Oh what a year (and a half) !!!!

Western States finish June 2010

In simplest of terms the last 17 months have been a whirlwind. Who would have thought that getting my Sub24hr buckle at Western States would just be the beginning and who would have thought I would be standing next to my Western States pacer Terry Sentinella at Badwater just over a year later, heck I did not meet the guy till mile 62 of Western States.



Terry and I Pre Badwater



As I strode up the Squaw Valley summit early that morning I had a sense of urgency as well as a sense of rebirth. Not only was I fulfilling this dream but just 3 weeks later I would be fulfilling another one crewing for Tony Portera at Badwater.

After a successful Western States and a few near death experiences on the climb up Towne's Pass with Tony it was time to rest. Actually it wasn't, in September I had the fortune of running the Erie Canal with my buddy Sam Pasceri. We covered the 344 miles of beautiful upstate New York in just over 6days running from Albany to North Tonawanada. This was my first multiday adventure and was not to be my last. A few lessons learned about tendinitis and fueling but a grand success at the end of the day. Hopefully Sam will hold this as an official race in years to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTZgOKL0NbI


Time to rest, not hardly. As I have grown closer and closer with my extended Ultrafamily over the last few years I have come to one good realization. I have a lot of very good friends with very bad ideas. So fresh from the Erie Canal my phone rings, Tony, hence a bad idea. His plan: to run Brazil's Caminho da Fe (all 340+miles of it) from Cravinhos to Paraisopolis over 7+ days. Kicker, run the Brazil 135 in the middle of it, sure why not. Along with Tony and Jarom Thurston and with the help of an amazing crew (Lynne Hewett, Glauber Santos) and the support of Mario Lacerda and the Caminho da Fe's founder Clovis we pulled it off.

Final day Caminho da Fe

Alix Shutello was kind enough to document the story in Runner's Illustrated here: Running the Caminho da Fe.

“These multiday journeys help redefine the spirit’s ability to push past the physical….that part I love.  Life  should begin as you completely leave your comfort zone.  If not, you are not living!”
—Chris Roman

Fresh off this there was one more task at hand, apply for my favorite race in the world, the Badwater 135. The Badwater 135 is considered by many to be the world's toughest footrace. When I got accepted I was ecstatic, when I got placed in the 10am wave I was humbled and a bit scared to be honest. Lucky for me I was trained by one of my best friends and  i2P founder Ray Zahab. With the help of a stellar crew we managed a 16th place finish. Ironically just 17m behind Terry, amazing :)


Ray and I Gatineau Park


What's on tap for 2012 and 2013, well wheels are always turning and there are countless BAD ideas. For now recovering from Javelina last week and planning a return to Iron Horse 100 in February. Also in February, applying with hopes for a reunion in the desert come July.

As we enter the holiday season I give thanks. Thanks for my amazing wife and family who support these efforts unconditionally. Thanks to all of my extended ultrafamily, each one of you is very special to me in your own way. Live life with zest and vigor each and everyday and "Be the change"

Me and my BFF :)