Still alive

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last blog post...

FYI--we (Team Jogging Dead) all survived the PTC.  I say survived because we all encountered challenges along the way, yet we persevered and conquered.

I learned a lot about myself during those 46.2 miles and I learned a lot about the spirit of generosity. It was a FREE event and all aid stations were supplied by local business volunteers and their donations.  Random support crews for other teams offered water, Gatorade, pretzels, bananas, watermelon, etc.  Other runners offered me salt tabs, hydration drinks and motivation to keep pushing.  Plus friends and our own crew leapfrogged along with our group from St. Pete to Tarpon for over 12 hours!

I know humbly that I could not have made it without the support and encouragement of my team and crew!

Although I may not be able to personally thank all those who helped me accomplish the journey, I will continue to pay the hospitality forward!

Laurel and Jai'Lin deserve special medals as they spent the entire day jumping in and out of the 4Runner with coolers, chairs, food, as well as pouring water and ice into our packs and getting whatever we needed (every few miles).

Extraordinary gratitude goes out to Kim Stuart for following Wendy and I during a bad spell to ensure I cooled down and kept going.  Buffy, Laurel and her kids all treated me like an ER patient in Dunedin--placing a cool cloth on my neck and getting me food and drink "stat";)  I know I am biased when I say that nurses make the best crew!!!

Someone else of mention is my wife, who biked the final 18 miles with me.  These were not the "early excitement and energy at the start of the race" miles... these were dark times and the vows, "in sickness and in health" were tested that day.

It is not easy to watch your partner suffer and she managed to stay positive and keep me moving forward when every ounce of my body cried out to stop.  I am in debt to Wendy and Kim for getting me through those grim hours and Laurel for being there every step of the way!



The day after the race was a day of reflection and this quote came to mind:

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

-Thomas Paine

If anyone would have said something to this affect during the race, I may have tried to hurt them (remember, I was not in my right mind after 8 hours of running in the heat).  

However, a crazy smirk sneaks across my face today as I remember the last miles and crossing the finish line! The PTC was the hardest race I have ever faced.  It was not pretty or easy and some parts were downright miserable.  I am not sure I can explain but the struggles that day made the finish all the more sweeter.

I learned a lot about the human spirit that day--we are all stronger than we ever believe imaginable!