmvO-BsRetmWwWTFGwD93GegBoa3GNNrp8fopazxN5nyafGxgZnTcSb4axMyMdyIVyJsOc2Uny0YHf3Y5IStnNAd7rS7fGIAUK5mXNKcra1g50d7I47AMKBrnUv4/s1600/B2RDay1-166.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishP352DoA6z5gtEcgA_EYT5-PG3Z6DbUj-un0rwfJ8HbT-oEb5AmBjH4ab7m134VJt5HE8EZ7irKyNghfGR-4o3-mSQ2mVzUf47ffkG8avnOXtBuBHjUXFAIzFjOOvW5NOFnYbXrxmk-8/s1600/BeerMile.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhSInX9NJKCuDZe_UcL3sYyibgwVKM-P1C9cfHxcFsxREfjXPDYIFqTd8qZ2bjP4aY1n5aUM_6G87Ujoa2dGQdS8BDSX6ZvfIM_Wt3WMTULoNIvHdcah_L4Vj9xmr_1aayRUHRphF-_-MXk_jT6TmOMLX-2QjVhvoSuERq8XcD2ZBFf9anXpTQro1h7j6LB5dRmgUwRDQpswmS8l3-eQkziweIINVHnTB8q8g1oXEUNWA5F_wV8jQzhaZEIG-_fbfiC12cBvHc4uyGU0RwtpV6UB_v0E5z_2WH52x8uHkcvErbYhR7P6RLv3265GmPe664lQXRrNVrCmyPSK35W-gdU3SQGTzUkX2aN0xx0vgcqYuSNDbyGf0ajpL3f0Wejt9x2wGyYmPxCWlESBA=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">One Night With Metalachi</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VSKW-jdGL39u-ofiLmkZda1iOfO7UDMGn2twuM04dNa0ha5GidJyltRuGa47b2ZQ4V0kIHWM6oZi_GRlKwAcGtPezyF9xncI7v3hLtY5wBij36-ELpcuZqTDZqyuRKU11A3hf7nykcri/s1600/metalachi.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo cred: Maggie Akyuz</span></div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few months back, Caleb Wilson posted about a crazy metal-meets-mariachi tribute band on the group’s Facebook wall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Wouldn’t it be cool if we got them to play at Born To Run?” He said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the common tradition of Born To Run, the group took the idea and literally ran with it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Within a week the funds were raised (with special thanks to Caity McCartell for setting up the GoFundMe account!) and the band was booked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I could go into details about how awesome it was...but some things that happen at Born To Run, should probably stay at Born To Run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's just say that we danced the night away, and there <i>may</i> be a chance that Maria, Cat and I got on the stage at some point. That's all I'm saying about that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One thing I do remember is thinking to myself was, "Is this really an ultramarathon?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg9r3F2ZW2cWdgHG7GBQ_NHw1WqjIj6udB2Q04Ndxj1BXyMIwxu1MgGyZWzPbuBR6V3ktNu6Ql6mpkj36Jgg83JsmtrtVTxXoPju05BQX1nuDvgtWQwP104i5Acf_scBLB0KLoUjHM4pduc7rdD_63iLy3wtWyIbffLlDAa0973LdREzCGSLm3yDwyD9gedq-gy1VgW43GYEDPMQYZ9PseePnz1GvqIW4f7bZk-dupKNelW5NRdsHgdSUM4oMZ3uSs9ucF5OIT1Gc-4D3o9YjxYfjP0jLvlJNdcA3AnaaGljPBEPTEgjgmcKXNR9v0jBqtuBnT4eK8CCQCgx83q2jX7HgwQ1r4N2lSHjNFW-hBstK8FBr9WM6rDRI64tjCg3MH2ltkTn6dandF4bA=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maria Walton & Myself during Metalachi</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Larry Gassan</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhN3wpZCEb5IvU91ZuagSSbG7Zf02uNczTq0nMbTWm9C2o5fJdViy9dpxSMDnFnoXFDAo84bnAt4kJVTNlm8WiJWzsOVQngvzlJwnFnVjZgpWmv5qoYaiDYMKZESt-C3ufH_wt8psiw7FIAdHmEeY5IKds-XcO4ATAjHCYWLmL3mmPSL3v8y-zAGi2Rluh87ChmVDXvHoh0JJ8juFMyf87dwpHQ6Hs-GQz_fXxBev-jisMh3UBr09gm9wPkDgzUTJbFqWtjYx8M0q92xYdFrpEMPekJiUUVZLhXTj4v5Vvr4b2QuEP3xGlHP_5T9zmX_8thVvTXikQ604mrKbM5DGun9fbFhP4TGHqKNRu8PadvaVUKFVcS4LaCuJxpUXut1pYEZnFHbWmrVSvKCA=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Three cheers for Metalachi!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: Larry Gassan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<h3 style="clear: both; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">An Unexpected PR: The Born To Run 50K</span></h3>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38Cws7Yf-Zi-iFOy3IxD6fECKl5ps7p0zpUgK0vnpal3ExHKYeioRRd9W4eKD58jJVda5BD0dTSUpiw8NcvHWpZNid0v7zQnSEVxMkkEh9zyzSeqTwlD_UITMhSgd8s62YOBY0nyeo9ze/s1600/B2RDay1-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38Cws7Yf-Zi-iFOy3IxD6fECKl5ps7p0zpUgK0vnpal3ExHKYeioRRd9W4eKD58jJVda5BD0dTSUpiw8NcvHWpZNid0v7zQnSEVxMkkEh9zyzSeqTwlD_UITMhSgd8s62YOBY0nyeo9ze/s1600/B2RDay1-5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The sound of a shotgun being fired into the quiet night sky dragged me from a restless and uncomfortable sleep. The echo of the shots traveled across the campground, and there was a soft groan of disapproval from other people their tents. I moved my hip out of the gopher hole I had wedged it into, and tried in vain to find the zipper of my sleeping bag.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My body felt like it was spinning. My muscles ached. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Memories of Metalachi, dancing on a small stage and pancake-flavored whiskey filled my mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I rubbed my face with both of my hands.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I have to run thirty-one miles i</i></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">n less than an hour... </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I fantasized about crawling back into my sleeping bag, skipping the race entirely and sleeping all afternoon. <i>I wonder if anyone would notice, </i>I thought to myself. </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I bet they wouldn't....</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"You have fifteen minutes to get dressed, make it to the starting line and look like a runner!" I heard Luis call out from the loud speaker.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">More groans from people in their tents.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I heard my friends Alexis Grenner and Adrienne Tomkinson start whispering to each other in the tent next to mine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Shit.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I found my headlamp, and slowly pulled on my running clothes. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After getting dressed and waiting in line for twenty minutes at the port-a-potty, I made my way to the starting line /finish. I ran into a fresh-looking Alexis and Adrienne. I wondered how the hell they both looked so damn perky at six in the morning. They were both running the ten miler, and I was completely jealous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We snapped a quick picture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QYTddBeQbhc93MJu6FXPLsaXo8dfVNoG3pm_RSbyfzZsFmDViYqdM1kBXYNOl5OKn6t5_Glx75KoF2hRoy3sf4vsL8U7mCYOzoQrar1Ghn4xJmgnWVCyqTio1auAaSrl2FFl-hniNvZI/s1600/10252126_626062715196_2614059735574626873_n.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiVDLwXIqEZYG-DJLxq4jL12QP7uaX9aoqEpE4fRZLFyPbSHItfnLUfJfTfxyPZyGULkTFTL8mWgbAiE3kzwmm-fARtr2hVO7fZvr2cpTbRcZc79k0qa8lU7e8kxA3swE5tn3WHZsD_Qgxytw7QPtKJDZfZmzwCJY4_-2pJQUBw6azwREC_GAX1vXgT0JMNk_N2hq3UGNFL389nxWZK2RTSRuCnioBmMK8l5d8tv_4BJ0Hl8_p-CQcqSorAJtsBMvlwqSKCofc4CKjMGYa4tACxWqVwnSGyLj4A0JSns149Spf7XY17h8AxSNhlaYEKiz9p2Jqy9prXuhJ36csUkqxfUTU06XzXFWJp4MYNe1NK-QskRm82fbGVbr-5eE-7t0bzg0d9Lyk2ZIoVN_6k68l_RuO0w3scwTVGbeZ_ompL2P6oNVcNKo9x4x1sBj2J=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="481" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took a deep breath and looked around at the crowd that had begun to collect. Five hundred runners. It felt so different compared to the first two years. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A misty haze hung above the campground.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"You know what I'm looking forward to?" I said to Alexis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"What?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"The <i>doughnuts</i>!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her eyes lit up,</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"doughnuts!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had planned on buying a box as a mid-race treat, and as I was driving through the font gate, I realized I forgot to buy them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I quickly texted Alexis before I lost cell phone reception. '<i>I forgot the doughnuts! I'll love you forever if you pick me up a box!'</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She responded with, '<i>One dozen or two?'</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously, I have the best friends in the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I pondered which doughnut I would eat first, I heard Luis call out from the speakers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Five minutes!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People started moving to their respective running groups and sucking down energy gels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"I gotta go!" I said, and hugged the girls goodbye. I went to look for Bobby and Michelle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before I had a chance to find anyone, I heard the oath start.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEu9toqrw99FXX6JItAdcrBc2KGguMReBJhDWS05Q4Ir4w5WT1YuwxQwG2eUkDS0PSxY8K3P1HHVkufWftrOOX6WRV8TtVy6cC07hSgImo10WnJXsyUVZJXKMx3NAo5FPXKi94CwXS0qa/s1600/B2RDay1-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEu9toqrw99FXX6JItAdcrBc2KGguMReBJhDWS05Q4Ir4w5WT1YuwxQwG2eUkDS0PSxY8K3P1HHVkufWftrOOX6WRV8TtVy6cC07hSgImo10WnJXsyUVZJXKMx3NAo5FPXKi94CwXS0qa/s1600/B2RDay1-6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo Cred: </span><a href="http://samanthalovettphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Samantha Lovett</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"RAISE YOUR RIGHT HANDS!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hundreds of hands shot into the air.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"<i>If I get hurt, lost, or die!</i>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The crowd chanted the phrase together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"<i>It's my own damn fault!</i>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Within seconds, the 50K started, and the massive group of runners started moving forward down the trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Shit! </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I ran through the crowd and finally spotted Michelle's yellow shirt and caught up to her. Chris, Tyler, Manley Klassen, Tiffany Guerra, Bobby, Michelle and myself all ran in a large group for about half of the first loop. We soon drifted off into pairs, and I found myself somehow keeping up pace with Chris, who is usually much faster than me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chris was still in full-on Steve Prefontaine-mode.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhEjyklFZcy4udNYX7TuDJqF5-Q6ydEDpMgg0gn3gdeUqNqT8ahicsS1xfAm6NANKMvt9RsxKmzWWe9qJlubl_xdZDh0R7XjiOGECogS_z9RvM2vsVOxjcjVOQUXUyCqi7fwoECH6GAoCoxbrdQRn4i31XVerBvIRphD3Ua95JLVxX6qjXuPbJqt2ljqHWupm0otwZGJHuFKXf9o5M25toLglu_Qq_YxZ6lOXH6JcMYZ8I-bYDGwskPU9hoED9hK_sdUpb2N2bO6BqI8-IRwK-US2eu3ZCo87Ibol5mX9aKetCxJBJnS2zpsLFZ1TAFDcxx2UWxYpnU7mIm6iexdFj-0JdoAEnqMUwAXw_FtgJJKYet_IuedFKfTzjDWr9Xx8PJ6xMlueNazLA=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris or Prefontaine, reincarnate?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Despite his smirk, I knew he was feeling the aftermath of Metalachi, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"That orange juice is sure catching up with you now, huh?" I joked, prodding him on his side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Ugghhh," He jerked away. "I've got to stop drinking. And after this weekend I'm going back Vegan."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I rolled my eyes. "Sure you are!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He ignored my lack of belief in his Vegan and non-drinking abilities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"I feel great!" I lied, trying to suppress the feeling of nausea. I was surprised to find that I had a large amount of energy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiWExJF5B9vCdTzNP97En8t5oSblqRQXUt8N27P9KI8Pd98Pvp73WYIibRGdP_tzrT73cqm-hipw_BMwWzNj7NLfruqwYPhagkZ7fkgHRUR90qs9n7zJ_PkJ8DDfbE_Y7mBInXHu8oLoDgINfp8eqkTXezIEuPG0y_7qxNCdYmIwq0T27V70gLGNdTFcXXwG5pNNxRTbM6DoI3J2uvT5VhdNw9608oUFp4jA1UHMkR62Xn9RtjZuliubD6bymcN2lrEgYHYT9KR_io6fzdlSIep0yHIoF0ZzcspnX_XOQwp5R-cC5sXm4CysPBeWrLiyH3VPPFaWolUCbxaE-ll89hkouT1CBsvH2VPRrpBHswpNoVJWpQ8UWLIH_ZqeGRGCavOduwQN3MZlJ0=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris, Manley and Tiffany</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We ran the first loop</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> in an hour and forty minutes, which was my fastest 10-mile loop I'd ever done on the course.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After eating some food at the aid station, the rest of the group and I continued on to the second loop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The miles passed under our feet, and we kept up a speedy pace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jess Soco and Shacky were our white rabbits for a while-- constantly ahead of us, almost within reach, but just little too fast to catch or pass.</span><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj3Rm9MFWAMuuPwrn_A6JAIhdMCszYT02n5ZCZVVRZqhEQ9Mx6zp0OjQA56RVgPWQf1VMYiEqLbaJfrQTgMa5Os7FTMomuLz-hvKDkP1Yqq0Yd8x9oHGkWQj43MwWXqoCDxSY9RsOjhZF8_6p2ElugFixW0Q3Ag6FlMRlvKmU9kAab2k298DjEdUHrtScHfivpJJPKhdyLmZ2uvRmso_A7N-_rqFlLDERumHeKtyQJ6wYGgL-oC30hIVssot-WCAOv1IByxCD8hjSAtBd65R6aUZuD8iNdh3o4FYpGVVnqhO7t6_MMUj0RE7pWA_royn-Rj3Xc-t3b5QcyZuuFd8hLDOHwURdZgKRHxKCakvB1DiVCp01hSav6r-EjQVlZyAF_HGItmXvaVcMU=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jess Soco and Robert Shackelford</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Towards the end of the second loop, we stopped at Beverly Escobar's "luxury" aid station -- an oasis in the middle of a desert. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The majority of the group went to wait in line for the only Port-A-Potty. As I forced myself to suck down an energy gel, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I eyeballed a blender filled with ice, coconut and juice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Is there alcohol in that?" I asked Beverly, who gave me a '<i>You've got to be KIDDING me'</i> look.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"No, <i>no -- no alcohol-- </i>I don't want to drink, I'm just making sure," I blurted out. The idea of drinking anything made me feel sick. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"It's like a pina colada without the alcohol. The guys broke open fresh coconut with a hammer and used juice and fresh coconut for it," She told me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My eyes widened.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I. Need.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She poured me a small cup full and handed it to me. I swear, it was like liquid heaven. I couldn't believe that they went through all that work to make it happen. I was grateful, and it was exactly what I needed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After waiting for a couple minutes, I started getting anxious to keep going.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked over at the group, still standing in line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tyler finished filling up his handheld, and looked at the group with an expression that said he wanted to get going, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"They will catch up with us, let's go," I said to him, tapping him on the arm and taking off up the trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We soon caught up with Bobby, who was running alone. The three of us continued on for another five minutes or so. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhzU0x2uwMXJvD7e9sHMWjW_FTagJDAiCLlPPY7SWXYPmX7tJWKunkpxCfBefNIraPl-V5WPdi7wC-Am6GPEby06aBwXdD0OOU_SkvlKlXdsLfUxa5Ap4kNxsuFoaSNODu8QHsYOj5C2HPtIe1eLPtZy_KeZHxXQuG3ZGa8dtWtDrbcjNTZ0PMu_KJacAC2mD0TnnoL0jgVnE4DLyotHRF35AmXCVkhdLdH9V3eF7YJiknihj9biQSG-b_ZW0fqvkVwXXp62D8pri2F0TvcvVQ408zOeGCeXAPgHs4Z_db0dDNPCx2gDj5w48KHvD5CnjJ-aQs7woCP4vU0KMDniQMSJr6wzYUSMp8TcXQRpAka3TWfkLHsqOj1kuk2fmgyREhCLtwwG7RnpJQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bobby and Tyler</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It wasn't long before Michelle and Chris appeared from behind us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For a while, we all ran in a group, and then, like before, Chris and I found ourselves running side-by-side at a comfortable pace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hey guess what," I said, jumping over a small tree root. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"What?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"It's almost mile seventeen and I'm totally keeping up with you."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He laughed and shook his head. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"I know, I'm surprised</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I tried not to feel insulted, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"You're either doing really shitty or I'm doing really good!" I laughed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I went to jab him in the ribs again and he quickly dodged my hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ah, the learning curve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He pushed forward to pick up the pace, and I dug deep to keep up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedD33u4NnD9aHJiqxS32sGq04SBK3wbgj2s__OZ0BNREMPTimqvMg_NNNDXh39rGnRLlKWTolVSijUaG89xEMUOdBQNhbzcvahmMJE6uhC6ZhEQ00N3eaX-BwnOo3f8ci1lfxVnViZsnI/s1600/race06.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhK7BK5JREixzZ9U9kVR01IjifOCBoYiARJRiBnymO0m0yglos-atqnpra2-cXy5vhwxrXasYe7ivUIjdqhoxJSc0SJdD384VqQPyKzlK1CBh7GoOoPYGCjGk2KB18myzD11qV9oTJjK_3rlEairn2BJTHVCyL7_4wZ4JG7pVcNkqDJxwsZKO_G0pnJRZDF5YOawgcq-55gpr5wX-0NycXGX0GaO70c74TgtCd7LgS5lbcxYaRnlUmWO_qCHS-gO8IvF7AXdMAWcxirCqO8u-fAvEAEyy95Ri6gQDLG5jqfQYzquLKTnRCaZetTaGEUhTarEO8D6j0z8SO3zoSHmCJKGScqKo12Z0TuiK0nga0qWKeGNyc1qM_QMK1hSc4SylteK6Nvx25msjg=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris climbing up one of the hills.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You better be careful, the next thing you know, I'm going to be faster than you!" I yelled out from behind as we ran down a steep and technical section of the trail. I tried my best to channel my inner Kilian Jornet, but all I could think to myself was <i>don't trip, don't trip, don't trip. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The whole valley expanded on the downward ridge, and it took everything in me not to stare off into the distance. You could see the rolling green countryside hills for miles in each direction. By far the most beautiful part of the whole course, and also the easiest to lose your footing and to take a <i>serious </i>tumble.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I noticed a photographer at the bottom of the descent taking pictures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris effortlessly scooted down the side and I anxiously picked my way down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Shit. Shit. Shit.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Just run down it!" I heard the photographer call out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hell no, dude. Hell. <i>No.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I got about halfway down, I realized the photographer was Akabill, the creator of the Akabill Finisher's Amulets and founder of the HURT 100.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Akabill, you just want good wipe-out photos!" I yelled. I couldn't see his face but I knew he was grinning to himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I reached the bottom, somehow unscathed, and brushed the dirt off from my legs a little.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Not a scratch on me!" I said, and</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> flashed Akabill a smile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I took off to catch up with Chris.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just before the end of the second loop, at the third aid station, Chris and I ran into my friend Adrienne. She was sitting in a chair in the shade and looked miserable. She stood up when she saw me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I was hoping to see you!" She said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I told Chris to go on without me and I walked with Adrienne for a little bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She told me that she had been puking her brains out for over an hour, and a</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">t that point, she had gone the furthest she </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ever had. Ever.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Seven miles! Can you believe it!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" She said, bubbling up a little bit. Then her face fell, "you know....minus the whole getting sick part."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After ten minutes or so of walking with her, I saw my favorite French-Canadian, Flint Bourdeau, appear from from behind us. He waved hello and happily ran by at a quick pace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Flint!" I yelled out. I felt the urge to run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I turned to Adrienne, "You don't mind if I go run with him now, do you?" I asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Of course not, go go!" She said, motioning for me to go ahead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hey, Flint! Can I run with you?" I asked, running to catch up with him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He stopped running and wrapped his arms around me in a big hug.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I'd be honored, darlin'," He smiled ear to ear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We ran at a pretty quick pace, and re-lived our memories of the Grand Canyon we visited with a group a few weeks before. We talked about our love of writing, travel and the importance of community. Most importantly, as we talked, the miles passed without even thinking about them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was grateful for that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Running with Flint always had it's way of expanding my heart and mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before we knew it, we were closing in on the second loop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I started yelling out as we ran through the start/ finish, and when I looked at the clock, I was shocked by what I saw.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Three hours, forty-five minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Awesome!" I said, giving him a high-five. "That's way better than I expected!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I noticed that the sun was breaking through the mist, and the temperatures started to rise. I wanted to throw on a pair of shorts and change into a lighter shirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I turned to Flint, who was re-filling his water-bottle, "I'm gunna go to my tent and change. And eat a doughnut. Go on ahead without me!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He smiled, gave me a quick hug and continued on up the trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I saw Alexis a couple yards away, who was taking photos. I gingerly walked up to her, starting to feel the strain in my hip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Did you see Adrienne?" She asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Yeah, she was looking better but said she felt sick," I told her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Oh, good," Alexis said, looking relieved. "She told me to leave her at the aid station."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Yeah...she will be okay. She only has a few miles left..." I said, opening up my pack and pulling out some energy gels. "How was your run?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Awesome!" Alexis said, and she pulled her Akabill Amulet out from under her shirt. "Check it out!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was beautiful-- white with a slight hint of grey. She grinned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Ugh, I can't eat a gel right now," I said, looking down at the gel in my hand. "It's doughnut time!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She walked with me to our tents, and I told her about my run so far.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You're going really fast, dude!" She said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Way faster than last year, at least!" I said,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I changed into a sports bra and shorts, which made me feel like a new person entirely. The sun was out in full-force and I knew that too many layers would make me overheat easily. Overheating = bad news in the middle of a race. I took off my shoes and put on my Luna Sandals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the last loop I wanted to feel cool, fresh and light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I noticed I had a large blister on the bottom of my right foot, so I wrapped white tape around it. I wiggled my toes, satisfied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Doughnuts, doughnuts!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I opened the trunk of my car and found the box of doughnuts. I sat on the bumper with the box in my lap, staring down into the beauty of sprinkles and icing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I picked a chocolate glazed doughnut with white sprinkles, and pretty much inhaled half of it in one bite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"This. Is. AMAZING!" I yelled, mouth full of food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tom Norwood, standing a couple of yards away, burst into laughter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I gave him a thumbs-up, and then reached in for another doughnut.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Actually," I said, stopping and putting the box to the side. "I wonder if I remembered to pack..."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I rummaged through a couple of bags in the trunk of my car. I pulled out a Target bag and found a pack of sour gummy worms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did a fist-pump in the air.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"BEST. DAY. EVER." I said, tearing the package open and shoveling a handful of gummy worms into my mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tom's mouth fell open in disbelief. The look on his face told me that I might get a photo taken of me, and soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"It's Paleo!" I joked, shoveling another handful into my mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I'm going to tell everyone your secrets!" He said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Pshh...everyone knows I eat this stuff!" I laughed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He walked over and looked at my feet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Right on! You changed into the Luna's!" He said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I pointed to my bandaged foot, "Does it make me look badass?" I asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Totally badass!" He said, and gave me a high-five.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked at my shoulder, and noticed it looked a little red.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tom read my mind and said, "Do you need sunblock?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Yeah...that's probably a good idea," I said, glancing up at the sun that was breaking through the morning fog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He brought me back some sunblock.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I'm so used to being helped by other people during my races," He said. "It feels good to help someone else for a change."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were talking for a while about the new velcro strips I had sewn onto my sandals when I realized I had completely forgotten that I was in the middle of a race.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I checked my Garmin: <i>thirty </i>minutes had passed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shit!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I've got to go!" I said, suddenly feeling panic rising in me. "Gotta go, gotta go!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I gave Tom and Alexis a thumbs-up and took off back to the starting line, doughnut in hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I continued on down the trail by myself, I wondered how long I'd be running solo. After a mile or so, the tape on my foot started to unravel. I sighed and sat down in the dirt on the side of the trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took off my sandal and pulled the extra tape out of my pack.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I was wrapping my foot, Maggie appeared in the distance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hey!" I said as I finished up and put my sandal back on. I stood up and brushed the dirt off my feet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As she approached, she pulled out her headphones and flashed me a smile.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hey girl! What loop are you on?" She asked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Last one!" I told her, standing to my feet and buckling my pack.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Me too!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So we ran together, talked about our bucket-list races, how much we both wanted to travel to the Copper Canyons, and how epic the trail marking was. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjyDdT8lilTgOkUC8_H3heEEaqdXvKR21dmiIsI51QqL255yQD8MLg0-5WgXvFt6Fx1atcUWe1Wk1l09JjKiX67vK92bI23HFNWZx6u_lo4u_Jmq59-dgmg2DG1JoeAJAiaXKjiR2horS3lMJn-MaiZC8ZJ6M2-rwlJc_0Qjj1axZjDHTRcrC836n_RyFENLp8SMs-UnRsXsQNW2s81KxaqOu_Q2VKY-Q5T-hhukIqbfz3W1akuLayTUnKQgP_fM5u7svZy4qZBo0feHanjkwaZkLaBlCkCNnJZQK1KJxZ2Ii2w3PTsCgicDeQM2z_BBCFdIT5V7knv3pwmgQQ4seZ3iDwhBg-ueUGrmai3b7zrc7EWKq_YyX8WrX3OhnUrf40kAWQJbVVTpcU=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Larry Gassan was on our heels for a large majority of the last loop, and we both thoroughly enjoyed heckling him about our lack in forward progression.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Don't worry," He said, adjusting his fanny-pack. "This old guy won't be passing you two youngins' anytime soon."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We laughed and continued to run at an easy pace, chit-chatting and trying to distract ourselves from the strain in our muscles. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sun was out in full force, and I felt my skin start to burn. I was thankful for the sunscreen Tom made me put on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was also grateful to have Maggie with me on the last loop. She motivated me to keep going when I wanted to walk and I guarantee I ran it faster with her than I would have on my own.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjaAywEAl4VqQirqSHPtT1n5isVCscxBYHnTDNSZkEVfkRbc4zLQoXARtgOSWP-x5WOp6HwdR8O4j-b6PWs5sM_Y2pIb6t2F9NUcXAHLyy7y8us_cAiSUHlv9Y-A8KE-Ixd1jBROpRnmjS6yQjejdQkl9lxiJWj_3-bLELL1eFj_QtIAXDPmbWrZhNC83vWZk717VBzO49GaeuxJEBf1dZsnVwU1nnMfNfqQ8vGWq4Idjimyoi2JyzXs9W_BRO7FWxfym9DEGq5FvD-Nh6ENP6RIqIZpsJgczMYHb_MZR7cy-xNeOpEv6LK8geCLvSgz8ndIxwIH-50s3ZYZVTACanlxlLMHisUA_OlKbXnxkpIixj6rmVLkYbMjf4XPQ0knUxFpBxZo_hoqCM=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before we knew it, we were closing in on our last mile. We both felt solid, full of energy and pretty excited to be done! I was looking forward to a beer and a burrito from Luis' sister's food truck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVJPDcX1bHGS0fBnAwynsLnBPA9athw1VGxp7V5L9rC8IkV7YSUP3l9q7Z55e4FtcKDNntgaJqF0b56s-tKgKUWFgtcnRx0Se2Gs3bhvp_hE8zwAiV0BKf6J2c12fZXvIpW00KfEvxl5k/s1600/race07.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj5-0ZSPWpfERtRv2SwSfXrPWth_yaN-WTE4urvoRjN3Xqljq-vb_Ruowbz9UX4QdjGWJOq32qtaVSd89c0fz6KIzfcSEJbSZEaeoVfy37JIoeMwRRotRXa8iXkBtHX1NInIA2iBsFs1ocJ9PxkIVVklMad7SzUFROrq8VgI0rNOBfrP_xc3i4I0XcEmRYz3x28ZBKLr1ZLPAx4rvnDfi_WaQBfALKELQbtgCS-cC1S2TwkM6asIfFYEuWjC4WI3W6HYYlFhs4hqxoaookUNGRR5Ux22J0G7ZAXJWmYPhtNuueFlmL7IHH-TaFzH09f1pSHIDaIm0Bs2QAqd1BROZE8uTT_rca4xZPDGHQbYn8zipl9wrSLeV68us80dUu8nu1Bnqz-mMAUf7k=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the finish line, my gorgeous friend Trisha Reeves came up to me and handed me an ice-cold beer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>It's like magic.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I love you! This is exactly what I wanted!" I said to her as I read the label of the can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A craft IPA. Oh, <i>hell yeah. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Oh, it's not from me, it's from my friend," She said, winking at me. "He said you're beautiful."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'd say my face turned red, but I was already really sunburned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alexis appeared and gave me a high-five.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Dude!" She said, look of shock on her face. "You PR-ed by almost three hours!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked at the clock and it read 7:15. That was <i>with </i>the thirty minute doughnut break. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My time last year was a slow 8:59. I hiked a lot of it, had fun and wasn't even trying for a specific time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year, I was actually able to run the majority of the time, and felt like I was racing rather than just trying to finish. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alexis and I walked back to campsite, arguing about who could eat the last glazed doughnut.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Post-Race Celebration & The Drive-In Romeos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkjRBD_9X03K5-YjZB3Yaz8YOaM1jr5thQVY-uyWcyuGuiJq-SgTPbvKlVJHmqkNk0wseYbWeMKOPU6ufgKY_6jvZ6W0L3lmaxLOF-8z_r6UgbQCwC-0HZR8FRuueoayWUOdUh32oqEzb/s1600/dancing_scottsmuin.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiJ-aF4zg4iyARmXs7499TPyNaYpZdHSAezvISVglgDnSRfsoq-a1QeLHjoJ9FHeRvUfou-ny9TI-wi8WpHvoNQupevf7hdGEbj2aS_QKZOBJIIaFBuFqbe9yP7KuvqosYPIHrpIk3Uu9DnMuu6kmEdl1T319rjTdQE41xexg5l3bROtkTjwAA3SqyGx5IqdUGNJPKBXXqi3G3_TE_WMKs-qi1WFiBpsavJCqx9vLuOw4he_st9btfxAR3e7YIFWSHYtr2qdZE4x4rZvMrygMWjKu6qiY0iShrpfVjxfDW9QQZ2NgpSRpWv4-fL7jLuHMFCMcycrdnMTbDB8x4j4hfyHBH9wvRt7yDfOIM5wFa08I9VcfZlVnYWlYRHCBtNjJij7FD_KfDOlUoGtOi51e0wlgmuBvo=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo cred: Scott Smuin</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Saturday evening, not long after many of us had finished our races, The Drive-In Romeo's came on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At first I felt pretty sore from the run-- my hips were tight and my feet ached. Somehow, some way, I found myself jumping around and smiling ear to ear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The music was upbeat, full of energy, and somehow turned a bunch of tired runners into dancing machines.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskZYQ3VctWCClkoy_JJqKlfFNbHorLVeJyxMLHEs-kkwBzRslOdYpAqJQrBj3fndEnQ_f4hZpw8rTHpDAib5QYC9aCnG5cM0R6ZAtWqxAfxaT98ooBpKKCHK5EgWkEVbH5W5W9PST5FCA/s1600/odinchris_tom.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjPT7BHKopSNniyTh4QUreGdp9hRtr4iiHtXs-DORTBBBMBSdPOs3EbLy2p540N1QMyQG8ppReYRP87IvG8bF7VsByT8b2nEJdAmd1gHHM9mPuPXpaeywPeXgGNcrOHiQsAKf2kI326C3HYJhXA4ChjXewCiLyBuLGwtwn0uvs1UAf3xFYkKhLc_vgvhz0dSHZWsdXEiMM8nMMJ72xOVniNdtLcu4Mn20dnF3Ymx3gag_O3JdZEVnvWKvrtXD917klbIXPytMosobcABFauM6jFCpk7Z8wSDvl6SEauol8YB8YA0bf7rA66UIGZrJW-OZ3SlSW8H9XMs2c1UcT4WEEyV4cMdKgridayZZaO03iOrqQL8AUNZAyc0IuqUfM_E8-n2dSQEDiMfb2v7v_CjKNp=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="447" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris Rios demonstrating his charms on Odin Hedley!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo cred: Tom Norwood</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For a video of our awesome dance skills, thanks to the video-taping skills of Scott Smuin, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/27475820@N02/14400233753/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiv8UBYtR75LAVMe9Wl-dkJAaIQ-iAyl-TLDcR-6c_jLtqzLUMM0QkaNghwugNyQ0rdKJqp8IHpKJ9oYWWw4Q9pYfMC3wzAf15HBPBAH252ZOLiabH9953X22jNoNjbU6JLTjaFvUoZw6uaIbRgjPAvR7KMtjbAi2AIjukc7_zr5qIN_glTADcgQ5vmRksVaVhZ7ta9IjdAJxVeNKErqsQh8Z1dW3kAwVYzbVe2PDAzq3F_OMlm1fWHoiMDu4w8I_cZXo_HQFLbxJ8rj762vN10bdLMHoqqk17so2IzeWlbV4ZbQgURYxKTvS5hYeKpUa5jr-jfXWK29uyy43QWYAVYDFlA7Og0MU39ItScGRyLfEdAYn4is5fzk5oZ_1F0fJUtrGF3cNBnPz_ySJgaWesdYQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="240" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sean & Cat</span></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiON2xmQRQlXBDS68LZgAF-MGRg8CkgH4tOhMjVxRgAwXzVyTc2ejPhzdEg6Kjy3uvUXvX6m97S_jzT3aan0YnggjUwGDz-VMnn9wTNs2q9eAQRC8oFOzztwjEBysmks08hhs40mUkwASXjUD3bSIx6eEyPegXGobi8FOemD0q-87gPDQzKzfDLRcinKFHNCjynrLF8yWwxct0w5tIliew0cyYg6E8ER8zeaSa6uP8LCSkK3S0sSMkaC8lIhBrEEplW25OdOuggVG8p86zBUoRwirOJD_kVDlYoL9EvjNWtaiMjfGhmA0VWyrfuNZhoVCaoMhqbh0r6Lgd2Ts8FsiCWciADlklbyFNkvcux4WT20Vsf7KL6pLe6M1_T_bBMfXLlh8aHUJhJJmOG=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alexis, Adrienne and I!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjdpqL4STYgcFQ9x0Y1_1bA4KBlB8c6o7ONwGNWJFHZengybLK1E0Kvbq7PeiJYDcNw6luORnALeWfq3zRTXIPhasq7iSzUT3ZIWe658SV1w74xrRmxv73uu4k4VaEYaqSfvcEpMMbnKD2iYItmLxPpgLF8Aqgl-JrBaoVm8bbyYuqXEWjA6elckGuVGEstpA1rTMIm9tU9NoNswWsRSLk21z0fe2jAGvwT7x3uoL2FLC4t7YYOxdc3_JW3hdqYxqahqkJtppYZDs-MaaFF3qyMTXY7dkZq7hJPd03XZiaLW_rGKlXvzX9tken08C2jeWnxKStXl4yfUd5d3Nmfz3sMh-800yZ5ECCB_pX5z0CRTkWRVvBD0o_nw3WJSkK91r_uGpuuGW4=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cat drinking a beer out of a ram's horn. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiwIPkdMoDl97LceNfspdEtHCDmYaryzyERTDiRJtw3GvFaFtCf3OqlnIHXWicZPIlKBZRkYzLhcE2JVHknZOPcicax6T1BQhX85ScGRsuK1RIFceVleaBWR9ODIh_2pT0kToGmbI1tFBuPL3Ws1psgCtQbUnGXd8_pGWkvlB27Fhsuuz2y4nkiBuTRoImEchzc26NOh-trR8YF3F_BY-iG1kHrNRU_nGy1oyoq8D89gUJSWRcBtZx86ZJb2hleNkaQvy-Ejcu_MgCVECYlfhlur1OK2fyOjyeBWMSQNwRxpU_PVGVAbvExHkHRUrO_YAhLlSV7H1Q3F16iuVjIv43383B6iVNw5WpOLwFkCkaUNqGvYOo0iQ_weWvcpqKpv4f-sP8LCtVZSp4r3bO20ZPomQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="300" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Adrienne, Alexis, Trisha and I</span></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiRyn98424hcEis2a-UaJOiwoUX3sp1eXuRLeoiW85lH2ivHIxGi6WIPh0DcFqEJjztzNUAR1nc03qL77t0jNYsMC6CLRNwiFZ3fJ7kcIsMNlnpty0ZEmkik8wF7ZVthJvhaBWfyCj4nyLUHn4UW95sR7pjkWF8oBHpZy09w1hhd90IFgh-bFJqhn5ik43jesDk-PfOpbUMCCqeiiwS-hcqBIuMV54_Y7VmCyR1ZyW6iDTvqo_xCmBv0czc5zY2-dMaHlNdo2EK_u0ggrNnjFEJLYA8oriILuPULLfGO5WLg5-nBblN5zc7CKtiNQbOFpPwXdYZXfOu1cmQ2qsF8bqogIHjNJZOZ_Po7DCn7lzZrC-HspJKaMaNPlzaLikpNyh_0ovrwp7Fr3UqKBmXIok5uDw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="300" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tom and I</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjdqlFDowr24eOTW-X_pw-U0vqPY7ZvXp00BpoJgCSkfqc2kYy-yF0KQaA69aQejbLY9uR4UnCA2qHByzR6-OjjTvB0PGtEJFxwgqg4S8MGyFiBD8IgLw6EPEDBjKy8hPEwXivUi8z5IJoPOeW88KIiomMZjw55wrwf-tlQHFEOZhL8GVoWgjSZN4zaAjE9vDoD02yDZ457x5EwoPB7laA_Y5fwXocURQ6GFazB1mp7Sr6WvE_eYVM7f3SZBLdt-Fs0EgvXcjMu55fh5ynynANxAUuQ9B4ZlPLAoNZUTICveHJZCX9WmTrd8aVks4F0m2ZAdrTPJZxTdunQKO7ng7jrbSy_rk7OcngXl1lqrsb-HFPE-TXxae8YJTiiA04E0qB-eYxZKH72E8ropcCYz1ZSdAUXuFS6ZFbtJxCVHnFto-WpmEDS2mehnGgfdF9R=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="300" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cat & I</span></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjUDpvF3s2Cgo_NyYn5aJR-8yd0BrMXrUNg8eKJs4ij9MbyFfvL4zI9Z1kj8I8kXmvUGkbUO45RV05PWVfUMADnPwgv2F4Fna7qw-DHQj9pZL8-tRf9Nyy9YFaoeBKUzpOLmNIG2EYSzq-7GF27hcTefTpw5fAXyWo7ji8lDpYFVwMo4X3o-r0P5DniIbUYnN936H7-k2LMfpGkpVjoxZa5DLx6Tl6cBY5O5NXZa91HDu3x9I3tOT89RYARHKf2jzCBVzUVBvbCbHzWiiOAho-Ez-wZ6H4HLkMSFtdj4CaH3SOtFw7Q_A6BGZCop2X3R27fuGRDdA5G80lhVqk0pMwMMLeyNS_oFwmNyMa163696rK7ojQOR6r-ICMw57B5pNjfJWVU95K1W8-o0Ct1_g1OUAoHWOdGTrP_kjXfE-smmkDGv9rrgcEfWbIw9oWu=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="300" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bobby and Michelle</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The After-Party at Luis & Beverly's </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhNavOzGL1TBm6RD8LnHw2rq9e-VQmXsCTqiRB1a8joybOmdO19FhJX9K2T16k39eb7_lAFuC5J9u0ymhWxBIUXy9fOXa2Yc1tIq3YJJLWJZD3lRcSmu9wdyzecteF2hQ1DwdlV7aFk94/s1600/family.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><br /><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjljniV0lsR47uVnksmc2JPLXf17rTKzKutT8Lz-ac37uPhol6a43lwlVEYRGHTRTjg1i2oxrU-neEn-L_FnkotmCr_7C3qiF6-Qie1DD8NG_GEwmTLnQYkSx0ZxnwbIZddziCMab-nmmnfrIgv41oumP9PEOxJmbft5n9WBlm16LvYu8eFtCd38F3vlJpY0eN5bXKOcK2X1l-ijVsgo9CYRVZYpShtCSpz5-HK7OoZ7VVu1L_pNBqGHkPIOQlCSDWBad9zFkMmflkcVhzmexbYiEvisEuWxgV9BaDnKp_EQ6nM_XmLYQXlVIccjh_OKbSX-1cb2tjAFGR7pBY9yajG-F2fHE4u7cUwcnVvCyXOnWByv4efT6rYyg5h5aQUS1GKTr7q6itgglE=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The after-party at Luis & Beverly's house.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;">Clockwise from left to right: Patrick Sweeney, Chris Clemens, Cat Bradley, Sean Garbutt, Tyler Tomasello, Darkling Thrush, Tony Russ, Samantha O'Brien, Scott Smuin, Jess Soco, Tom Norwood, Me (Crista Scott), Bobby Walpole, Michelle Evans, Maria Walton, Luis Escobar, Tuff Tuff, Beverly Escobar, Flint Bourdeau, David Valenzuela and Guadajuko.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Sunday afternoon, a large group of us helped Luis load up boxes, leftover aid station supplies and tables into a few trucks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"If I do this by myself," Luis said, "It will take me days. If you guys help me, it'll be done in less than an hour. Let's load everything up, drive up to my place, unload it and then grill some food. Sound good?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It sounded <i>more </i>than good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We happily agreed to his offer, and went to work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After we had everything packed up and ready to go, we piled into our cars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tom Norwood and I drove up together, talking about our love of classic rock, acoustic guitars and plotted Luna's take-over of the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I'm telling you," I said, wiggling my toes in my new and improved custom Luna's. "Velcro is the way to go!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I know, I know!" He said. I had probably told him eight or nine times at that point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Vel-<i>crooo</i>!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once at Luis and Beverly's, we all sprawled out across the concrete floor of their backyard. The hot afternoon sun had warmed the stone up, and it felt good against my legs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I massaged my quads. They felt pretty good considering how hard I had ran the day before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked around and felt pretty fortunate to know so many individually amazing people. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As much as I loved being at the ranch, there was something magical about being in a smaller group in Luis' backyard. I was able to connect with everyone better and really soak in long conversations. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's rare to be surrounded by such a diverse group of people, yet feel like you are among family, where everyone is on the same page. A tribe, filled with people from all age groups, races, genders and backgrounds. We were a mix-matched, hodge-podge group of minimalists, adventurers, writers and explorers. Most of all, we were all friends, and nothing in that moment meant more to any of us than being with each other.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhCMWSfBsE5IEvA2eU5st10SGZydl5Y8dgjrfosRl8mlO0S5CL29-dfQY0h7ZJ5tKksJpVD4LfFYKbUun-RgHDqjWIdgh_k3vg-QEim_DLdOp_2VOd98XW13McWqexjNyup5wHnsW0a0eaGdZqotxjf1zWol3N9S6sqRK7dfQ5tNgmzSecB7L3adHqTT5ThjaUroBNxoj_ylDjgDA2Rt0BQTZMJfcE_kMHeZD2ZVexom5LsgA1hvDJxF11eQcP3V6haLUmNh_cvwYQY5umWfa_za_eyRX4GqV9opP5asflSHP-tsdkgXcVKq5x_wK1UOjcQ46unGLL1U-5RexNoYNMqP5Tfg4dUspMHY4u67XdLEn1WqMAKK4ruYiF6yPX4nxIScz6_BL_ZB0_x=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From left to right: Cat Bradley, Michelle Evans, Bobby Walpole, Scott Smuin, Tom Norwood, Pat Sweeney, Tony Russ and Samantha O'Brien</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We listened to Apache Tony lay down some seriously impressive beats. He captivated us with his words and rhythm. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjvZKjD5ZJYaxdpt-S3qqGYmVHHMyEZto00ewD-tPw-Jnm1rEzRZ1Q8pXAVFYlg9pH1IusQIk0B-ydkM29si-FXyMtQ7t7xDUY4PlploHL38k7j6JQ5Kohp5Ai2x4pjr3orJh2gAx1DDomqqNm-Vh3ZpizbxjjF3czhUJYBtkMZTJJdjqNNTBTlJGdXPXlfc5aPW2J6rDpadpkKR1fssKNi_WtJmgiG7VgFvwnBW7udq03zuJmwK17CN4Acf7MyjwSy50CrVU0BJB-RPHUL4rDtIejVevsiwCHgLjatrQSadTZtkaHlt-wvqeO6pvFM4aZuHAZS_Ae3b8qoa8owh7hlc2On5-UJQ0GXzfrvae4poOlhnSUMWPfqVdU7acDmpyMUo4eKZstQwxrqtw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We talked about our future plans for races and adventures.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjEaWCwoT8eL3enTXBO2wRVm_MSJFhPlCo5A3rzVUV7xwbIAqpe6P9HlrUgsGwGo1F-h_cLA_ksPU4X9e0EinCWVHdKfAFpqFsCI6vb31YuWhXnK3iLk9csOEwtc_6frxfqntyO34hLvm52gkPi4VtZ1IWIN9H8qQXYoIuRy7WwfeV7TUrfp_kj1lIXx2CuEtBm8mLwhNc-qEzAdnSkZi5zdSXSRSdTkmYw29C411AXAkJKMA-4fMJARbNZsK-hWKmG9tFvRgTury0in3LslbqI90dqjWPmeRdl-PVuIfmIZheBPHB8_qAHs21-CVYDTlcsOQLPbvB1C7o-AcHg8S7TJtPTAlt9t2yXtQYP0JIn7lH-Ha606eGIFm0VPv99-i7PkS-KFTMCwuiQwj9gcTOXJJdbPn1Kq5vZD0wPdV3qpm9lf1kwL_eV3I0Ip0FJ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tyler Tomasello cooked us up some delicious tacos-- for both the meat-eaters and Vegans! </span><br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhHKZkdI1WpoejPv_gmXjGoSSLQwvTY07SyA56diERwtMrd0ZTUHSaM-D-b9AgQGa8DEb_bvycbLguiTmxZc4vF1Rra4YbHzujES5XXlqigX0D5TJFZ3OkuFsS0r1lDv5Z6i_ZiEvTzzwryJOf5trbkNBfgOdQpAwXIekJGZEJ2rr_1gkhOIf6_PJCpIuaN3zsnJcx-T0d3flUekhajau-dQi8T6KQ5S95wS38me9TNll5L_5wpognlyZQPhIe4pqf_94zhDYNnvNUzQxUDf_3C_qwXj9C8eL2CaBeZitfB1KQ_uHSvsbDUTOOT8Ta-KZOA2BWr06v2r9K-bEWdVx1QZwjL007BtY2cgb1U6vUf2T8dkjPmDKs11Nc0yh0WKXHJC3uUSPJGCHTdXsGktEZoB5LHDfdLmx-sGUkuz9h4UuNsKyyyzy94n9-IqUdr=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luis, Tom and I had a jam session with our acoustic guitars.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjNvDaNSJsy8ddPvwKt2oTBTXfFscNM2vJflC-MVBAFxeG8l4tK2Y6AqMrvqfKmELB24ZlP_n-f64wiloa21xrWcSq0afHoOq0Bkr_2owCFFRjId4_Xkp-0bQVx37ZRTJdcVuLWzCL14ZntEMTWHZWtF_br6aHAyhyphenhyphenr1JD6YwfHChM9OhozEYMmI8XY-EojkRMoREbC8OwuMNrS19wprfO2fAMZI6ISVy8jEIhYsBXmxwkM2Js-f-4XoxZzoCvck2ELfX5pRlcKnp-h_MXWGJyn2m1_BOA_gHEfq2kt2wBsWasYpSyFByxTyaL1XLwY_WbdI-AHdq2IAWQCpLqWFfliNNCau2bKnjyhZWDV0cpAPNGrrb97DvJZdJMUPlpLHrZi2DkIj5rlzlvoaDJTSb1Jnw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo cred: Michelle Evans</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the strong support from his family and amazing wife Beverly, in addition to countless others, it's safe to say that Lui</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">s has just begun to make his mark in a new genre of trail and ultra racing. Words can hardly express my gratitude to Luis and Beverly for all their hard work in creating this amazing experience for all of us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've said it before and I'll continue to say it again and again: I love these people. I love trail and ultrarunning. And I love being able to wake up each morning and know I'm living the life that I've always dreamed of. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;">Want to sign up for next year? Check out <a href="http://allwedoisrun.com/">AllWeDoIsRun.com</a></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-CwAcHd2KZLQ%2FU5UmaNNMU3I%2FAAAAAAAAB5U%2FU5s4FdDceVM%2Fs1600%2Fted.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjpVLE0y3393cRZnqaniMPTsLqEqR9g1gjdxcS9HtjsNb2_KJV9q2VxQwr23-gngVeOxPi99CGanVqukg0bpElq6yn_dZNXbovv2jcAxHVgJ6-kSN_U3feKcMk-36p7VENfoyWH-4WsNJ/s1600/ted.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-3ZJ8p1MNXgg%2FU5UIVHn-p0I%2FAAAAAAAAB40%2F2N03Kf69QGs%2Fs1600%2Fbolaracing_chrisrios.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg0Sj1WFUjrJaXGSdL5S9oSlMT3rZJe36efMZFTCnOQuWvieYh_UYU6tpCQKn1hn10A91b3sU1Tmb771kGP2Pvbsvr1fejyyPeoQ4NVrBBwPJJo_JsLAHqbeXgFKEhGrL8Gki4JmLO41S/s1600/bolaracing_chrisrios.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-caiYGR3wnpY%2FU5VIv-uou0I%2FAAAAAAAAB7E%2FEb88XcMDI_0%2Fs1600%2FFriends_Alexis.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSubbLxzLUTmTrjX00uLSRRencBTHckmf7zCcKFSLFhPrnRYUHTfuSV4H8RjousjkrxuWNjM-T4N8x31COqKtWGuWvBORnhZrmgq6UFtdAgPYuHOpGSHysTwQgYsepvIIzejC440JPTqGx/s1600/Friends_Alexis.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JH3C7iB-VzE%2FU5U3nVVCsPI%2FAAAAAAAAB54%2F2MHWW8hC47U%2Fs1600%2F10340072_626253088686_2092471810176110120_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzSKYUdb9dkK5hMwjCtSQ3E8fZVmOBtSkmMrzRscGBAHmsyoBp5W_hQrK21TRTv0Rs3OKZa_y_FW-TuUwvCi3Y1rP5nXBA0WEVbos3GNNHOpPJzUIfkWf47cBrmmqjAqQYFr2NpT7TqX1/s1600/10340072_626253088686_2092471810176110120_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-HodTkaZgiTA%2FU4ej-aZ4RUI%2FAAAAAAAAByM%2FlSX-U86IaTE%2Fs1600%2Ftrailmarking_chris2.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCDxy4B9A_OLZKppsGjPv0xB8awbpcuX0HNI4-tX13khLwLOZ57Qf2mxmBZTHn1ucSZ32Pl7sSaXtnxho-FQc0EU_l4DTOyA-5oUroIHExZF0Mn9kjzcRyOKBJDELlAWVKpV2b6B0ON5r/s1600/trailmarking_chris2.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-GLfCdpLSkdU%2FU4aA8MqDlUI%2FAAAAAAAABuk%2FN5WV2SSz-F4%2Fs1600%2FCristaScott1.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSUrQyS1US6C_4IO1ycy-OGU_4MnQVOucBHju4S1XITHyikcVbaFA5aKfzgm_bBXTJd3NksC-BiyyH63EPvQaxiYn2DrOHp_s-tEGH6T1wRizj9w9Y32ZjQShqVFJM5kgif5DnT8-trND/s1600/CristaScott1.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-LtebZVhGZe8%2FU5FJtijmr5I%2FAAAAAAAAB20%2FIQlQqddFQC4%2Fs1600%2Fdarkling_tom.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROCCpoP0tJuD1y0PT3NeFAtgVdgbplvCBHUjUO_7RITkpie2iOJpgoVaTwziJEmBCfKvCntyMCijyPgqgK8lkI8mlx_NeS-UTBi_0h5Zi37mCGeLXfiFmJVQcxyrW9XqZyLV_djGeEJXq/s1600/darkling_tom.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IrWe82pOK6M%2FU4ao-wB5BuI%2FAAAAAAAABwU%2FixqNrEOP290%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-127.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4XiCbZrhz7N_OhpNPfUNtaErcWIezuDcobIXHucBC49P3M_Si03CS0QCUhcr1D7BDPsaaBRuedY2wSrhgVqDmEC-MZeWKLFezd66_4xcPhp_FSHs76o_RFUVYYuNRb4t0HNFcboC9MrB/s1600/B2RDay1-127.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-uzj0l_oDklw%2FU5VIno8PasI%2FAAAAAAAAB60%2F1qe8usnB0Uk%2Fs1600%2FTomandMe_Alexis.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DUah42E6gd5vR0IAzUOqQlYiz0sVP9boHiNtsNGH_pd8un1rScaNbBSuIa9fx8-HETt7vxvM20igB9V_VMIRCuZP8nOsPMogkkCges1AslynpGxo2TToSf_WO_0BjKtZaAXSz-3LbeIX/s1600/TomandMe_Alexis.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ChSjr1EAHpw%2FU5UlO9MQj1I%2FAAAAAAAAB5E%2FVh5ukpHfAjE%2Fs1600%2Frace07.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVJPDcX1bHGS0fBnAwynsLnBPA9athw1VGxp7V5L9rC8IkV7YSUP3l9q7Z55e4FtcKDNntgaJqF0b56s-tKgKUWFgtcnRx0Se2Gs3bhvp_hE8zwAiV0BKf6J2c12fZXvIpW00KfEvxl5k/s1600/race07.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jXID8ZN3rSU%2FU5EjzBNIzxI%2FAAAAAAAAB2M%2FK8MBTVoRf_M%2Fs1600%2FMusic_michelle.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeINt-n80t23qcXyunA5zYX57XSH6ONjuOThxQoXTF-2purQm9sYgFwJpqOd7Y_-FvgsDvZdC5JP7E-ekbDqhMvpzjQnvDyrNYy2wf1v_-lerng6jzVGy61B-wHJpNWLh6tW0Ds_VUd98F/s1600/Music_michelle.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5NHBMGrN94M%2FU4eQHxDjpgI%2FAAAAAAAABxY%2F2_HlSNdOT3w%2Fs1600%2Ftrailpep4_kelly.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImLFIoPoo483_nKGcC816dhkV_3lr8AEwhYrH-CzdsnGjAoIMPfyv_N_apFc6MGsimRxzXusSIax3fgF1y7KTB0R-Tq9jIRdLLrPLGw_mxqx_8tgWsY65s1CaPo08Gq1Ja5S3bCnOYZos/s1600/trailpep4_kelly.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kVhmADJZZeQ%2FU5FNcc4WqDI%2FAAAAAAAAB3s%2Fm2RhUOJgTiM%2Fs1600%2Fodinchris_tom.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskZYQ3VctWCClkoy_JJqKlfFNbHorLVeJyxMLHEs-kkwBzRslOdYpAqJQrBj3fndEnQ_f4hZpw8rTHpDAib5QYC9aCnG5cM0R6ZAtWqxAfxaT98ooBpKKCHK5EgWkEVbH5W5W9PST5FCA/s1600/odinchris_tom.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Oij5KJnnbfg%2FU5FJqoJIxyI%2FAAAAAAAAB2s%2FUuan_wVnA7s%2Fs1600%2Fbeerhalf_tom.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzm1gaTGU6WqNvqnmIt8Aq3SG0xbdUd6-sfD6pTfo7WKVmcUcSJEtb0E7gt5F5ZBHSb8cXJh4iBM7lm-0JBpf-lSiFt10vrD_DemavqZyIAntvU8PUO5DCk9j_frIRk98SqOd3z6vgQui/s1600/beerhalf_tom.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ZyR0O6oncMc%2FU5VIqhrIaEI%2FAAAAAAAAB68%2FUEI23eHlrI0%2Fs1600%2FCat.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL5vosTBBZHdhXJ_sCrS9j_O9Ls9sH8cwg-bl-0neX4Pg0UiQOHewbVrIVm-5rutI5HOd_wPXBUiBU4K4AFV91vFKfFUpVqgVCTHAfEoeCNN7DBNX_qcLziO6nuA5acsSf86qQ35Ei3yw/s1600/Cat.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7OMcwcEQa9M%2FU4ao98RwWzI%2FAAAAAAAABvM%2FJxqkW6bajJU%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-102.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESPvkjs-nKj7-mZ-OOSenZ2rluRXoZNcBn38U3cnSjypLL4eFSWh44WhIl5LxGPUO1z1V_b6OMJcePtnVMyM9BwePXJTny8aTGvy5QMuemJlBzqPgr4XXaV49cDDU1gtCvVvE9EFs6kDM/s1600/B2RDay1-102.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9Gcm4zSHUIc%2FU4ao_5L3vHI%2FAAAAAAAABvk%2F8JeH_E2sehA%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-72.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13LuvZ20k8em-LUSb6sw_O6DJmxG9Z0mD_QCvxp8eUA2ysjA3FYI4uzjZWOaIDxmfjl8A3SMUpFeXlFwJm-3Rd7R2NwIUlL1M9dEReIAhgvzwqU-ksLwkwg5GZUhbk-_Vp4LhiIPs-VPp/s1600/B2RDay1-72.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-V9x2n-f6RIM%2FU4ekXXevgvI%2FAAAAAAAAByU%2FIIjuOgZeWOc%2Fs1600%2Ftrailmarking_chris.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1YxVZSmcg-bG3I0ZSVefySfGl1rNGuffRwvn6zeZwHKJlv2fhQXVcuBP9JCqBQIgSzqmKNOhGb-0fAHzVLd47wWSECvqvYt2J5CtUVpl-GBZW3O6keO74XyZEHrYD77e-oA6ZSUs9tOG/s1600/trailmarking_chris.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-qZcexe8euhk%2FU4eu25Tp3aI%2FAAAAAAAABzs%2FfPM9BLp-Z-w%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-11.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQ7B_fVnJtcX4LHI5hNbzW-6Ukhehd8VaReRpmnqhXAfQ3y27u2JEaIVyiTXenzD2rkblvrstOgzuqEU4IO6zB7QM0uFvfbrWhS4aSj39gQmrArgC10EMqILXXkgwCINA9MrTmFL34bmw/s1600/B2RDay1-11.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-vykb4So997Y%2FU4eG-aZYVAI%2FAAAAAAAABxI%2FohzEX4pSidk%2Fs1600%2FTrailMarking.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3w9xaWykn7yRS_nfv536J1Ybh629mZEbNX3wLF2M1yfFkjpQd18ufntm5ekPpkFWDJamjldqNlKZqlMLLS0XDw96BMU1PMHQmWILcp5Oh-S4TH4s4LD6oYqv8haW0OFlCmP-VPUqNllGi/s1600/TrailMarking.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Fq5p3zwwFnE%2FU4euTDWS5lI%2FAAAAAAAABzY%2FR4uXlF9W9aM%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-120.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin610oh7xntz3wV88pgtA9WJssN7v22qhpTzcCWlDJXtjqFzaAN5kuaDrfDbUNneDDO7KAfD_qWJuxlQMHYXpRuLjmILVmTwfOEskcaPIuMbGCNPpQMAF9otoN41EbzjgmXdO_hbEiHkq0/s1600/B2RDay1-120.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-PNqQaOrbFXQ%2FU4aDsRS12dI%2FAAAAAAAABuw%2Fe7mwBUHY2X0%2Fs1600%2FTomArchery.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaTgYkRzV4ydEzbRZR-fFwyOKvvUS2MlvhyISHDNiVhyphenhyphen0pjQvVX0osEwlsGQ3dKP2GI06T3w5naOwE12Ez3oUS-XRjxrhX1CJfNRfR-Z1XD2jeZdX-1K-jsn_W-rr6Ruium_ZndzIuUQq/s1600/TomArchery.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-d-xpaSOis-8%2FU4VXTB-X7TI%2FAAAAAAAABtM%2FMs4TBZekXpc%2Fs1600%2Ffamily.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhNavOzGL1TBm6RD8LnHw2rq9e-VQmXsCTqiRB1a8joybOmdO19FhJX9K2T16k39eb7_lAFuC5J9u0ymhWxBIUXy9fOXa2Yc1tIq3YJJLWJZD3lRcSmu9wdyzecteF2hQ1DwdlV7aFk94/s1600/family.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-al_LfRaomZk%2FU4ZuhsvFiLI%2FAAAAAAAABuA%2FfR5OQIQslrA%2Fs1600%2FBornToRun01_Tom.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HpAQmmJgYWKNq6_WR7Vsjnx1ZaQ9v3p1UMGZTEwp3nzfr5npHlIo4ph5ZTLKiXkYTdR3VVM6aXZ-4WVOPut83zioGQUYC1VPy4U4wenZbeeQ-rJm0mpZYNv8xAarjJ4DKvoTQEUCT3lU/s1600/BornToRun01_Tom.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WAWAzYLjgzE%2FU4ao_rb8L5I%2FAAAAAAAABvY%2FS-5qQSjUiI4%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-21.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFu3vztv3G9muxb-ktIYUd3VpLjIK1lwaRhYLOajlr41Kop_ruhyphenhyphenv_fPbaznWITf-zvXrpwNe2XUeJSt-9ZXcdIxFopPe-nYasPIpz6vvxvHAN3fDdZK3mCaE3r0vkxs-i49OcG_6y3Aa/s1600/B2RDay1-21.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MBZHEAUxXQ4%2FU4tx3dFu2LI%2FAAAAAAAAB1M%2FftiOqC8osDw%2Fs1600%2Frace04.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabiVoKsTE2jL8Q30eIN8cgDuYC1qcidJKmW8WqTVyADVruQ0-uffQN9owxIdPZzpSO3vUf3uu94MI8fk1IpPRw2CyFYjkARG6NEuTYXjz1DOTsYZKdhK3di5Li24F3IraLtbeZNOGicjD/s1600/race04.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wJdvQm_enwk%2FU5VIl5-5LjI%2FAAAAAAAAB6s%2Fw6KzHPTw3Sk%2Fs1600%2Ffriends.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyK9ZwL6N5qcIDgjRsHmIs9goI_tZYtrDOw3CCNQTW2mQeG43RvGYWRdYO6T22WhTF3kBdKQTR2mQP9mdCuibgo2eKAkopLpoVZS8_hkS0U5ID-f8CNBew_i1L4ERiH3IK-CQbRZScUBx/s1600/friends.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4rmii4zumQ4%2FU5FJtqVBKeI%2FAAAAAAAAB24%2FBhDgbT8E3BE%2Fs1600%2Fdrunkpat.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rCCj6DLJuld9HFPmaQbBtUCGWlVRW2H_Jb5CNSLRvKTgR4pBxhQmZnDWtOSqreWMk9NmFCFkNUFN_NxPMJIsphqff2lOge51W1_0rUuhv2D80iRNNVkqklyu24E-k_B3voEzksrqbGAX/s1600/drunkpat.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OP5F_gO491U%2FU5Dr4Q7rcoI%2FAAAAAAAAB1Y%2F3d0_hDWNXWo%2Fs1600%2F10252126_626062715196_2614059735574626873_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QYTddBeQbhc93MJu6FXPLsaXo8dfVNoG3pm_RSbyfzZsFmDViYqdM1kBXYNOl5OKn6t5_Glx75KoF2hRoy3sf4vsL8U7mCYOzoQrar1Ghn4xJmgnWVCyqTio1auAaSrl2FFl-hniNvZI/s1600/10252126_626062715196_2614059735574626873_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-6MiLfLyUhKY%2FU4tx3FG_eJI%2FAAAAAAAAB04%2FvBERYC6EmUk%2Fs1600%2FRace03.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxI6NKFsd3vcMQ8LMSoFFWg0cUnn2pUPMgdb_IC2pLk41Opm2uxBVXOVFErsSwqLU1GUKNrX6Vo-6sTz0C9Ldl6dgrrVJpVfkv2EdTPUoE2GNn_BChstH8t8X0XcBPmlee0wDRfJ-HxDn/s1600/Race03.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-NvdmCOaxxiY%2FU5Eqk9p3XeI%2FAAAAAAAAB2c%2F2o2vzJU7118%2Fs1600%2Fbeerhalf2_tom.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFVFFEpfoHBo27u0GqXm4TbsEhaP07zTvJ2YpXmK5JczqBQEsHGJwHfWUdc1Sxi2I-H54ZuA-uQpCMfw2tdwVbMsd7cP_eYGJlGfkZi0QUQlk2ylIiVY-7ZHzSjf0JrDPj33YtyuI5Dps/s1600/beerhalf2_tom.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-BNePjM7qm0U%2FU4eQbdy-WaI%2FAAAAAAAABxw%2FkV96snkQ5To%2Fs1600%2FTrailprep_kelly.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFBloz6nCieNAMzlb9H2FflAKfZ2M0AMg_fkqFQzz7357M7niARTDBUxdf2VELJAYVzNdX1gPyrAgEzHpxA2LEfmFGNupCdUUuW4pRBdcX1kvxrEZlts-mi9q2W0Ft-aIup7bjolfndN5/s1600/Trailprep_kelly.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-vPxwH0gRXNA%2FU5EjqVMDrXI%2FAAAAAAAAB2E%2Fpz-s1f4yAdI%2Fs1600%2Ftonyruss.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbQ8SOlGqhsXHJ_4BNwuRXsLoFa1DgunqdzWZlJNoDye14dYeYnyvbFjc7Xj1RV8ySfVcmo6rT_iC1cr8l7z5RHtWNkAx9PHbEw1GI6FcVhJxziV9ov9OvhBmTPwjtaZ1lMudISTimlQq/s1600/tonyruss.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-hHG-oNWMRO4%2FU4erjmHPwfI%2FAAAAAAAAByo%2FwMa9tkM0foI%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-108.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCqj-8yXfcB_nsIj6JBicDKYaWrSn79ZS7HeWSC-vUHPBPCQ75a0gS5Ckault4W8Eg8WKFE4D7656epqjYSApS_1Jy1KWJ1cMxK8s1wTF1Xx3GyZXoU2_F179qK7OK2hUBwKmChGPo7BS/s1600/B2RDay1-108.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tOFLlK__68c%2FU5UmMaACaFI%2FAAAAAAAAB5M%2F_Yk2VIvhpCo%2Fs1600%2Fmaggie.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5ZTT1U6eKYBUnUqUCrSzJzMROMuMYryGBM_sAiuXpHuJRHv-VxH5_4xfm5mCiDq6umWsfuqOlsBC-zjLmSQJ5GrvHMIdFPWYXMFl4hNZWJfDtKLb3LtIhU7G6oxNveuO6sYjWIXCZQq1/s1600/maggie.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-SvDNcxPkoWQ%2FU4aAWKZyIpI%2FAAAAAAAABuM%2FYPxB0eSCLCk%2Fs1600%2FDancing1.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRYRWHCRtgfcQ3oysQbKD1BZV0O7S4LOowBAYgFA-Mk3fV-w5sQiBwocuVlOnBdsdpnWY1UI5ir1JkI-egCLTArdZ-iKuD92An6RVEl-WqMrKjRtCRfWQN1Gq08ZYlGc6L-rNo1gTQrRz/s1600/Dancing1.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ScqarroCvwI%2FU4ao-M1CbwI%2FAAAAAAAABvU%2FCAHOqYtm82Q%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-124.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4dCUbQZ3LePHIkzebymyD2vDfrwUn_tIladjX11IjoHbym2Se4rjGD1xoAD16UkDYGTn6IXoNnoqrqhErs76VjAjbuU8AdcHXkFMapHLxoPnlfDn25ozBGXU3-jjKZ_ThUdfZR_CRrL7/s1600/B2RDay1-124.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mHfGTapfOwM%2FU4eQWdM0rOI%2FAAAAAAAABxo%2F-IxRYTpqkYk%2Fs1600%2Fcatandsean_kelly.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4-FyQqbkOGrx3SVO3GZq8BITP4tVqdN-3MTm1Ssrjn6r_cEBeFApRHHpJNr5SxXL4zdRveRUGLN2TSYsilZ4TfPuXqAcaNGG_JTTIpjWH9NumJGt-ffBGnR4LXTNaxoaGd2rmMv3Alj9/s1600/catandsean_kelly.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mJ53pnNhjh4%2FU4ao9UIiwRI%2FAAAAAAAABvQ%2FYX_zlsHjdj0%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-10.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XxvDMWgGJmXRRGy1aP7TMMGIFve1A4mtPxDDERgeNfFHQp-2W4sKQ_yUXuNNdImUtNvumDY8oPjVh3fX0ScQTZAoyBnN949GSE-_krPE1tjZbUggNvlE-NdiaX6lz_bP3B2SKFtexomV/s1600/B2RDay1-10.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-2VRvMQGWNfk%2FU5TvyhI4HtI%2FAAAAAAAAB4k%2FFGgX7PUn05I%2Fs1600%2Fpatandme_tom.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fshlf4aLE2TAyNN5qRfsTRKAwgBD0rWJSLpI6nfRs-0bT_CNSLrLUsap3nwER_QkfxMP8Vy6loy0rhv93LbV32Qy6CdHs2_22MyzrMFESl_CyNFuzS-fj6KBYldWDbzdFoirjn4V6Mvf/s1600/patandme_tom.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EJC_suhzMdw%2FU4eU6X_28YI%2FAAAAAAAABx8%2Fk-FbK_RYjLU%2Fs1600%2FLuisEscobar_Pat.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNDRIpMpgVGP_1Er0GOHlLxWPJbAlO7RlCO_J-qmB7fwd11k4nUvYRd-KF1GwR_vLKSnKQGBwjtEoTLXnqLVpvPnqm7sOYy7Trcnzna6UaYfEAke12cWavVsbsuZ6vHF4KlIGTHYsUnYv/s1600/LuisEscobar_Pat.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9pVB6zo-k28%2FU5VIiDiAc_I%2FAAAAAAAAB6k%2FtpcSs2FXz4c%2Fs1600%2Fcatandsean_tom.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBlLote10I9pRkf4Y7I1k65Q2GOMIQ0MX5XQCCxXN5fM5Fk72LpSiwaXhEMyaoPxf25nu6MTcfYv1dRN54Z2wffoUCCQ4_FEwLdnDBu6FFsPrDTJx-A8Ir45pmbzs-fXlKtS3jDAg7dDe/s1600/catandsean_tom.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tbR2Nhq2gvo%2FU4aAfLHwxgI%2FAAAAAAAABuU%2F4agb-FEU5jE%2Fs1600%2FBeerMile.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishP352DoA6z5gtEcgA_EYT5-PG3Z6DbUj-un0rwfJ8HbT-oEb5AmBjH4ab7m134VJt5HE8EZ7irKyNghfGR-4o3-mSQ2mVzUf47ffkG8avnOXtBuBHjUXFAIzFjOOvW5NOFnYbXrxmk-8/s1600/BeerMile.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JtPbkFXni_E%2FU4txzMmPGfI%2FAAAAAAAAB00%2F7t6X8WnLaww%2Fs1600%2FRace01.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeoY0IhthOmvk7MrbWgZCM3yN_O6926d798ygqfFkZXRAkZj_0CStwQNSDR72Xre3rNKOjOjw31qlBp5A7kNx6Wv7MjNq6h2vFIa0Lab7cozErP35vv0TSwQC1zgHo0zL5JraX4EbLJy2/s1600/Race01.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-w_s7r1ZSkBs%2FU4eQPUkZhtI%2FAAAAAAAABxg%2FWHTsRceK8PM%2Fs1600%2Ftrailprep3_kelly.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83tyDjzNt9_lJ4_BFizaB93gv1PuuNgq3vOyYilakzyWL1qPcRs0f0P4NPYf86oXOHIXmFEJhWjd0FuyQR3f-p-utuI-EcDOvVXg_P3xc_egkEodpgOGTl05DVH-0478AHunByrdogp23/s1600/trailprep3_kelly.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MAgaAY2hTzM%2FU5FLlt1-EKI%2FAAAAAAAAB3Y%2Fv-HEc4rtpDQ%2Fs1600%2FTrailMarking2.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_MiB0ApxeSrzEqmrkJJYhDNhNnMhvS-aEEg6oZCJWuZqlWJQhaylLnCyxh6DVXFhWXeJO-yVsNdFcOi8KjAS9QPlxFj3ZrmapG149MRG3VChyfFOBgI3M5PaafmVfn4QC9OhXn6ZqWZD/s1600/TrailMarking2.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F--ageZb_g9Y0%2FU4txhtE4WiI%2FAAAAAAAAB0s%2FDNhkgtrMNBw%2Fs1600%2Frace06.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedD33u4NnD9aHJiqxS32sGq04SBK3wbgj2s__OZ0BNREMPTimqvMg_NNNDXh39rGnRLlKWTolVSijUaG89xEMUOdBQNhbzcvahmMJE6uhC6ZhEQ00N3eaX-BwnOo3f8ci1lfxVnViZsnI/s1600/race06.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-0RQjDeGA72U%2FU5U3m8S75NI%2FAAAAAAAAB6I%2F3lasqOTmIjk%2Fs1600%2F10305065_626252864136_2988951163933729226_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJa3w6h0k518tyQ9hBkYOKWSJ3mQG1v7DtItBlp8Vj40mnhGG6aYgd6fvazO8WZx9CuPBmeXvU4fWHC0Aze_5rufFNlgwFCmsPLE6mN572hBcIlJgWrVKlIO6YJrVF9wy6zrDy1_Npj4-/s1600/10305065_626252864136_2988951163933729226_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Q_HTvF55MQc%2FU5FNV9Y1ulI%2FAAAAAAAAB3k%2Fl49GJJTiAcY%2Fs1600%2Fdancing_scottsmuin.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkjRBD_9X03K5-YjZB3Yaz8YOaM1jr5thQVY-uyWcyuGuiJq-SgTPbvKlVJHmqkNk0wseYbWeMKOPU6ufgKY_6jvZ6W0L3lmaxLOF-8z_r6UgbQCwC-0HZR8FRuueoayWUOdUh32oqEzb/s1600/dancing_scottsmuin.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-3341GoRMKzA%2FU5U3l3_8ZPI%2FAAAAAAAAB6U%2FNtR7ItJBakU%2Fs1600%2F10290705_626252894076_2019588211209827940_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl85r3d0KIs9X3vxGcCRkdiRe7KvT9L93pasM78NFxhoSH8RwEyhYjn10mJwZ5s4BdKsem3KZ1wy_I6-bnrYEQhLbydVzygRj6wIpkOsVORRSbPPn2YxINq182hf5ua8Sa3o76kXAh_fg/s1600/10290705_626252894076_2019588211209827940_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-NVlfi8p4gMg%2FU4qseX3VQuI%2FAAAAAAAAB0A%2FBMevIJ3lLXs%2Fs1600%2FDancing2.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe67KIyub_rTZ7vbLBkoOGOmdgi7n_ldOWhkJk_x7BIljGNL0duxFFS03AEWkr2BGaGAQDNsTNYjH-7-c6OJkO7WxPmTsNF58tdHvoNfbhNKEv7H07f5q3dUM-wJb4oj7m3M7d2jlALoO/s1600/Dancing2.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Y8jzNQAP_1Q%2FU5FJ8RACcdI%2FAAAAAAAAB3E%2FvDJ4gCEk9M0%2Fs1600%2Fbeerhalf3_tom.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiung-ptWTc4c7ASotw3dBvugesOg-kAExd12GaWkVlNIKLV5dn9u9iOIeHhOdNvv9P-ZCOBExA3qRE0Qxc4RIQW0CypdWoA1srgU5vMATVSP4z4u2CBr33g92CwzCgPEg9P9s3gz7sEGJX/s1600/beerhalf3_tom.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nuqOEZ10jvs%2FU5FKewCg0uI%2FAAAAAAAAB3M%2F-oJWJKFmTVA%2Fs1600%2Ffeet_tom.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gErU-Yjn0VyinI0bi-aEinbyc7AYOk54ow9AFUFkYSg6eJ3B7qsIQGpvynqZ4pgY9Vm92kscahuIVnlYpfshU8HSqockeBMIuMFQMIaUnfT_269NQqKmh_0qfQG5qALf8V4RH8VPAN5h/s1600/feet_tom.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JddytuekX1I%2FU4eu2_0fsDI%2FAAAAAAAABzo%2FjmhMVdu6giM%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-77.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydWEN1EeJCA_gdvssLg-yAZ_B5Gh8UgghqawBUHy_nJ9EMAinyxWlEuCF6r14BetkFdDp5zh9qB74M81T12Fn_h1KUG-HXBYdts8GHzk-sJySmjyXRog5AN-NWCtcjFa-Lsy2H-k3mgFI/s1600/B2RDay1-77.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-1c7tbnxXGB0%2FU4ap7Z_qUPI%2FAAAAAAAABwg%2FBPs2qW54wIM%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-107.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HH72ENFe2xHf_ffkDGtUeVk9Bk7vfus0snilgcDHCYw32_R4mUMKNaUVuemdmaQHasT2ZUs2PT924m-LgpruzVrpqTh9Ab-QlnUXB0-6VPRD4_pVj7spZC-XoB15yH6nrB4lJ2CeqJVx/s1600/B2RDay1-107.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jwYOGjsiveU%2FU4d-pdvlsvI%2FAAAAAAAABw4%2FnPGExf6l194%2Fs1600%2Ftrailprep.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2YUHGTwLsmL3FB4VVjauDDJujsJgDfZvH4kEOQCZ4Oj4u0RNejMGBZ5ZWth-UnD178YrDmeCKNmEDdkaOwG3RfF6IbulEHjiZjys1FsnW6H5bzrD_I0W3wqASuW_Fa2Y6OzhVXgWvnzA/s1600/trailprep.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OFjSs7-NdtY%2FU4tx3UOT0vI%2FAAAAAAAAB1I%2FQHW-fFsm8p4%2Fs1600%2FRace02.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB4FWyXwSE0TK4JDP4mMK3Dnh24vct4_iLXNOjINU7FoHflGPAluLmWa30D0nDPZONLRNV2tORcbNBJE_Ix4DaQ7D5CqAmUcnEos2pBqTu90a1kJGnHP0TkGZWhzRSuMkXjetXgUhaZtT/s1600/Race02.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ZedkzbRP7cI%2FU5U3n6KjF-I%2FAAAAAAAAB58%2F51CLQ6HvOAQ%2Fs1600%2F10401576_626253173516_6558461341821056048_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9e6h0lqOoafeyWg5iCTBheSQx3LyH5_HI0PXeOMzXpesBwy_JLmHudSyo3AAZsQom6ooXccC_I350NnlDcxeEi4YVuF6Z1BcgnoDnbLSgyNij48tBkJV_dd_ZgMvIvDayNOv1iSxNkzYF/s1600/10401576_626253173516_6558461341821056048_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-bbWHK_Ubjpw%2FU4euSLPgacI%2FAAAAAAAABzQ%2F04GrQ9mrAIk%2Fs1600%2FB2RDay1-118.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHnYG6zUn9rEJNpm0h55h-Aks2g3gKUikLwHl3jfdCQOoRF1Insq8c66iUGn8EojKmCEpBAkuuBq7RW01xyVxhEwmdHSRradgZZAUOesVQddDneiXly8Ju_PeJEkR2M41TXXw16lIse58/s1600/B2RDay1-118.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dvy2aSNhYYM%2FU5EjkbYO4RI%2FAAAAAAAAB18%2FjV9khzj_OjE%2Fs1600%2Fafter01.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNYY9RtYwcg5LtOFwZ0aJiF0LtkQr-1AkOo4DGfcAFyhdeJk2a3whvVbzBll3kR3agSYQgLOM7G9-YMwP_bdXEae8PgvR3QU2je1ywuPS0oyrhf__uMSFtoafGDA9rJT9M67oUEiKSPv7/s1600/after01.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-CUq28tO0xhc%2FU5D1egw10nI%2FAAAAAAAAB1w%2FkEjm7dNYH7M%2Fs1600%2Frace05.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEguDA2Ja1sr76S3E1XPENpY42K68ga45TeLuVFlLofONf29XNQZp-Crnl4LQpIDE7GkavRlbh1NJ2VJbXmAQZUfRRm4rCvUFA_AZAmte20wfG0OKdfbYgKvtE6q89ju0GD9jsJlsL_mht/s1600/race05.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-44502776987051799852014-05-13T16:28:00.000-07:002014-05-13T16:30:35.201-07:00Why We Run: The Personaity Traits of Trail & Ultrarunners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdMNX-hjUFlR2TnMMV2X7K-wK0_2Prhkaz-Xq4Ka3czP01mCtGymqZ5xYrwCbbP-9G9zx6fYrgowb1uvYbrFMNAilAJBeG3LE963yacAIM6NtO5f8GGPJX0eGTc0Z0n9KZ5Fjpk6YXv51/s1600/three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdMNX-hjUFlR2TnMMV2X7K-wK0_2Prhkaz-Xq4Ka3czP01mCtGymqZ5xYrwCbbP-9G9zx6fYrgowb1uvYbrFMNAilAJBeG3LE963yacAIM6NtO5f8GGPJX0eGTc0Z0n9KZ5Fjpk6YXv51/s1600/three.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /> It's no secret that trail & Ultrarunning requires some serious dedication,
mental toughness, and physical stamina. Even though the 5K is the
most popular racing distance, Ultrarunning is growing exponentially in both races and participants in the last ten years. And it is so much more than just being
a recreational activity. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> In <i>Why We Run </i>(2002),
author Bernd Heinrich writes, “<span style="background: white;">A race is like a
chase. Finishing a marathon, setting a record, making a scientific discovery,
creating a great work of art-- all, I believe, are substitute chases we submit
to that require, and exhibit, the psychological tools of an endurance predator,
both to do and evaluate. When fifty thousand people line up to race a marathon,
or two dozen high schoolers to the line for a cross-country race, they are
enacting a symbolic communal hunt, to be first at the kill, or at least take
part in it</span>” (p. 186). Although Heinrich accurately describes the
evolutionary perspective on <i>why</i> we run, he, and many others,
forget to take into account a huge factor in a person's decision to run an
Ultramarathon: <i>personality. </i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2CdRG65njfH_oEGuQQ3J5mc1RNJ7QnntQcwHoXOYfjkf0RRIRIqiWbQrP-cTjdE1UVL86OyNUA20skTOrVVuRYIgndNAXLFOcmOuKZmOzZ1XbrOB8IedcyhJXTw7UvcbmbHYLBKNKlam/s1600/two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18.01801872253418px; line-height: 27px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2CdRG65njfH_oEGuQQ3J5mc1RNJ7QnntQcwHoXOYfjkf0RRIRIqiWbQrP-cTjdE1UVL86OyNUA20skTOrVVuRYIgndNAXLFOcmOuKZmOzZ1XbrOB8IedcyhJXTw7UvcbmbHYLBKNKlam/s1600/two.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Research on extreme sports has shown that those who push their own limits, take
risks and seek out the most challenging experiences for themselves actually
have different personality traits than those who choose other (read:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; word-spacing: 0px;">safer</i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">) activities. In one study
examining the personality characteristics of endurance runners, researchers found that
the longer the distance, the more extroverted the athletes were. Interestingly,
the researchers also compared runners to cyclists, who on average were more
introverted</span></span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; word-spacing: 0px;">. </i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">The social aspect of Ultrarunning is something that many
credit to their love of the sport. This is especially interesting
considering the fact that many run by themselves for hours alone on a trail. Extroverts tend to socialize more than introverts, and when a group of
extroverts get together, it actually makes them</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; word-spacing: 0px;">happier</i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">. Also, long-distance trail runners are more extroverted <i>and </i>less competitive than shorter-distance road runners (</span><span style="line-height: 27px;">surprise</span><span style="line-height: 150%;">, </span><span style="line-height: 27px;">surprise</span><span style="line-height: 150%;">!). This explains why the
starting line of an Ultramarathon might feel more like a party with all of your
favorite people instead of a competitive race. Ultrarunners have figured out</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; word-spacing: 0px;">what<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">makes them happy and</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; word-spacing: 0px;">who<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">makes them happy, and have combined
the two in epic proportions.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<u1:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></u1:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: .5in; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;">In my research, I also found an interesting tidbit:
Ultrarunners were more neurotic than non-Ultrarunners.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> Neuroticism is linked to
avoidance of negative events and affect. Instead of looking at these
findings as a sign of some emotional problems within Ultrarunners, it's
actually quite the opposite. Ultrarunners know exactly what they need to do to
make themselves happier: go for a long run, get out on a trail, and decompress from
a stressful day. It's possible that Ultrarunners may be using long-distance
running as a way to improve their well-being. Additionally, neuroticism
is linked with persistence, which in trail & Ultrarunning, is a huge factor
in both training for and completing an Ultramarathon. Ultrarunners' also
scored higher on <span style="background: white;">conscientiousness and
openness compared to shorter distance runners. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Conscientiousness is related to
goal orientation and dedication. Those who are goal oriented and
hardworking are more likely to put in the training necessary for running longer
distances. Simply put, those who are open are more likely to seek out
new experiences, such as a long-distance trail run.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: .5in; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: .5in; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQLEKaKJTM7eaRYQE1hWxsFZwEUMq9zHnyuC7KLzkghL3og_zewh0FVpU_rljmWp9Ohxk1ZoZfcnnWESkgrmZtYghjPxwvYdMAwHaNPXb6ZAmii_DS1O9syc4d8z-NN9NrISa4Q9L7_QW/s1600/traininglog7151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQLEKaKJTM7eaRYQE1hWxsFZwEUMq9zHnyuC7KLzkghL3og_zewh0FVpU_rljmWp9Ohxk1ZoZfcnnWESkgrmZtYghjPxwvYdMAwHaNPXb6ZAmii_DS1O9syc4d8z-NN9NrISa4Q9L7_QW/s1600/traininglog7151.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: .5in; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">As much as the research might explain a large amount of the reasons as to why we trail run, personality similarities is just one way of calling it what it already is: a tribe. A return to our ancestral lineage and maybe, just maybe, it's a biologically-ingrained belief about what is important in life. The growing number of individuals who push themselves to their limits and seek out new horizons inspires me on a daily basis to do the same. In my previous post, I talk about the friendships formed through trail running, and how being outside, surrounded by your friends with nothing but the dirt and the sky, can be life-changing. If you feel like you're missing something huge from your life, take a look at the friendships you have and the activities that you do. If you're an extrovert, thrill-seeker, and adventurer, like me, you might just benefit from the adrenaline of trail and Ultrarunning with a bunch of other like-minded individuals. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: .5in; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: .5in; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-73750073978949074652014-05-12T14:49:00.002-07:002014-05-12T14:59:07.967-07:00Seven Ways Trail & Ultrarunning Can Change Your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWPvj2jV840w0_-NMsKcTPVQ5Zdcm-K5UMmERFyarPQd0-I8cI7qnIz0r9mW7eadlktOGyRI3XXDe40eC3RM4Rr_2KubVhe-5pENtfzFCtbFf7o0b3c51ZkM_m8nFjJMLm2mmxW1v_pJ8/s1600/bobby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWPvj2jV840w0_-NMsKcTPVQ5Zdcm-K5UMmERFyarPQd0-I8cI7qnIz0r9mW7eadlktOGyRI3XXDe40eC3RM4Rr_2KubVhe-5pENtfzFCtbFf7o0b3c51ZkM_m8nFjJMLm2mmxW1v_pJ8/s1600/bobby1.jpg" height="147" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Michelle
Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In
the process of writing my Master's Thesis on the benefits of Trail & Ultrarunning,
I learned a few rad things about the sport. Or, I should say, I <i>confirmed </i>much
of what I already knew to be true. So, here are a few tidbits, condensed for
your enjoyment :)<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">1. You'll Make The Best Friends You'll Ever Have.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Call
me bias, but I think that trail and Ultrarunners are a rare breed of super
humans-- capable of some serious levels of debauchery while still doing things
that most people would argue is crazy....such as running a hundred miles through
Death Valley in the middle of July. Stuff like that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It takes a special balance of skill, determination, and just a little (or a lotta) bit of
stupidity to attempt an Ultra.... but l</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ife is too short to hold on to your security
blanket / comfort zone / whatever reason you give for why you're not out there
and </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">doing something</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Some of the best people I have met were
through local running groups, side-by-side in the middle of a race (like the
one time I got lost and met Trisha Reeves, blogger from the </span><a href="http://barefoot-monologues.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Barefoot Monologues</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">,
in the middle of nowhere), or out on the trails (ever traded Cliff Bars on the
top of a mountain summit with another runner? It'll create a bond you'll never
forget). Most of us will agree that a huge part of this sport are the
friendships forged through </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">real</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> blood, sweat and tears. When
you push yourself to your own limits with others, chances are you will often go
further than you would alone. Having someone encouraging you and sticking by
your side during the end of a brutal race is sometimes the difference between a
DNF and a DFL. Having someone there to tell you to </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">stand the fuck up</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> when
you are sitting in the dirt, dead-set on staying there </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">forever. </i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I
do it for the the ice cold beers straight out of the cooler at the end of a
difficult trail run, when you're still caked with dirt and your skin is covered
in salt. I do it for the weekends of camping, story-telling, and music-playing
that leaves many of us wondering why we still live normal lives. These people
are raw. They are real. They are no-bullshit. But they are also humble,
beautiful, wild and remind me every day why I do what I do. If you feel like
your social group is lackluster and you need some spice in your life....all I
can say is go to a </span><a href="http://allwedoisrun.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">weekend campout for an Ultramarathon</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. It might
just change your life forever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VG1DShJ_LjLk1wx5zF_viuq7sjskeuerpAHTG9Xa6v0ETuWYQ4QQGnVuGchM-vQG6zthyft4QH7phhGtdLpuVc1VN-qN65sMx00uhOVtMtZUvBdaUhDsmcPrhKOlCykfe6R2hN9s74GT/s1600/1173680_623217936156_7330453563762967823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VG1DShJ_LjLk1wx5zF_viuq7sjskeuerpAHTG9Xa6v0ETuWYQ4QQGnVuGchM-vQG6zthyft4QH7phhGtdLpuVc1VN-qN65sMx00uhOVtMtZUvBdaUhDsmcPrhKOlCykfe6R2hN9s74GT/s1600/1173680_623217936156_7330453563762967823_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt;">2. Nature is cheaper than therapy.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although
many might not realize it, for thousands of years, nature has been our main
source of healing-- from improving our mood to curing illness, we have
always had our number one source of life energy right at our fingertips. With
the progression of modern living and urban civilization, we have become
completely disconnected from nature to the point where it has started to have a
negative impact on our health and well-being. New emerging research has begun
to explore the various ways in which nature can be used
in therapeutic ways. <i>Eco-Therapy</i>, <i>Adventure
Therapy, </i>and<i> Trail Running Therapy</i> (yes, that's a
real thing) have grown in popularity in the last ten years, with notable
success in the progress of their clients. <b> </b>A recent study
found that patients in recovery with a window facing the outdoors (where they
could see trees, a large front yard and flowers) had <i>significant</i> improvements
in their physical and mental health compared to those without a window. This illustrates how simply viewing nature through a window or photograph can
act as a powerful restorative agent. Complete immersion in nature
has also been shown to help individuals reach higher levels of personal
insight, increase their sense of self and dramatically reduce the cortisol
levels in their blood (stress hormone). Take a note from the research and hit
the trails! <span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0wcB9T126xb5XnqcH90AeScNxvBUCjg7F_kfDBf71CaUZLLpLNbLHmlxndtgKd4yA6eZqTKEoE30dawv774GXjEn-0MiQg4LSN7V2-samqsPuGlvKZmRF5jHdd0Bo6BbARU_1_Wgaduv/s1600/95175cd96e96cac619a94d63cdba3f7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0wcB9T126xb5XnqcH90AeScNxvBUCjg7F_kfDBf71CaUZLLpLNbLHmlxndtgKd4yA6eZqTKEoE30dawv774GXjEn-0MiQg4LSN7V2-samqsPuGlvKZmRF5jHdd0Bo6BbARU_1_Wgaduv/s1600/95175cd96e96cac619a94d63cdba3f7d.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">3. Endorphins, Serotonin, & Dopamine-- Oh My!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trail
and Ultrarunning literally gives you a natural high that can last for<i> days</i>.
Research has found that thirty minutes of exposure to nature has a significant
anti-depressant effect for up to 48 hours. Combine that with the extreme physical
challenge of running for long distances on a trail, and you've effectively
given yourself a trifecta of happiness-inducing chemicals: Dopamine, Serotonin
and Endorphins!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;">In his book <i>Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an
All-Night Runner</i>, Ultrarunner Dean Karnazes describes the role that running
has in his life: “</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #181818;">Some seek the comfort of their therapist's
office, other head to the corner pub and dive into a pint, but I chose running
as my therapy”. Running is m</span><span style="color: black;">uch more effective than any anti-depressant on the market
today. <span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3qNYPz7X4SMHUtAKo5Vx8brXR5Jp2jEjSfLe-EuYJlIV-hrie6lK2bEdc_-QXWlIym_a-WeEiXo3y7hkE86My8aHlHq3Mikq0UzCUGx-1B3pvdr8g28cSvbFWljntAaUw_COyVjhUC9V/s1600/michelle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3qNYPz7X4SMHUtAKo5Vx8brXR5Jp2jEjSfLe-EuYJlIV-hrie6lK2bEdc_-QXWlIym_a-WeEiXo3y7hkE86My8aHlHq3Mikq0UzCUGx-1B3pvdr8g28cSvbFWljntAaUw_COyVjhUC9V/s1600/michelle1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Photo Cred: Michelle
Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">4. It Builds Emotional Resilience.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Writer
and Ultrarunner <a href="http://vanessaruns.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Vanessa
Runs </span></a>describes in her book, <i>The Summit Seeker</i>, the
profound impact that Ultrarunning has had on her life. “<span style="background-color: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">It’s that sense of accomplishment, self-worth,
and empowerment that spills over into every other aspect of your life. It makes
you hold your head up higher, gives you courage to shed those toxic
relationships, inspires you in your career, helps you raise your family better,
and motivates you to live healthfully and happily. That’s why I run
Ultras, and why I encourage others to do so”.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;">Ultramarathons push the human body to its limits and beyond.
The process of training and completing an Ultramarathon is a huge feat which
many have attempted and failed. Six-time Ironman endurance champion
Mark Allen describes the mental process behind a hard race, “</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;">Racing
is pain, and that’s why you do it, to challenge yourself and the limits of your
physical and mental barriers. You don’t experience that in an armchair watching
television”</span><span style="color: black;">.
Oftentimes, running is a metaphor for life-- you get out in equal amounts of
what you put into it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In
a study looking at first-time marathon finishers, participants reported that
they felt the process of training improved their lives in more ways than just
achieving a goal. They felt stronger emotionally, had higher levels of
self-esteem and because they were able to complete a marathon, they were also
able to extend that same concept to other areas of their life, such as in work,
their family life and relationships. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;">For many, 5Ks and the standard morning run around the
neighborhood just doesn't cut it. Overcoming a challenging distance or race
provides many runners with a sense of achievement and
purpose. Completing an Ultramarathon is considered a mastery of the
body and the mind. It takes a serious level of training (<i>most </i>of
the time), commitment and some serious balls to cross the finish line of an
Ultra. Some Ultrarunners have a new means of improving their
well-being rather than just setting a goal for a race or wanting the challenge
of a longer distance.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HQAUDwF1308zDL4CfxnIAtNV1n0BAmVNJUpm0jBj_Fn53fVfL3RojyUulYsaSTtBIM412ehP7i28UholsXuHfxct3dU8QISgDsyHMx2Xdxy40OF_rfUQlTZtQjyLti0DeAekhfyxen0x/s1600/trail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HQAUDwF1308zDL4CfxnIAtNV1n0BAmVNJUpm0jBj_Fn53fVfL3RojyUulYsaSTtBIM412ehP7i28UholsXuHfxct3dU8QISgDsyHMx2Xdxy40OF_rfUQlTZtQjyLti0DeAekhfyxen0x/s1600/trail1.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.
You'll Get Into The Flow.</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #181818;">Have you ever heard of being "in the zone"? In
research, f</span><i><span style="color: black;">low</span></i><span style="color: black;"> is described as “the state in which people are
so intensely involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter, and
such an experience is so enjoyable that people will carry it out even at a
great cost, just for the sheer sake of doing it”. When in <i>flow</i> a
person is completely focused in an activity to the extent of losing awareness
of time, the surroundings, and all other things except for the activity
itself. One of the nine dimensions of flow, the balance between challenge
and skills, is dependent on factors including mental preparation, physical
preparation, importance of the competition, and difficultly of the challenge.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black;">Flow </span></i><span style="color: black;">has been shown to increase performance in long-distance
running. In one study, runners were able to run faster and more
efficiently when they were in <i>flow</i>. Long-distance
runners may be tapping into this process to achieve a <i>runner’s high</i>,
a term often describing the experience of <i>flow</i>. </span><span style="color: black;">In another study investigated runners’ <i>flow</i> during
the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Race, runners reported to be highly
motivated by one of the dimensions of flow—the balance between perceived
challenge and skill. When the challenge and mastery were in balance,
flow was more likely to occur. This may explain why many runners
begin running longer distances: As they become used to certain distances over
time, their motivation to push the balance between challenge and skill leads
towards a gradual increase in mileage. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #181818;">While running, it might be the moment when you finally forget
about the running-- it feels like the ground is moving effortlessly beneath
your feet and your legs have found their rhythm. Being in nature has been found
to promote the experience of flow, along with findings from my research,
long-distance running has also been shown to promote the experience of flow.
Flow is also connected with improved mood and quality of life. So in a
nutshell-- your experiences while running longer distances in nature will
surely help you get into flow better than running on a treadmill at the gym. Or
sitting on your couch in front of the TV. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4zWG671s6vHEIlvun1yieqcU0FX_5et81lUZUYUnGCaEbukLKM53gp0vW5RlubNSiEEGtQhzkWmQTSLUYOXNv97Hlminfh4kruzO1USrnIPgooRwtpOvTb5ujRIRdmQCuRYxyaVTqqzT/s1600/half13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4zWG671s6vHEIlvun1yieqcU0FX_5et81lUZUYUnGCaEbukLKM53gp0vW5RlubNSiEEGtQhzkWmQTSLUYOXNv97Hlminfh4kruzO1USrnIPgooRwtpOvTb5ujRIRdmQCuRYxyaVTqqzT/s1600/half13.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt;">7. It's A Positive Addiction</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's
face it-- most Ultrarunners have been faced with the "You. Are.
Absolutely. Crazy." response when telling a non-Ultrarunner about their
training or race goals. "I don't even like to drive that far" is the
favorite response and slogan that many Ultrarunners use when describing their
friends and families response to their training / running / lifestyle. Although
it can be both a positive <i>and </i>negative addiction, depending on
you approach it (i.e., training through a serious injury), for the most part
I'd argue that being addicted to trail and long-distance running is a damn good
thing. (Sidenote: If you currently have a serious addiction, running has been
shown to help reduce stress and anxiety while in recovery). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Running
is an excellent mood-shifter and most runners chase that high. You go into a
run feeling one way and come out feeling completely different. Renewed. In a
lot of ways, I compare trail running to a car wash-- you go in feeling dirty,
jumbled up and off-sorts, and leave feeling clean, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Which is funny, because on the outside the opposite is usually true-- you go
into a trail fresh and clean, and leave covered in dirt and sweat. <span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrFrSxTCiJKd4gGGAs-Yl-tE8a5isadvnoolCbfdtEzlWjJJ9amw0MGJInfzkJB95RU1Iwv2l0Ogkl2o-DWQlXz2ZxU8l07OkYxqBh7HdErOBylgItuAueK0iGksAbqYcGnTLHOgklEJQ/s1600/carolyn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrFrSxTCiJKd4gGGAs-Yl-tE8a5isadvnoolCbfdtEzlWjJJ9amw0MGJInfzkJB95RU1Iwv2l0Ogkl2o-DWQlXz2ZxU8l07OkYxqBh7HdErOBylgItuAueK0iGksAbqYcGnTLHOgklEJQ/s1600/carolyn1.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There
are millions of other benefits of Trail and Ultrarunning that didn't make this
list, but I'll just say that the Beer Mile, although not distance running or
necessarily in nature, is high up on the contenders list for positives things that have come out of this culture!<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>What are <i>your </i>favorite things about Trail & Ultrarunning?</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-49179287972362117132014-03-30T09:58:00.001-07:002014-03-30T09:58:23.409-07:00I Wrote An eBook! ONLY $3!! Get it now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7Dr_dGVO0lFwflqqP2VxDgXw26U3_QJkLGY_SEfA-DGuSRaf5bee_-Jwq2GihTaYTCEd06WKVR88GtxRVKOWDX8oGXeaen6j1soIgcKDUSA9KHLyHDqedD4EHQSsNtP71mkbQywEQosw/s1600/PleaseDontBurnTheBaconCover.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></div>
<br />
<div style="background-image: url(https://s3.amazonaws.com/payhip/buttons/embed-button-large.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: inline-block; height: 48px; text-align: center; width: 221px;">
<a href="http://payhip.com/b/rylD" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundPosition='0 0'" onmouseover="this.style.backgroundPosition='0 100%'" style="background-image: url('https://s3.amazonaws.com/payhip/buttons/embed-button-large.png'); background-repeat: no-repeat; display: inline-block; height: 48px; width: 221px;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-166446880902338582014-02-18T14:51:00.001-08:002014-02-18T14:51:11.224-08:00I Did An Interview!....Or Two :)I admit, I've been neglecting this blog lately.<br />
<br />
I've been pretty wrapped up in my new book, 'Please, Don't Burn The Bacon: Healthy Paleo Recipes', and blogging over at <a href="http://plantmeetspaleo.com/" target="_blank">PlantMeetsPaleo.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh29843Mc7tYPH4MWSvzpempCjxMW1CpAB3uJPf_85gQ_soFLYEsT7bseQJOzvnGCKoYUgT5JZ7W7DicwGldkLJAoDzDl9bq0uBs8Z-gMsqCLgX2X5D7eIRKmDIrsT7HV30kLCGarBsj5/s1600/3409headbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh29843Mc7tYPH4MWSvzpempCjxMW1CpAB3uJPf_85gQ_soFLYEsT7bseQJOzvnGCKoYUgT5JZ7W7DicwGldkLJAoDzDl9bq0uBs8Z-gMsqCLgX2X5D7eIRKmDIrsT7HV30kLCGarBsj5/s1600/3409headbanner.jpg" height="43" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bunnyandfriends/2014/01/29/healthy-eating-and-fitness-with-expert-crista-scott" target="_blank">The Bunny and Friends Show</a></div>
<br />
I was lucky to be a guest on The Bunny and Friends Show a few weeks back and talked about health, fitness and BACON! This was so much fun. Check it out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXTWN2GuJYmKt76HAgO3Cy2QuSfbd9u-f6U-q08HduHLaCvHk-NZkx2C43FI3qKGt-5hN9O-XD7T1dFYuYIaq2bvdNHp_K-l1N4uCOkihMBI_3WISQ2rGX1cN6FpnUVaN1hHF1wWTMhQ8/s1600/RGB_headerredbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXTWN2GuJYmKt76HAgO3Cy2QuSfbd9u-f6U-q08HduHLaCvHk-NZkx2C43FI3qKGt-5hN9O-XD7T1dFYuYIaq2bvdNHp_K-l1N4uCOkihMBI_3WISQ2rGX1cN6FpnUVaN1hHF1wWTMhQ8/s1600/RGB_headerredbanner.jpg" height="66" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://runbarefootgirl.com/2013/11/rbg-101-ultra-runner-crista-scott/" target="_blank">Run, Barefoot Girl!</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My dear friend Caity McCartell invited me to talk on her podcast show about my thesis on trail and ultrarunning. Love Caity and our fun conversation about running, flow and what we love about our community of runners.<br />
<br />
<br />
Enjoy! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-27521047503900445252014-02-11T12:55:00.002-08:002014-02-11T15:33:32.847-08:00Things I Loved About The 2014 San Juan Camp & Run<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHopjE2qRGwaRenr25D3HpyRKO3b97AY18qZi6xaEr2ZBql8_VvKrBy2D7xt6MKnrMgL39KBP29PNmdJHmknmVLXiLg8GMy02Cg9Bmo4ZzaGJW-PtjgvC2V7JPKXS0puZU81ZKFnopeTJ/s1600/12426534263_baf3a0d8e2_b+(1).jpg" height="213" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>This is my awesome friend Michelle Evans. All of the photos in this post are taken by her (except the beer mile ones, I was the mastermind behind those). You can find more pictures on her Flickr by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/112302107@N08/sets/72157640762364923/">clicking here</a>. Thanks Michelle!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">First, let me preface this with the fact that I have yet to attend a Luis Escobar event that I did not drive home from with a gigantic smile on my face. Some people might not understand how impacting a weekend of camping and running can be. To them, I suggest signing up for one of these races at </span><a href="http://allwedoisrun.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">AllWeDoIsRun.com</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">. I feel fortunate to be a part of this community. The friendships I have made because of running is nothing short of amazing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ0FmVMOkqjht9l_36zk2ic6VUx81nBOFqI92sdzkUR-YdRhQqW28-tHlcD3QSPekflui2aAUTcZdUjAuou0U6mJCBykpSOZAWwci7jsTFweylsr1lNiuqSp827VTF0j6HdMcxYgSmOLa/s1600/1622855_616562009686_1077311198_n.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>It's Not a Race, It's a Celebration of Running.</b></i></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8hI6VQlIcuYATM2xhVoA3Y0BSoLV3-jVaAwMHrn6wbdLie79dIHcCgeuxWJvIOrDdfAHVLwGeS-EECYllUu1DdHM1QrHpWTPReZFDOnU01Zq1lD9BDgfM0Up4JciK5hvlxtWg5qtC2wH/s1600/12427210895_4c44d86ed5_b.jpg" height="320" width="213" /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I dare you to find another race with a live Mariachi band, shotgun to wake you up in the morning, coyotes and cows (and bulls! Oh my!) roaming around in the distance, a beer mile, ball racing or delicious food all weekend. Not to mention, things like tattooing (Born To Run), whiskey at aid stations or an acceptance of all things weird and strange. It feels like "anything goes" is a reoccurring theme with these weekend running festivals. And I love it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPBEKyrZsndXzonftgBFHupYhmdwSwyjd6pzeVwAIgSjeOg7vfsvsLgBNrPxWIR3-6tefz7zaha0eYKoG08ZHvOFX5M5-x9xoBZ2oE3dzdsF_U-XPVSfQ8Jjajw9It0JoD3I2lXOngDwd/s1600/12427103114_ca80df928a_b.jpg" height="213" style="text-align: center;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously though. Feel like dressing up in your Halloween costume all weekend? You'll blend right in. Want to drink four beers while simultaneously trying to run a mile? Someone has already beaten you to it. Want to embarrass yourself by your lack of coordination playing traditional Tarahumara ball racing? We've got you covered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_Uu_XgPar4gJOw_pBlq2z1Eh2-N9fymoaw9zeum8Qux4786WIr5EUkf6RRfZzmeRYzXyAmWM5eiaxD69tYh__XOWgc-3T4KB-9zcTGj9trefHF9dvozAU0h9u3GJ7DotT7cdvIXRQ36l/s1600/12427227635_c634819ccb_b.jpg" height="320" style="text-align: center;" width="213" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If there was ever an athletic event that encouraged everyone to find their inner debauchery, it's trail and ultrarunning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXuyEBo7n2qHvZ7p9vpQgEiLYDKXvhGQjiBnmDAZCxhoBVCNwLnZSks0zoKrtBvspFQEMjl4aabPV9H2pqm-u3x5eeg-xLipA9aRerBdBgMuXEAYQTF0IIt-iqFD97sWYoJLTlKGzOt1j/s1600/12427528735_b8dab589b6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXuyEBo7n2qHvZ7p9vpQgEiLYDKXvhGQjiBnmDAZCxhoBVCNwLnZSks0zoKrtBvspFQEMjl4aabPV9H2pqm-u3x5eeg-xLipA9aRerBdBgMuXEAYQTF0IIt-iqFD97sWYoJLTlKGzOt1j/s1600/12427528735_b8dab589b6_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Being With Friends Is The Best Part.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6FMtU8hyphenhyphenvQYoPsNbojBgYrQ-QI4MCzkCDZJ8b_YCKUeO2ubHZSaujzistVwNtrVjQ0m6OdDYtilN1A4X7amaPjs5sXHYim3pARa3GuOXEBnTO4YU_d6SUcY14x-NaomENwtseMtymQ8_/s1600/12427090724_0e2a0b7e3f_b.jpg" height="213" style="text-align: center;" width="320" /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok, let's be honest for a second here.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nobody is coming to a Luis Escobar event in hopes of qualifying for Boston.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These races are not really even races. They are celebrations of running and life and friendship.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many people have tried to describe the atmosphere of the trail and ultrarunning community as a whole. In my thesis I struggled to nail it down -- was it personality? How were these runners so different from those who run a couple miles in the gym? What made us all want to run for miles on end out in the middle of nowhere? Why did we feel so similar? The energy of being surrounded by everyone at these running festivals made my soul feel alive. In the results of my study I found that ultrarunners were more extroverted than your average runner. More conscientious. But ...That really didn't really explain much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It didn't say anything about <i>who </i>trail and ultrarunners are. My thesis could not explain the innate feeling that you are exactly where you should be, at that exact moment in time when you are surrounded by everyone around you. It doesn't explain the personal challenges that seemingly almost every person there had experienced. It doesn't explain the warmth and compassion emanating from everyone. It doesn't explain the joy of making new friends who love the trails as much as you do. It was as if I was living an experience out of the pages of one of my books. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are things that science and research will never and can never truly pin down. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I loved the fact that for three days, we all got to live and play like human beings were truly meant.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is just something about staring up at the stars while you sit around a crackling bonfire. Feeling like you are a part of something much bigger than yourself. Surrounded by new friends and old friends. Telling stories. Laughing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I live for these experiences.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4TBys1HBrOhhhkxjOImrnczGpfsWU_XAs6qDG5mibkCN29uQGOSgCW7nUDWe58tS2t7zw7Y0GyoERNBTjTm60IX7ZluN6XcTfqKrzM8N52OktZVJUhWs93uJCdnH34m7JW2cUklRlrjz/s1600/12427501095_3f2311a4ed_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It Can Renew Your Love Of Running (Again) </i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know I'm not the only one who sometimes feels burned out from running. I find myself tired of the same old paths and sometimes question why I push myself to run so much. Sometimes I forget about running, and I spend more time in the gym, going rock climbing or doing yoga.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whenever I feel this way, and there is a race weekend coming up, I know that I will come home feeling inspired to run again. Part of the reason I sign up for races when I feel burned out is because I know it will force me to get outside, feel the wind against my face and revitalize my primal instinct to run.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This past weekend, I found myself alone on the trail and with time to reflect on life.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It had been a long time since I ran alone. I forgot how much I missed it. How much I needed it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Getting into flow while running had been an elusive state of mind for me lately. My motivation to run alone had almost completely dissipated, and I found that I had only really been running with friends. When you're always surrounded by others during a run, you can experience something called <i>group flow</i>. Intrinsically-motivated flow while running alone is a completely different experience and state of mind. When you run alone, you are able to decompress, lose yourself in the trails, and truly (at least, in my opinion) become one with nature. Not to say that running in a group isn't fun and exciting. It's just important to find a balance between both worlds.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On the trail, alone to run as fast or slow as I wanted, I was able to find that zone I had been missing for so long. It was as if I saw flow itself in the distance. An old friend waiting for me to catch up with them. We ran together, feeling the joy of our feet against the dirt. The sun peaked out from behind the clouds and it wasn't my skin that felt the warmth, but my soul.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I remembered why I run.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>When It Rains, It Doesn't Pour</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjtGlB5zTWGctzn86eNs05o6SVmc4NKvFuitjRUt8HauWG-TeqDKM0fI0hyXrh1Ia6lg9WtybSg6gUgcdi13BWsBH_U7dO9E7vJlwCc7JcbywVISIQjiVu0yBzzlmvT3fImIuAe17nOEz/s1600/12428023224_4b77227862_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The weather was a little indecisive over the weekend.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Typically, camping out for three days while it rains doesn't really sound like an enjoyable experience.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luckily for us, a little bit of rain couldn't take away from our excitement.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One minute it would be sprinkling and the next it appeared as if it would clear up. I was taking my puffy jacket on and off constantly. But it didn't really matter. Half-way through watching the ball racing, I turned to my friend Caity McCartell. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You know, it's funny" I said, looking up at the ominous clouds. "It looks like it's about to rain and but it feels like it's sunny out."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She smiled. She knew exactly what I meant. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNrF7rG6TVaeXFKzocIjQoTd0VXgYAe9R0SwAgd4yLrlUFpp9ZtWkLYsqQGNXEHnsYB_bMMLm8nt7oN9IKqKBZ_XFEcORkKnz_PgnwWTHfIBo35mdQoSRKmd-atbFoRmBYr7vw8P79Dxq/s1600/12427098964_efc9fd4855_b.jpg" height="213" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nancy Kaplan was all smiles despite getting rained on!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> There is something about being surrounded by a bunch of your running friends that makes you forget about your lack of training. All of the worries you may are left at the gates of the ranch and inside, you are able to run free. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Jerry's Whiskey Jello Shots</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEauvf6voLr_kmMC5TiLELRzI0w_q48pYsgOe7Y30LvBWfePoA0YJJ_glvjvuqVG85PRfaYmF6MFutwtdJcPgOjOSa1v8VjZ6U794kOWYcN5_Q6XY99aVY1NR57dzQ4RLWUn_7vgApaSu5/s1600/12427549643_6d7650f0bb_b.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On Saturday night Jerry handed me an entire bag full of Fireball Whiskey Jello shots.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was giddy when I went through Michelle's photos and saw she got a picture of Jerry in the act. I don't know how many bags of those suckers he made, but there seemed to be an endless supply. Let's just say that it may or may not have contributed to me doing the conga and attempting some badly-planned headstands later on in the night. Does someone have a picture of that conga? It was awesome.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Whiskey Aid Station </i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was about halfway through my run when a small aid station appeared from around the corner. Four guys, some sodas, and a bottle of fireball whiskey. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I walked up to them, I pointed at the bottle.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh God," I said, imagining the feeling of the whiskey burning in my stomach for the rest of the run. Or would I feel a nice buzz that would carry me across the hills, gazelle-like and happy?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I couldn't decide. Believe it or not, I had never tried to run and drink at the same time. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One of the guys casually mentioned that there was a bull on the trail ahead and it may or may not be dangerous. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I pondered the plausibility of my imminent death, he</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> took the top off the bottle of whiskey for me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Here, let me make it easier for you," he said with a big smile.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't know whether to ask for his hand in marriage or be concerned about dying from the bull chasing me down. Either way, I took two shots and left before the desire to hang out with them all afternoon became too strong.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's not about the running...right? :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Ball Racing</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC0LbvNb1zYvpNA7TO_MdKq7jTnHzhcIX5CBwtPDwByGlSgJq4KK3ryJ6wZYPZU2Dv-6qvVEMKLP7l7WsXa9bccGFXFqiMNeN1gCBmPHUobPpQZg50w0e-ewvvGd_W8oqjTnEaOfd-odl/s1600/12426619265_f74073181e_b.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I suck at ball racing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I repeat: I suck at ball racing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Regardless, I still found myself preparing for another humiliating experience of trying to juggle a tiny, HARD, wooden ball with my two left feet.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the photo above, Luis is saying to me:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://misscristascott.blogspot.com/2012/05/ten-things-i-learned-at-born-to-run.html">"The first year you played this with us, you lost your ball under a car didn't you?"</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Who...me?!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I just don't want to lose my ball this time!" I laughed.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I kid you not, I lost my ball under a van <i>again.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I suck at ball racing, but I love it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RmA7urN0rQCk7gWxRuRf7dpr8xL4YJoD4kUJ11e-ICprpDJXdoWcc6NlkjZX5U067oR9xxGKH4rDc8UcHq5cmH9Q5Oiq7L3dRNzHCPcfzGNwsVr75yWHZn_nOjxLTGUWqam19xK_Yg08/s1600/12426625955_e4115626b1_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here I am about to kick the ball. You're not suppose to kick the ball. But I was doing it anyway. Technically, you're suppose to roll the ball on top of your foot and "flick" it up. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mz8zaL79QZ-APSvxN4LXNGZz7RhI-eQ-9XEknvGc4D_OXTQ99KTGbXTu6PF0jxAYRjyH9iwUdGxYaviLlV44K98zApq48_QIT9yxFS8cb6YyrTQlpc0wF1bHMjtGnDeTDnIksISx2Try/s1600/12426430925_005a40d339_b.jpg" height="320" style="text-align: center;" width="213" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gNW3L31B_SgM7oDHO4FzGMT-FYJF6UuZd2YSoHQ2mCX2_fdOfuSzNX0zZlfpnpGVzajK4i0DeT4c89fXp_hxjtMFh3HgUo7hA_MKwU8Nl4ByhniDnirciOn6V1RpWm5LNDG3KZXeqRsN/s1600/12426876104_8ca87406b7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gNW3L31B_SgM7oDHO4FzGMT-FYJF6UuZd2YSoHQ2mCX2_fdOfuSzNX0zZlfpnpGVzajK4i0DeT4c89fXp_hxjtMFh3HgUo7hA_MKwU8Nl4ByhniDnirciOn6V1RpWm5LNDG3KZXeqRsN/s1600/12426876104_8ca87406b7_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Beer Mile</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Right before the beer mile started, Luis looked me dead in the eye and said:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I can't believe you're not running."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't really have a reason as to why I didn't want to. In fact, I sort of intended on running it. But the idea of drinking four beers and running a mile seemed a little...impossible?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the moment, I also I justified my reasoning: Someone had to document the experience (never mind the dozens of people around who were taking photos). <i>I </i>had to be the one to take them. That was my bad excuse and I'm sticking to it. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Born To Run is coming up in May, and I will pass over the photo-taking responsibilities and give it a go. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfHLpRP2IHZQuK5yZ7FNj1yx1otcQDOnWn1lgrXZ0MQN3vnTyiYsxAQOjpvfmilbVMNMmpYkxDj3s2P-feDs16ec2MsjcAQ5CWKsXWU1hS_BkAe5lqWkEnEKY8kZw8EJOQEiVVuKryH_v/s1600/12426677445_51d5f74623_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfHLpRP2IHZQuK5yZ7FNj1yx1otcQDOnWn1lgrXZ0MQN3vnTyiYsxAQOjpvfmilbVMNMmpYkxDj3s2P-feDs16ec2MsjcAQ5CWKsXWU1hS_BkAe5lqWkEnEKY8kZw8EJOQEiVVuKryH_v/s1600/12426677445_51d5f74623_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL9hC-7DETJXIx0-sr2rOhuDV6_vTmBFSu7XlULhLIQtG7Ar3oDGRSaJY-6pmBt-zNsZnwu9QqcxAG12S2QXKgzJC6kNHECaapTTMUO0AV2MWQ0gWc74eGSmVlK8oI3UDWc6exN_hY6lq/s1600/12426681615_6e0747c159_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL9hC-7DETJXIx0-sr2rOhuDV6_vTmBFSu7XlULhLIQtG7Ar3oDGRSaJY-6pmBt-zNsZnwu9QqcxAG12S2QXKgzJC6kNHECaapTTMUO0AV2MWQ0gWc74eGSmVlK8oI3UDWc6exN_hY6lq/s1600/12426681615_6e0747c159_b.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NJfmb39qsEjNHHCT80f99Q1ONEJ1dsvnR848nxpPPXbbrnkU7opQApVgJdr0MxXS36WRI4eoHJluoBRvG_pGQn1j8mmwmB8t18J4uemlEqQ4DofuRtnX2qx9ANJaB7P4qQWs8BNEKDFz/s1600/12426835693_2034c65608_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NJfmb39qsEjNHHCT80f99Q1ONEJ1dsvnR848nxpPPXbbrnkU7opQApVgJdr0MxXS36WRI4eoHJluoBRvG_pGQn1j8mmwmB8t18J4uemlEqQ4DofuRtnX2qx9ANJaB7P4qQWs8BNEKDFz/s1600/12426835693_2034c65608_b.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pat Sweeney has a look of satisfaction!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3Q2O88TTQL1ZgDqJdiHtHDOIp6ZRH98JoGuadRzJbBwfO3bRvl2IUU-b3GEhOovm2JIjssgHP2rW9jjsqCTYkqtwc2d0cGisLFRUPtnZg6cbF8o6WOr1hJBOJKEEQkRVvYLi8YwDZBoh/s1600/12427154094_418cc32689_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3Q2O88TTQL1ZgDqJdiHtHDOIp6ZRH98JoGuadRzJbBwfO3bRvl2IUU-b3GEhOovm2JIjssgHP2rW9jjsqCTYkqtwc2d0cGisLFRUPtnZg6cbF8o6WOr1hJBOJKEEQkRVvYLi8YwDZBoh/s1600/12427154094_418cc32689_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQR0x6YY7odorS7LhE2ctNsTE3vp5PZ71u1uiFdOFkA7X_KM3RaIKsTpwJ8wiJpZNxYVLKNJHrTL6WxN_eV01p-bkeI9QAgRb4IVJzyTroGImVi4PVJxt5KuYmK9luPEGISx5Q7Jnmq6S/s1600/12427155174_2d74e91f3b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQR0x6YY7odorS7LhE2ctNsTE3vp5PZ71u1uiFdOFkA7X_KM3RaIKsTpwJ8wiJpZNxYVLKNJHrTL6WxN_eV01p-bkeI9QAgRb4IVJzyTroGImVi4PVJxt5KuYmK9luPEGISx5Q7Jnmq6S/s1600/12427155174_2d74e91f3b_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47mgD5iz_uIYEtR14UizJ9bLZ1tcKhBJbJ3w_h9TOVFAjZ6lCD_FGylhV64XBtUISqf08ihYxalAYYSf4_wW8lqk3BLqshTFYpWZSXg_-atAghlcnOVJ2iwkM0sG6L3LqnWXRU6FUFuMN/s1600/1601232_616567498686_410257560_n.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">These three handmade clay necklaces mean more to me than any other pieces of jewelry I have. I received each one as a finishers medal (10K, 20 Miles, 50K) in a Luis Escobar race. They represent my growth as a runner and that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. We forget that we are all born with a natural capability to move our feet across the earth. Sometimes it's a few feet and sometimes it's over a hundred</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> miles. No matter where you're at in life, never forget how important it is to give yourself time to be outside and simply appreciate life. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All in all it was an incredible weekend. I can't say it enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love these people, and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love trail running.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Looking forward to running with you all again in May.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUD1f3syeXSm8eHt6to25x4hRnU4beXxUw_q_9XAXOmI4YbjQ3BfFRvKLiDsZjbKfqTlYaasNbL-lnAxRlHcQ2lplWWfmWM4B8P3LGpNit-or0Gmf7IPd24HyzCjDmSz6dTvrqO9LHnxH/s1600/12427674373_9f718ca469_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUD1f3syeXSm8eHt6to25x4hRnU4beXxUw_q_9XAXOmI4YbjQ3BfFRvKLiDsZjbKfqTlYaasNbL-lnAxRlHcQ2lplWWfmWM4B8P3LGpNit-or0Gmf7IPd24HyzCjDmSz6dTvrqO9LHnxH/s1600/12427674373_9f718ca469_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If this all sounds like something you want to experience, check out </span><a href="http://allwedoisrun.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">AllWeDoIsRun.com</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for more information about future races! </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-83561514717813992772014-01-08T11:28:00.003-08:002014-01-08T11:28:56.263-08:00New Year, New Goals. New Directions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmMpRVeJkYVQ9jAQWQgDRFSijDkfwCkc1UCMlOeCiScImqVvWsJvdnn6qogXHBa01XFWLcripb2LZOPNp9mKXnx3MpM3uv9zlQAlH0CGucXNL1a8_ErEyT-ysplvCG4WGfManVlY3A5In/s1600/thankful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmMpRVeJkYVQ9jAQWQgDRFSijDkfwCkc1UCMlOeCiScImqVvWsJvdnn6qogXHBa01XFWLcripb2LZOPNp9mKXnx3MpM3uv9zlQAlH0CGucXNL1a8_ErEyT-ysplvCG4WGfManVlY3A5In/s1600/thankful.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
It's been an incredible year. An amazing year. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The best part? Is I looked back at my post from 2013's Goals and guess what....I accomplished them all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whaaat?!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I graduated with my Master's.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I finished my thesis.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I completed my first Ultra without injury and with a smile on my face.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I focused on eating whole foods and exercised more often.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I traveled.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I ran far. I lifted heavy. And I found more ways to stand on my head. Score!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Honestly...I did so much more than I ever anticipated.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, with that, here are my goals for 2014:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EOdidq2x3Eo6NBdJB35MY1zFqgg57wo16i8sUzhsEGUCbtoL4ugLXBC0_XwRUbM48cYYi4rmO4QSiPK7i4EErRzVorfHlrpNXgXhbPOSOewS09tDYBZz400v-J_vJ_8A9FO1n5Ahz4gz/s1600/goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EOdidq2x3Eo6NBdJB35MY1zFqgg57wo16i8sUzhsEGUCbtoL4ugLXBC0_XwRUbM48cYYi4rmO4QSiPK7i4EErRzVorfHlrpNXgXhbPOSOewS09tDYBZz400v-J_vJ_8A9FO1n5Ahz4gz/s1600/goals.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you catch that part about me writing my first book?! Ahh!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bozRid8CI4y71q-BGeW_UXZZZtKE3mta1-Pl84ayRFa40aecAMPegdm7G-eiNYilcph7QtheufgHCFu0ga6A7kpUhJ8iicung02ptptesKoYP7OtINuOqvhAOl3aHSaRWZAsp588P9b6/s1600/pleasedontburnthebacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bozRid8CI4y71q-BGeW_UXZZZtKE3mta1-Pl84ayRFa40aecAMPegdm7G-eiNYilcph7QtheufgHCFu0ga6A7kpUhJ8iicung02ptptesKoYP7OtINuOqvhAOl3aHSaRWZAsp588P9b6/s1600/pleasedontburnthebacon.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More coming soon :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-80398750156510885562013-09-03T11:30:00.002-07:002013-09-07T22:37:23.715-07:00Caveman Cookies: Nom Nom Nom<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizk5hf05T8Ny2puwex68OKuQDAyz_1ID7LYzHKBzCj8qJEl6Z1ph_KOI55ojEv0yhGuhb3dJMtq_FKew1IVyAt6agvCV9nhhEQy_RTgTlRd8JnI2bEgzyuORpsz_kkAm_x9KZwyZYq0wUw/s1600/caveman_variety_sm_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizk5hf05T8Ny2puwex68OKuQDAyz_1ID7LYzHKBzCj8qJEl6Z1ph_KOI55ojEv0yhGuhb3dJMtq_FKew1IVyAt6agvCV9nhhEQy_RTgTlRd8JnI2bEgzyuORpsz_kkAm_x9KZwyZYq0wUw/s320/caveman_variety_sm_large.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s the first of September and we have an exciting month in
store for you all! We have recipes, tips for healthy eating, and other product reviews
in the works, so stay tuned!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We’d like to start off with a review of our favorite new discovery—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Caveman Cookies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gluten free, 100% all-natural, chewy and DELICIOUS.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOieVkIOr8T6ptsain4tOa8DRvkzCtkRtP_GR3yA1dEI-XgS_ofYzCBYIV1nKVZ8VSniGGnJ8s_V_yhUo8TiFmfaiTchv5PycSFsTSvvtQ0HYPQinQF9smuK87Bw86y6iYpiy-I7Etnt-/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOieVkIOr8T6ptsain4tOa8DRvkzCtkRtP_GR3yA1dEI-XgS_ofYzCBYIV1nKVZ8VSniGGnJ8s_V_yhUo8TiFmfaiTchv5PycSFsTSvvtQ0HYPQinQF9smuK87Bw86y6iYpiy-I7Etnt-/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Just like your great, great, great, great, great…grandmother
used to make!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Caveman Cookies have a lot going for them. They are
Paleo-approved. They are also dairy-free, are good sources of protein, and have no
refined sugars or preservatives. They are Kosher-certified, only 65-75
calories per cookie, and are made of ingredients which are based off our
ancestral diet of nuts and berries!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-YufRuE0tAjfx7rU4qtLiefiUqLTUJZZsPAidw_sFiQds9-_deaEYjMBVqxX09I8FI6Wc73NQ27_IFxsDclYUfOuEVxXTHTQbGJXy1WHSbwl0gsEgbXYK1BHXHmw_78QFym3OJvsrBei/s1600/caveman_cookies_package_design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-YufRuE0tAjfx7rU4qtLiefiUqLTUJZZsPAidw_sFiQds9-_deaEYjMBVqxX09I8FI6Wc73NQ27_IFxsDclYUfOuEVxXTHTQbGJXy1WHSbwl0gsEgbXYK1BHXHmw_78QFym3OJvsrBei/s320/caveman_cookies_package_design.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They come in five delicious varieties:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Original Caveman Cookie</i>: honey, almond meal, walnuts,
raisins, ginger, nutmeg & cinnamon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Tropical Caveman Cookie</i>: almond meal, honey, coconut,
macadamia nuts and ginger.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Alpine Caveman Cookie</i>: honey, hazelnut meal, almond meal and
toasted carob.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Rainforest Caveman Cookie</i>: honey, almonds, brazil nut meal,
dried cherries (cherries, sunflower oil), nutmeg, cayenne pepper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>New World Caveman Cookie</i>: maple syrup, honey, almond meal,
dried cranberries (cranberries, apple juice concentrate, sunflower oil),
pumpkin seeds, spices<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a1BFxOdS2sqmuG3d9lrAlduanNb4bha-dZ7IhtPf2X0NRZ71Xboe8Addcx-KjYakMrEXkWGzG_y9o2xJlL3KWdv52jEbLeM4hWln3joOLi6kSvTHr7M-Rew5R6bVbN8_LECr6YnfdYS2/s1600/nutrition_labels_02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a1BFxOdS2sqmuG3d9lrAlduanNb4bha-dZ7IhtPf2X0NRZ71Xboe8Addcx-KjYakMrEXkWGzG_y9o2xJlL3KWdv52jEbLeM4hWln3joOLi6kSvTHr7M-Rew5R6bVbN8_LECr6YnfdYS2/s320/nutrition_labels_02.png" width="201" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Caveman Bakery is a small New York based company with a
big dream. They are dedicated to producing foods which are wholesome, and are
made with “ingredients that early humans had access to (e.g., nuts, honey and
berries).” Caveman Cookies are currently sold at their Caveman bakery, in local
stores throughout the country and on their website, <a href="http://cavemanbakery.com/">CavemanBakery.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, if you want a tasty treat that you can really feel good about - CAVEMAN COOKIES are the way to go. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTgwtIIojbMWKtEHS9w5TNinIX68FIKBFwLf6k0SU2osL3XJsikGHocI316pJcIrDMM5gg0wv_30GFatKJO8WqG6mSAxYP8jGabRFBpru7uB3HSLax2uL7vl7nqUJPVmzIxI4GWjk1sDv/s1600/signature_PMP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTgwtIIojbMWKtEHS9w5TNinIX68FIKBFwLf6k0SU2osL3XJsikGHocI316pJcIrDMM5gg0wv_30GFatKJO8WqG6mSAxYP8jGabRFBpru7uB3HSLax2uL7vl7nqUJPVmzIxI4GWjk1sDv/s1600/signature_PMP.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-62944546017765101772013-09-02T11:15:00.000-07:002013-09-02T20:57:56.953-07:00Quest Nutrition Review & Giveaway<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. The Review</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIEfvHxpbxllQHAVswumfDTOvcgOaFenDPMHxeHOoRxMNMY5TYVOsi54pRby88CVM54lYW-788VAWzkTfcmZ7Lyh1UwQDEH8Uf4_vIedpqH1iRXBTSAKo_wa0VpHPAOvGuRwb56HiovCO/s1600/quest-bar-free-coupon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIEfvHxpbxllQHAVswumfDTOvcgOaFenDPMHxeHOoRxMNMY5TYVOsi54pRby88CVM54lYW-788VAWzkTfcmZ7Lyh1UwQDEH8Uf4_vIedpqH1iRXBTSAKo_wa0VpHPAOvGuRwb56HiovCO/s400/quest-bar-free-coupon.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Protein. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We all need it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While everyone seems to understand its importance, many people are unsure as to <i>how much</i> protein they need on a daily basis. Regardless of if you are a vegetarian, vegan, following a paleo diet or simply trying to eat healthy, protein should be a necessary component of almost every meal you eat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alexis and I both struggle to fuel our muscles with enough protein while constantly being on the go. We went on a quest… and discovered the Holy Grail of
protein bars.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quest Bars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you’ve never heard of Quest Nutrition and all of the incredible products they offer, then you are in
for a treat (literally). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let me pose a question: Can you think of a time you ate a protein bar and actually enjoyed it? If so, how many flavors did you have to
choose from? Two? Three? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quest Bar has 14 unique flavors, and I kid you not, ALL of them are good. In fact, I struggled the past month trying to decide which one I liked the best. It's like trying to decide between ice cream or pie. <i>Both </i>are amazing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhzrS83AUhM53HHJZg5QpR42ruhl6JJWwoDxeVKOfzrpe8eG9G5O5eF1_Pwbxk1tHeUSMpd_prvzsow6Dhcp0UxS1vWWHwf5rmJvsa03S-dc0yvAqaW0Ew-VPUQMkdthlTKh33hUwG_EX/s1600/home-cravings-info_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhzrS83AUhM53HHJZg5QpR42ruhl6JJWwoDxeVKOfzrpe8eG9G5O5eF1_Pwbxk1tHeUSMpd_prvzsow6Dhcp0UxS1vWWHwf5rmJvsa03S-dc0yvAqaW0Ew-VPUQMkdthlTKh33hUwG_EX/s400/home-cravings-info_02.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not only are Quest Bars low-calorie, but they also pack around 20 grams of protein. They are low-carb and high in fiber content. For some, one Quest bar can provide 30% of the daily requirements for protein intake.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Flavors of Quest
Bars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Natural Line<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Banana Nut Muffin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chocolate Peanut Butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cinnamon Roll<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Strawberry Cheesecake<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Coconut Cashew<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lemon Cream Pie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Original Line<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Peanut Butter & Jelly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apple Pie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mixed Berry Bliss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Peanut Butter Supreme<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vanilla Almond Crunch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chocolate Brownie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">White Chocolate Raspberry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJAsDKw2pLySGHhPhOr43NsXCqqIkF671ThslMY6ZlfrXgDIHlzvuSpGAxVV7lCK5jUaK4OknbKyStyBAGaF135aA3qsoOBvx-kKi7fqRtKANYlY3LHOzjdIh8BWxakrOX-oaT81P_mof/s1600/van_choc+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJAsDKw2pLySGHhPhOr43NsXCqqIkF671ThslMY6ZlfrXgDIHlzvuSpGAxVV7lCK5jUaK4OknbKyStyBAGaF135aA3qsoOBvx-kKi7fqRtKANYlY3LHOzjdIh8BWxakrOX-oaT81P_mof/s400/van_choc+(1).jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most of the ingredients in Quest Bars are pretty
straightforward. There are some which at first glance may seem unfamiliar. Let us break some of those ingredients down for you:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All Quest Bar flavors are made with whey protein isolate (a
high quality protein that assists in increasing muscle mass, aids the body with
fat loss, and enhances the body’s immune functions), milk protein isolate (a
complete protein that slows digestion so it fuels you for longer), IMO fiber
–or Isomalto-oligosaccharide fiber (almost all the carbohydrates in Quest Bars
comes from this 100% natural fiber; fiber keeps your stomach satisfied for
longer, improves digestive health, and prevents certain diseases), nuts and/or
nut butter (almond, cashew, or peanut), sea salt and other natural flavors, Lo
Han Gua (a natural sweetener used in China for thousands of years), stevia* (sweetener
taken from the leaves of this plant from the chrysanthemum family), Erythritol*
(a sugar alcohol that won’t upset your stomach and has only .2 calories per
gram), and finally (only found in the “Original Line” of bars) sucralose (best
artificial sweetener out there).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />It gets better.</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can bake with them.</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We're serious. In fact, there’s a growing trend of people creating different recipes with the bars. Most of them are pretty simple and take just a few minutes to make! For example, you can make poptarts (we’ll give you an example of this recipe at the end of the post), brownies, cinnamon rolls, and many more!</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because we love getting creative with our cooking, we decided to to
try a few different recipes using our bars. One of our favorite recipe attempts
was the Quest Poptarts. Here is what we did…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. The Recipe</span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quest Peanut Butter & Jelly Poptarts</span></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jGHXRo9WELS6hVdsaLxluYHdi_GFO15JEwxhT9JsC6HetWzv4KCgHj1UXH1LlEPbKAimRAFoCa3oKMeubXLN7M301CuyyBdGwurP9q52wqxkyhzyGmG8M4wXUZS9O0uhxCjpZNBrvTKR/s1600/972428_599840335056_426439168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jGHXRo9WELS6hVdsaLxluYHdi_GFO15JEwxhT9JsC6HetWzv4KCgHj1UXH1LlEPbKAimRAFoCa3oKMeubXLN7M301CuyyBdGwurP9q52wqxkyhzyGmG8M4wXUZS9O0uhxCjpZNBrvTKR/s320/972428_599840335056_426439168_n.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">For the top and bottom of the pop-tarts: </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">2 Quest Bars </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">For the topping: </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">2 tablespoons protein of your choice </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">1 tablespoon nut butter of your choice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">For the filling: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 tablespoons of your favorite jelly or jam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Turn the oven on, set to broil.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAET-2adSCO3XIBdoBYYyAS0Lw3zau6meYXHmDFnG7cBqebuQyURUzG2rtYBojc7xjH8TRg2oyAId8Qn3X2m2C-XTlNf2pI1j7jHYIH9ALGXLh4irwafjgYR1jNcF0S_VrcKeEhiYNC1Vb/s1600/QuestRecipe_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAET-2adSCO3XIBdoBYYyAS0Lw3zau6meYXHmDFnG7cBqebuQyURUzG2rtYBojc7xjH8TRg2oyAId8Qn3X2m2C-XTlNf2pI1j7jHYIH9ALGXLh4irwafjgYR1jNcF0S_VrcKeEhiYNC1Vb/s320/QuestRecipe_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 1: Start off with a two room-temperature Quest bars. You can also choose to pop them in the microwave for ten seconds to make them easier to roll. Either way works fine. We chose the Vanilla Almond Crunch as our base. You can get creative with this part, and pick any flavor for this recipe.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEOphS6oTYhqq2iYxfPSoX_btLPajswDW-sG_YliFOVPuk0IPSEmpfXdyAaW0lsl1Q7Hcy6KcYbr5fMyiA9Jg7rC4D5w_V_JkNitPaEKDEbvAOjiQMVGS-GtCf8H2EFbSw5nl2GbW9v4L/s1600/QuestRecipe_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEOphS6oTYhqq2iYxfPSoX_btLPajswDW-sG_YliFOVPuk0IPSEmpfXdyAaW0lsl1Q7Hcy6KcYbr5fMyiA9Jg7rC4D5w_V_JkNitPaEKDEbvAOjiQMVGS-GtCf8H2EFbSw5nl2GbW9v4L/s320/QuestRecipe_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 2: Roll them out.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPVQy-KGjIAclhP_2_m0VQph-lFRIEO20EYqq2LcniOygQHI8zjYM5USaY1u2w_CjRhq0D-2-18_wdj_lQzjuycph2ywvUmTSdP87VU3wOOplLlE9EoV0qBxnCUpYutVbaFpqeKdmMEds/s1600/QuestRecipe_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPVQy-KGjIAclhP_2_m0VQph-lFRIEO20EYqq2LcniOygQHI8zjYM5USaY1u2w_CjRhq0D-2-18_wdj_lQzjuycph2ywvUmTSdP87VU3wOOplLlE9EoV0qBxnCUpYutVbaFpqeKdmMEds/s320/QuestRecipe_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhRkUBxgS3YapJuSzcTAbULXUAn5YgC81zAkl3Z8ZDxMlvUhbLtUHtpXA1oGfzkF3aep5EKUdpCTcf675TxTVor0aoum2QNaDmntjEdamUgjeo7ujPbHdU_QTw3FyKfsG3xBhB-bhMr5q/s1600/QuestRecipe_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhRkUBxgS3YapJuSzcTAbULXUAn5YgC81zAkl3Z8ZDxMlvUhbLtUHtpXA1oGfzkF3aep5EKUdpCTcf675TxTVor0aoum2QNaDmntjEdamUgjeo7ujPbHdU_QTw3FyKfsG3xBhB-bhMr5q/s320/QuestRecipe_04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 3: Cut them in half. These will be each side for your two pop-tarts.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtftrAonwUf_wutT60L0dMA4DgL-jpoyaLi2O8ZtF90yL2oaBlxewTenHr6bxc-e4gNBoHbUsc62bROopgOLq4ppOJfWbu_ASlQlLCrdYTRZrZF01YGNlN7gx3n6p3m1hikfrC1LUTuPN7/s1600/QuestRecipe_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtftrAonwUf_wutT60L0dMA4DgL-jpoyaLi2O8ZtF90yL2oaBlxewTenHr6bxc-e4gNBoHbUsc62bROopgOLq4ppOJfWbu_ASlQlLCrdYTRZrZF01YGNlN7gx3n6p3m1hikfrC1LUTuPN7/s320/QuestRecipe_05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 4: Prep your filling. We used a Raw Maple Almond Butter for one of our Pop Tarts. We used Raspberry Jam for the other.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMe0bd4TnlvN_IMyjKuNL0CJZQmpUTVqO6EFYmj2hQfdvEphQWFYb2OhzkWOS4D82OlvqCiJjK165B-MaGoT1eX9mA4N-4uxiyf6CW-bDh44Z4giR4emkl_rFMGdwaoixIzeyYWPXoVXS/s1600/QuestRecipe_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMe0bd4TnlvN_IMyjKuNL0CJZQmpUTVqO6EFYmj2hQfdvEphQWFYb2OhzkWOS4D82OlvqCiJjK165B-MaGoT1eX9mA4N-4uxiyf6CW-bDh44Z4giR4emkl_rFMGdwaoixIzeyYWPXoVXS/s320/QuestRecipe_06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 5: Put the filling of your choice in the middle of two of your pop-tart pieces. I used Raspberry Jam in this example.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-8ZM5ox3UB1ivMx7UadiTctA6wjT-KmwG5t56MpO_OiGGSU8T_Ai9dkdt1bMaVQCzhv8r2wMOkl2ALElpVwlY0EV1E3ftgVDl5HDC7ZGL9A_KJvrNW7onzwdwP56wPyiuJrUrltm1H02/s1600/QuestRecipe_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-8ZM5ox3UB1ivMx7UadiTctA6wjT-KmwG5t56MpO_OiGGSU8T_Ai9dkdt1bMaVQCzhv8r2wMOkl2ALElpVwlY0EV1E3ftgVDl5HDC7ZGL9A_KJvrNW7onzwdwP56wPyiuJrUrltm1H02/s320/QuestRecipe_07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 6: I used my thumb to create a little "indent" on the "top" piece of the pop tart. I then placed it on top of the piece with the jelly, and used a fork to press down along the edges. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHPyiTFZXc8zLZifYI8G2A1N5nFF6CGExusoUPn_OAazYMHAB_QnDPlVIhfsTPwn35-_-W-krjAfimgacOfF69S7jqikT7P898a_SIkk72PAO5Qypq0FM7vFEAWq-zKD_8b6vnFct9FVb/s1600/QuestRecipe_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHPyiTFZXc8zLZifYI8G2A1N5nFF6CGExusoUPn_OAazYMHAB_QnDPlVIhfsTPwn35-_-W-krjAfimgacOfF69S7jqikT7P898a_SIkk72PAO5Qypq0FM7vFEAWq-zKD_8b6vnFct9FVb/s320/QuestRecipe_08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 7: Pop them in the oven. They should be ready anywhere from 2-4 minutes. Start checking on them around 2 minutes to make sure they aren't burning.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFs1lD-QnmppTp_awf_fdk3KAZxN7MXSkBs16AuTZEFjyFucSCKbE9CnIvSQcHWXuXXdd6fRgYssx_deTmO0iEFQ-V7eOfP4o5rtEld_w4I_inSkvorNONbFQqL2z7ST6lVO3uXseVo7wt/s1600/QuestRecipe_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFs1lD-QnmppTp_awf_fdk3KAZxN7MXSkBs16AuTZEFjyFucSCKbE9CnIvSQcHWXuXXdd6fRgYssx_deTmO0iEFQ-V7eOfP4o5rtEld_w4I_inSkvorNONbFQqL2z7ST6lVO3uXseVo7wt/s320/QuestRecipe_09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 8: Toss on some sprinkles and you're ready!</span></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />3. Quest Pastabilities & </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chocolate </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Peanut Butter Cups</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not only does Quest Nutrition make protein bars, but they also make two other amazing products: Quest Pastabilities and Quest Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cravings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx-QqXFPNwB6LY3KKLa3L-NbGIfmQ_WrVlZB3RVSeeybZIV0C374LVz9A5g5lLbHMFopupptL5bXN_ye7Eoh29EQarR1tJaNcmNZHnAxUGl1GSMS6q_Z1ebyjvU0lJPrQ5_61lMgxjDCv/s1600/Quest_pasta4_zps6064499f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx-QqXFPNwB6LY3KKLa3L-NbGIfmQ_WrVlZB3RVSeeybZIV0C374LVz9A5g5lLbHMFopupptL5bXN_ye7Eoh29EQarR1tJaNcmNZHnAxUGl1GSMS6q_Z1ebyjvU0lJPrQ5_61lMgxjDCv/s320/Quest_pasta4_zps6064499f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quest Pastabilities is a healthy alternative to your standard noodle. Quest Pasta has only <i>three</i> ingredients: purified water, glucomman (a
hunger-reducing soluble fiber derived from a root used in Japan and other Asian
countries) and calcium hydroxide (also called milk of lime or limewater - a
compound used in lots of different food products).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Prep takes just a few minutes. You start off by rinsing and straining it. Then you can cook it by microwaving or boiling it for a couple minutes. You can even toss it into a pan with your favorite vegetables for a delicious stir-fry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N3MGbqKVPYnpIMosNcge-ACr0ci8qzKll0oiv-fzzXB5wec3ugfoE1DpSe-MhJIBLHUFbJXtx58FyttXx7inWZ8ecxhtldZdfvPHrdl_eHx85T6m5vklygqhtQUYHuzqfean153jYQru/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N3MGbqKVPYnpIMosNcge-ACr0ci8qzKll0oiv-fzzXB5wec3ugfoE1DpSe-MhJIBLHUFbJXtx58FyttXx7inWZ8ecxhtldZdfvPHrdl_eHx85T6m5vklygqhtQUYHuzqfean153jYQru/s1600/download.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And last...but not least, are the amazing Quest PB & Chocolate Cravings Cups.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These treats taste delicious and don’t leave you with
the same “buyer’s remorse” like other chocolates do. They have 20 grams of protein (just like the Quest Bars) and only have one gram of sugar per serving (which is TWO of the cups). These are not your average peanut butter cups, my friends.</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Giveaway Info</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Obviously, we are big fans of Quest Nutrition's products and
highly recommend you give them a try.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Which is why we are honored to say that our friends at Quest Nutrition have offered to provide
a sample pack of Quest Bars to the winners of the health and fitness challenge at <a href="http://facebook.com/groups/makeitultra" target="_blank">Make It Ultra</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cT7Kcxbuxenyi1jtE2TZBuRdGtzX9AFx4i0t7maQsuehpHTzWFaRiHVsUvMfVo33fWCPNYzS1DRZTSlOfOHvoP9k2P62f-SRCUdzT5XU4jmn-wOs53QGgcsPLFwIzMla1dNYYJQx4SB9/s1600/554516_599799701486_524083514_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cT7Kcxbuxenyi1jtE2TZBuRdGtzX9AFx4i0t7maQsuehpHTzWFaRiHVsUvMfVo33fWCPNYzS1DRZTSlOfOHvoP9k2P62f-SRCUdzT5XU4jmn-wOs53QGgcsPLFwIzMla1dNYYJQx4SB9/s320/554516_599799701486_524083514_n.jpg" width="319" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our fitness challenge this month is “Water,
Wall-squats, and Yoga." The Quest Bars will be given to the male and female who
can sustain the longest wall-squat (wall-sit) time. For details, go to our
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitultra" target="_blank">Facebook page.<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A HUGE thank you to Quest Nutrition for not only creating
awesome (and tasty) products, but for providing the prizes to our Fitness
Challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS_86PsnwREy8nl198JDCoJiwud8LFKB5yY0TZ6lOMENXFDXQI8596phhvtoBbLb_DedDuaPGZAbjJChyuXdNyMw2eHhKh-Gvqs6XDYnkeDKDIGY6dU7hXUWqc2TpVhZbUnJhGsi1s3tR/s1600/photo+(5).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS_86PsnwREy8nl198JDCoJiwud8LFKB5yY0TZ6lOMENXFDXQI8596phhvtoBbLb_DedDuaPGZAbjJChyuXdNyMw2eHhKh-Gvqs6XDYnkeDKDIGY6dU7hXUWqc2TpVhZbUnJhGsi1s3tR/s320/photo+(5).PNG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-9196566528265295552013-09-01T15:18:00.001-07:002013-09-01T17:18:11.221-07:00September Health & Fitness Challenge: Wall-Squats, Water & Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SDm7Hw0CO8OeNL_RgM9eeaKi4JX6LUDolD4A_PXUl8fLMy2kdQ8K9s3Z3O0YzwRmIMwieV-_b6_AS8JLBVEa_7pXiXih-XKrRxeoK42rKC7XF_ZAiotMLFGn8rnhwzdfgTQXVZnAuHUu/s1600/1208514_598547680546_11816355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SDm7Hw0CO8OeNL_RgM9eeaKi4JX6LUDolD4A_PXUl8fLMy2kdQ8K9s3Z3O0YzwRmIMwieV-_b6_AS8JLBVEa_7pXiXih-XKrRxeoK42rKC7XF_ZAiotMLFGn8rnhwzdfgTQXVZnAuHUu/s320/1208514_598547680546_11816355_n.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>AUGUST RECAP: </b>The August Health and Fitness Challenge was a success, so we decided to keep the challenges coming. Before I get into the September challenge, I'm going to do a short recap of what went down for August. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The challenge was: 1) Protein --assess your current intake and then your daily requirements, adjust as necessary 2) Push-ups & Pull-ups --see how much of each you can do at the beginning of the month and see how you improve by the end of the month. </span><a href="http://scoobysworkshop.com/zero-to-100-pushups-for-complete-beginners/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">This is a good</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> resource for learning how to do push-ups. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was a good challenge for me because I struggle in all of those areas. I knew I almost never ate enough protein, and my arm strength was laughable. I kid you not, at the beginning of this challenge I couldn't do a single push-up or pull-up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMo-5W28WszyWKMH0C4iUxi31Ntfwgg5Tg8CIRmbxN1vhL18Mtbws5zJTAgieTtdMXnAduCN3gq1nND5mE_lZJODpexRFOu67S86PfInjrqTGus-GGCzTHe_9NP2WgH0_x2gi_O5DZLmj/s1600/1078219_596379435726_1297995029_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMo-5W28WszyWKMH0C4iUxi31Ntfwgg5Tg8CIRmbxN1vhL18Mtbws5zJTAgieTtdMXnAduCN3gq1nND5mE_lZJODpexRFOu67S86PfInjrqTGus-GGCzTHe_9NP2WgH0_x2gi_O5DZLmj/s320/1078219_596379435726_1297995029_n.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took this as an opportunity to educate myself on</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/macronutrients.htm" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">macronutrients</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> and what my body requires for not only muscle growth but also for toning/ staying in shape. <a href="http://exercise.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/protein_2.htm" target="_blank">This is a good website </a>for calculating how much protein you should eat on a daily basis. And apps like MyFitnessPal are good for tracking your daily food intake.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the gym, I focused a lot on upper-body strength conditioning so I could improve my push ups and pull-ups. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuluIpoT-LPRgmrczfjoPvZHHbeM0uDVLaGT2zE_lTpocAHqRzg0Cctp9gCpblRqtoM81036KIxjK0hNvjXVPYLk8w7_akiFnWu0GHOB9jOcnlNaWhxbrPd26jKiNaCiDqtpwHaGd0weB/s1600/12936bc044173db2cd4beae1ead848cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuluIpoT-LPRgmrczfjoPvZHHbeM0uDVLaGT2zE_lTpocAHqRzg0Cctp9gCpblRqtoM81036KIxjK0hNvjXVPYLk8w7_akiFnWu0GHOB9jOcnlNaWhxbrPd26jKiNaCiDqtpwHaGd0weB/s320/12936bc044173db2cd4beae1ead848cd.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What's your favorite push-up variation? My favorite from this chart is 15 ;)</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you haven't already joined the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitultra/" target="_blank">Make It Ultra: Health & Fitness Challenges</a> Facebook group already, do it now. Most of the posting happens on the group wall. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, onto this month's health & fitness challenge!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>September Health & Fitness Challenge</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Wall-Squats, Water & Yoga</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEfL_39gEzjG9UK6LaHwaJDTCR9s42ig7BUcf-rp_qEofa2pliiJkG5HEcVvcAsWW-ReOJJxlykIxvG5dS1GfIbw13u06ovyOlnBRmiQg1cpdu5604YHp0jZbQWHWk3VA3knOFrrNxcip/s1600/piclab+(3).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEfL_39gEzjG9UK6LaHwaJDTCR9s42ig7BUcf-rp_qEofa2pliiJkG5HEcVvcAsWW-ReOJJxlykIxvG5dS1GfIbw13u06ovyOlnBRmiQg1cpdu5604YHp0jZbQWHWk3VA3knOFrrNxcip/s320/piclab+(3).png" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Feel free to share this image on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter! The more the merrier!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1) Wall-Squats-- The challenge for this month is to see how much you can improve in your time over the course of September. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) Water-- Do you drink enough water? This month we challenge you to drink your daily requirement of water. Don't know how much you should be drinking? <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283" target="_blank">Here</a>, <a href="http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water" target="_blank">here</a> are calculators for your water intake. No excuses.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3) Yoga-- On the Facebook group page, we will be posting different yoga positions and encouraging group members to post photos of their favorite poses. We will learn about the history, styles, and benefits of yoga! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Like last month, there will be a challenge giveaway! For the male and female who can sustain the longest wall-squat time, Quest Bars has agreed to gift a sample pack of their bars! If you are unfamiliar with <a href="http://www.questproteinbar.com/" target="_blank">Quest Bars</a>, hold tight-- we're going to tell you all about them in our next blog post. Keep a look out! The way we will pick the winners is by comparing everyone's final wall-squat time on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitultra" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page and then asking whoever claims the longest time to send us a video.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Looking forward to a fun filled month of health and fitness!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-44724706829749860092013-08-14T09:21:00.001-07:002013-08-14T13:24:49.968-07:00Review & Giveaway: Paleonola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoWLLrFun0Ww_LZJb0SsnQ4ZvWv2PiY-kqnME9Ceb1cfOgNdxY7iQJ3RnaizPrlnhUuYSl3Us4wIJAVKnsQ-rbssTnMDJPc5mxkBr10eBXOyqHNkEMI7TA7DElqX0KnDip0SI4LEAKaKV/s1600/paleo_products1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoWLLrFun0Ww_LZJb0SsnQ4ZvWv2PiY-kqnME9Ceb1cfOgNdxY7iQJ3RnaizPrlnhUuYSl3Us4wIJAVKnsQ-rbssTnMDJPc5mxkBr10eBXOyqHNkEMI7TA7DElqX0KnDip0SI4LEAKaKV/s400/paleo_products1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hey guys! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">August is almost half-way done and it's been a whirlwind of a month! My partner-in-crime, and co-blogger at<a href="http://www.plantmeetspaleo.com/" target="_blank"> PlantMeetsPaleo.com</a>, Alexis, will be joining me on this review. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We originally found Paleonola at Erewhon Natural Foods in Hollywood, CA (if you live anywhere near there, we HIGHLY recommend visiting!) After searching for different paleo-friendly foods, Alexis's dad (head honcho at the store) recommended we try Paleonola. Considering our justifiable fear of a gluten-free granola, we were a little hesitant at first. And boy, were we SHOCKED by how good it was!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Paleonola is not only delicious and healthy, but it fits within BOTH a Paleo and plant-based diet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Paleonola's statement on their website explains it best: <span style="background-color: white;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">At Paleonola, we understand that things in life are not always perfect. Things change, meals get skipped or maybe sometimes you just need something to hold you over and give you that extra bit of energy to make it to the next meal. That’s why we worked with nature to create a delicious, flavor-packed, Grain-Free snack. Loaded with nutrient-dense nuts and topped with unsweetened, shredded coconut, our products not only taste delicious, but give you the energy you need to stay healthy and active. No grains, no junk. Just uber-goodness!"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><b>Paleonola Granola is</b>: ALL NATURAL! Meaning: <i>NO</i> wheat, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, artificial colors, cholesterol, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, soy OR dairy. It's gluten-free & vegan friendly.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /><b>The flavors come in</b>: The Original, Chocolate Fix, Maple Pancake. Apple Pie & Pumpkin Pie.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;">So, how did we like Paleonola?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;">....LOVED IT. As in, all our sample packs were GONE within a week. We ate it right out of the bag on the go, threw it into our salads, and mixed it into our yogurt! We even did some drool-worthy things like mix it with peanut better and spread it on top of a sweet potato. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_iZ-kvjDH4HMcCx7TVlz7c9MoUwlhfOU3IrVuIhJ1Vncwf8EttYfl1Gs9xz4FyCnOAYdTNSAh3FRP2BB8f5woVj8Tsur5RndPoMZheGZzN5I9GbiyyPQLpXLlaGooumzTge3Rsqrf48X/s1600/paleonola1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_iZ-kvjDH4HMcCx7TVlz7c9MoUwlhfOU3IrVuIhJ1Vncwf8EttYfl1Gs9xz4FyCnOAYdTNSAh3FRP2BB8f5woVj8Tsur5RndPoMZheGZzN5I9GbiyyPQLpXLlaGooumzTge3Rsqrf48X/s320/paleonola1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><b>Crista's Favorite</b>: Even though I legitimately loved them all, the Maple Pancake flavor won my heart. I ate it most often on top of a sweet potato and mixed with a little bit of almond butter. Absolutely delicious. The Apple Pie flavor was really good on top of a sweet potato, too. The Chocolate Fix was DELICIOUS mixed in with strawberry yogurt. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><b> Ingredients of "Maple Pancake": </b></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 17.994556427001953px;">Almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, honey, maple syrup, raisins, almond meal, coconut oil, walnuts, flax meal, sunflower seeds, unsweetened shredded coconut, pure vanilla extract & cinnamon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><b>Alexis's Favorite:</b> While all the flavors were absolutely fantabulous and amazing, I have to say the flavor I liked the best was The Original. It was simple, yet out of this world delicious. Normal granola is full of artificial sweeteners, sugar, and TONS of calories. Paleonola is natural, naturally sweetened, and doesn't give you a case of the 'what did I just eats?' I found myself eating Paleonola after workouts, for dessert, and just as a quick pick-me-up when I needed a little boost. I honestly don't think I could've been more satisfied with a guilt-free snack, let alone granola that's actually good for you!</span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"> Ingredients of "The Original": </span></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 17.994556427001953px;">Almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, honey, dried cranberries, almond meal, coconut oil, walnuts, flax meal, sunflower seeds, unsweeted shredded coconut, pure vanilla extract & cinnamon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just so you all understand how HEALTHY Paleonola is compared to other granola, here are the ingredients for other brands of granola. And remember, ingredients are listed in the order in which they are most used. Meaning, in the ingredients below, the majority is made up of whole grain rolled oats, sugar, and canola oil.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> Nature Valley's Honey N' Oats Granola:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Sugar, Canola Oil, Crisp Rice With Soy Protein (Rice Flour, Soy Protein Concentrate, Sugar, Malt, Salt), Honey, Brown Sugar Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Baking Soda, Natural Flavor, Peanut Flour, Almond Flour, Hazelnut Flour, Walnut Flour, Pecan Flour.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.976914405822754px;">....Yikes. Nature Valley markets itself as being a "healthy" granola, but after taking one glance at the ingredients, it's clear that it is anything but!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;">We decided to do something fun with Paleonola, so we created...drum roll please...Paleo-nola Bites! This recipe will also be our first on our sister site, <a href="http://plantmeetspaleo.com/">PlantMeetsPaleo.com</a> (hence the photo tag). Please check it out for more paleo and plant-friendly recipes/ reviews!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO_yWFJSX6F44NfSzsWk3e_vsv9kuVSov1EdjIFU6kaErXDOw8F7IJxWTrlZB35xnavsJbZ7qWytW7uHoqvk-VdW7fbI3fRrdWQqUU2-iWM_ZxYKIyX3r-X3Q76sLeLauGMMUI09ED070/s1600/paleonola2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO_yWFJSX6F44NfSzsWk3e_vsv9kuVSov1EdjIFU6kaErXDOw8F7IJxWTrlZB35xnavsJbZ7qWytW7uHoqvk-VdW7fbI3fRrdWQqUU2-iWM_ZxYKIyX3r-X3Q76sLeLauGMMUI09ED070/s320/paleonola2.png" width="319" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;">Paleonola (obviously) - we mixed Chocolate Fix and Apple Pie - what a surprisingly good combo</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.97916603088379px;">Honey</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.97916603088379px;">Chia seeds</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.97916603088379px;">Flaxseed</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.97916603088379px;">Almond butter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.97916603088379px;">Dried cranberry</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.97916603088379px;">Raisins</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVzNbs9EY8ETowyod_hVzgfFgz1sop0c7_TYhwNGjc1yQEIAX9rwqgCR4rK89GlIjNuZOTDotAZjUjxiiaKR0acm6UexYVniut16aIdnnqfQi2xcM_NZ7LbuDFgLJmKE9zhllZcx8HB99/s1600/paleonola3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVzNbs9EY8ETowyod_hVzgfFgz1sop0c7_TYhwNGjc1yQEIAX9rwqgCR4rK89GlIjNuZOTDotAZjUjxiiaKR0acm6UexYVniut16aIdnnqfQi2xcM_NZ7LbuDFgLJmKE9zhllZcx8HB99/s320/paleonola3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 17.97916603088379px;">We'd give you an exact recipe, but we kind of just threw things in a bowl, mixed it up and rolled the ingredients into golf ball sized bits. They were to DIE for. We'll recreate the recipe and keep note of how much of everything we used and share in the future for your enjoyment :) Until then, try experimenting in your own until you get the desired consistency!</span></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Info About The Giveaway:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpxxQSNWKL2JBOFnPTFFEjmfugzTnYPbEMW6XelNWiHYH68Na7HUsByLZ8agQKtEAmG89LqKwENiTtByy54eIv3YZORfGtMi6a_u8RIm_Iw2xteVewqDJhEMWPF3ZsVX29Hb1leVFC_7d/s1600/1078219_596379435726_1297995029_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpxxQSNWKL2JBOFnPTFFEjmfugzTnYPbEMW6XelNWiHYH68Na7HUsByLZ8agQKtEAmG89LqKwENiTtByy54eIv3YZORfGtMi6a_u8RIm_Iw2xteVewqDJhEMWPF3ZsVX29Hb1leVFC_7d/s320/1078219_596379435726_1297995029_n.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alexis and I also are heading a Facebook group called U<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/140739356124417/" target="_blank">ltra Health & Wellness: Fitness Challenges</a>. We decided that this month, it would be really fun to have the pull-up challenge with a prize at the end for the winner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Here are the rules:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You must do as many pull-ups, in a row, as possible. They key part is that you have to have it on VIDEO (the only way to prove people are being truthful). So either set up a camera somewhere or have a friend record it for you. Winners for each gender will be selected. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also request that the winners of each gender "like" Paleonola on Facebook! Simple and easy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The final pull-up contest videos should be posted to the Facebook group wall by the 31st.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Good luck and enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwExR9tkCjWv31WinnpDlP7OcLjI7sdXEvGdnwrUUVMnujKiLENdHeLIaS6BJz1CPpehd4jXflL3xO9sq4_n46uWgvCiXnbLUJj-k1xa5qdoDjLVxDkwUf9acs1NBTRZAItAcQN9dy-VIf/s1600/signature_PMP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwExR9tkCjWv31WinnpDlP7OcLjI7sdXEvGdnwrUUVMnujKiLENdHeLIaS6BJz1CPpehd4jXflL3xO9sq4_n46uWgvCiXnbLUJj-k1xa5qdoDjLVxDkwUf9acs1NBTRZAItAcQN9dy-VIf/s1600/signature_PMP.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.994556427001953px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-42767535786461220162013-07-30T20:41:00.000-07:002013-07-30T20:41:49.106-07:00Plant Meets Paleo: New Sister Site<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Attention! Attention! Hear ye! Hear ye!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let me take a second to introduce myself: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_mWVF60bQOPu1veGyZXQOeA8lR67vLPCl8qNdkFAVk6CzdsKKKcho39NNuG8ZX7cyyHa30w1ajAY6p1ksArVZxRKWWLJjiBOHfWzFvrrOKHNi2vgyzSJX5Xx_2smHXviaOjbLO6t8EmG/s1600/cristalex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_mWVF60bQOPu1veGyZXQOeA8lR67vLPCl8qNdkFAVk6CzdsKKKcho39NNuG8ZX7cyyHa30w1ajAY6p1ksArVZxRKWWLJjiBOHfWzFvrrOKHNi2vgyzSJX5Xx_2smHXviaOjbLO6t8EmG/s320/cristalex.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My name is Lex and I am an honorary best friend to the head honcho around here-- Crista Scott. I will be helping Crista review some awesome products (like Quest Bars, Paleonola, and Caveman Cookies) in the future. But that's not all.</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are proud to announce the birth of our new sister site!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigN3VvgyXuNYpFIMeMGgI0f1LfO1jhQVcTKcF0cCXgmfRmGkQpoJOHBlBS9EcpmVsmEdQeqCFztYXatpfdx3b_caaYCvF16UJgIQBea6XLtydPaQ0ZHpKKgtrI8zE2fnLrX2VSh6fmF_mb/s1600/LOGO6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigN3VvgyXuNYpFIMeMGgI0f1LfO1jhQVcTKcF0cCXgmfRmGkQpoJOHBlBS9EcpmVsmEdQeqCFztYXatpfdx3b_caaYCvF16UJgIQBea6XLtydPaQ0ZHpKKgtrI8zE2fnLrX2VSh6fmF_mb/s1600/LOGO6.png" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.plantmeetspaleo.com/"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">www.PlantMeetsPaleo.com</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This website is dedicated to embracing bioindividuality --- a diet and lifestyle that works for one person may not work for another. In terms of dietary needs, we are all very different! We will explore various diets and nutritional stances.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I personally follow an "eat by your blood type" diet when it comes to food. There is research that suggesting a plant-based diet is best for my specific blood type.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Crista feels her best while sticking to a Paleo diet (A.K.A Caveman Diet...we will explain more later). We want to share our experiences as we strive for healthy living both in and out of the kitchen. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because we love to cook and bake together, we often try to make meals and dishes that can be enjoyed by both of us. It didn't take us long to realize that there was a HUGE overlap between both of our dietary lifestyles and needs. And healthy eating in general.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That nutritional overlap we like to call "Plant Meets Paleo".</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vegetables, fruits, nuts and berries.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meat or no meat?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Soy or no soy?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dairy or no dairy?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These options are a large dissection factor for many people's diets.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Plant Meets Paleo will bring you creative recipes, fun facts, and health tips revolving around avoiding or embracing some of these food groups. We believe that you can make food that is both clean AND healthy. Not to mention...delicious!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are most excited about posting some of our sweet treat creations (that taste divine AND are good for you!) that will also fit snuggly into your dietary guidelines. Because, a person's gotta have something sweet every once in a while, right?!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Join us on our journeys to healthy living and exciting cooking adventures!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j2lVlDNGCwzZasvr7NQB9ZBBdUqw4KZiWZ-28hT1wEGgN2bHG_VbJNuRQfy47ep3FWKT7c8z6MjSQ6J6t5xcRRzQY7eTIwR9UlVueeR6RUCFtNN3tbspdDRL_0gAoka2ZeTPaRPAOk4m/s1600/signature_PMP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j2lVlDNGCwzZasvr7NQB9ZBBdUqw4KZiWZ-28hT1wEGgN2bHG_VbJNuRQfy47ep3FWKT7c8z6MjSQ6J6t5xcRRzQY7eTIwR9UlVueeR6RUCFtNN3tbspdDRL_0gAoka2ZeTPaRPAOk4m/s1600/signature_PMP.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880631348482750439.post-49539870086682708462013-07-24T11:01:00.000-07:002013-07-24T11:08:06.246-07:00ENERGYbits: Review & Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lCTarRXunRNFpjbSFdxeDu4PZqU0jo6_Ya8zbx-Wh4vUsajezLsdDXT2qIyDghwN3NxLLm9KTXS53NtItZgnWfPFgrtv6WdhapGPw3k_5e4_t-Ju0VZW-F77AhN-yaaBjARUgULsi_aR/s1600/energybits1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lCTarRXunRNFpjbSFdxeDu4PZqU0jo6_Ya8zbx-Wh4vUsajezLsdDXT2qIyDghwN3NxLLm9KTXS53NtItZgnWfPFgrtv6WdhapGPw3k_5e4_t-Ju0VZW-F77AhN-yaaBjARUgULsi_aR/s320/energybits1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.energybits.com/" target="_blank">ENERGYbits</a> is rapidly becoming one of the most popular (and unconventional) go-to's for top athletes around the world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On their website, ENERGYbits states: "</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Made from 100% organicallly grown spirulina algae and loaded with 40 nutrients, ENERGYbits® algae tabs have the highest concentration of protein in the world (64%) all for just one calorie per tab. Endorsed by the United Nations as the most nutritious food on earth, spirulina algae has been a favorite of Olympic gold medalists for decades and is a super food in every sense of the word, delivering instant and enduring energy to your brain and body."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How are they taken? </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For best results, swallow at least 30 ENERGYbits® (or more) before any workout, run, game or intense physical or mental activity. They will improve your energy and endurance. Also take whenever you are tired, hungry or don't have time to eat or cook. They are a terrific high protein, low calorie snack or meal on the go. A favorite of Olympic athletes.Swallow with beverage (or chew them as you would a handful of nuts). Remember, they're "bits" of food (not pills)."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">While the amount of capsules to swallow seems daunting, the immense nutritional benefit surely outweighs the inconvenience In a day when people are taking wheat-grass shots (who really likes those, lets be honest) and making dishes out of chia seeds (which have the consistency of tiny bug eggs), this is a CAKE WALK. You don't even have to chew the "bits", which completely removes any taste of the spirulina algae altogether. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What I really want to say here is....don't knock the idea until you try it. Just take a look at this info sheet below, they aren't kidding when they say it's a super food.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZyEof_xqHi8YDmbq9oqgAunfUEY-ioFzX_YwgRvW49-PnlTxQkt4xOzgoYs2UfuKSAxNAS5Hc8uf-lWJle8Mjkx4LRSrjUygAzr7Arjy0sHKIpAAp1yxuwXYb3hO1HRfI8OiLhT9Xgp_/s1600/energybits3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZyEof_xqHi8YDmbq9oqgAunfUEY-ioFzX_YwgRvW49-PnlTxQkt4xOzgoYs2UfuKSAxNAS5Hc8uf-lWJle8Mjkx4LRSrjUygAzr7Arjy0sHKIpAAp1yxuwXYb3hO1HRfI8OiLhT9Xgp_/s1600/energybits3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just STARE at that image above for a few minutes and I guarantee you'll want to try them for yourself. I dare you to find another SINGLE ingredient food that provides that much nutrition.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So did I like it? Did it work for me?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took the capsules before a particularly BRUTAL run. In hindsight, I really do believe that they aided in my stamina and performance during the workout. At the time, it was hard to distinguish the effects because I didn't "feel" them being digested. Normally, if I have caffeine, an energy gel, or coffee, my stomach hurts a little. With ENERGYbits, I felt nothing. I felt normal! Which in a lot of ways is amazing, because this product provides hurt-free energy. I know I'm not the only one who struggles with a sensitive stomach when it comes to eating pre-workout or pre-run energy sources. I'd eat these things by the handful all day long if I could! I can only imagine how good I'd feel if I had these things to take on an every-day basis.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Think the algae trend has just begun? Nope. You're late on the energy train, my friends.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ENERGYbits states: "Chlorella algae has been used worldwide for over 50 years. It is even used by Olympic athletes, NASA astronauts and tens of millions worldwide for energy, health and vitality. Now it's your turn."</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">My friends at ENERGYbits have graciously allowed me do a giveaway of their product!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">Enter below for your chance to win a sample of these awesome ENERGYbits!</span></span></div>
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2b30d1/" id="rc-e2b30d1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">You can also purchase them online in a bundle-pack at <a href="http://energybits.com/">EnergyBits.com</a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068008632423885080noreply@blogger.com3