Race Experience - Part 1 - First Reflections

Well as many of you are already aware - we successfully achieved our goals - we finished the course well within the 150 hour time limits, with no injuries, and while we are very fatigued, our bodies are in quite good condtion considering what we put them through over the past 6 days. Having covered 200 miles of trails, 160,000 feet of elevaton change, 25 high mountain passes, 30 mountain lakes 43 refreshemnt and supply points, 32 municipalities, 1200 volunteers and interactions with over 500 racers from 22 countries - I find it very difficult to express this experience in words.

It's also nearly impossible to comprehend the sheer volume and magnitude of terrain we have covered in the past 150 hours. Nearly non stop physical output, severe sleep deprivation, nausea, physical exhaustion, altitude, moments of sheer joy, adventure and excitement all blended together in an odd dream-like period of time.

There were moments when intense physical pain, exhaustion and sleep deprivation allowed doubt to creep in, yet a hot bowl of soup and 1 hour of sleep resulted in a complete recovery and allowed you continue on filled with hope, excitement and a sense of renewal.

The raw beauty and vastness of this mountain journey seemed to amplify simple gestures between racers who understand the importance of finishing this challenging event. A simple nod or word of encouragement conveyed an understanding and mutual respect for the effort, personal struggle and sense of accomplishment achieved - as well as the challenge that lie ahead.

This has been a life experience in a class by itself. Our perspective of what is possible has been recalibrated. Our appreciation of how rest and good food can heal and renew the body in an inconceivably short time has been heightened, and we have learned many lessons about travelling quickly and efficiently in the mountains and how to maintain our strength and conviction when the going gets difficult.

Above all, I feel a deeper respect for the beauty of the natural world and thankful to have a person like Delena to share my life with. This has been a beautiful, humbling, challenging experience that we both feel we will continue to absorb for a very long time.