Activity	Stats
Running - Race Bear 100 Certified? 6:00am Weather: Rain, snow	100 miles 24:26:33 (14:39 min/mile)	Shoe: Brooks Grit 3 0 miles on shoe

The 2016 Bear 100 Mile Endurance Run
09.23.16


I could see the finish line. I started tearing up when I could see my wife standing near the last turn. I started sprinting. I was finishing the most difficult thing I have ever attempted. I had run 100 miles. I crossed the line and shook the race directors hand. Or maybe we should start with what really happened.



September 21st. Two days before the race

We prepped several days before leaving to make sure that we had everything we needed before we left. The race course had already had a reroute due to a wildfire near mile 75. The race directors took care of the changes, but the weather continued to worsen in the days leading up to the race so we planned to get wet and muddy. I packed a bunch of extra warm clothes just in case.

Amy, Tim, Lindsey, and I left Omaha early Wednesday morning. We landed in Salt Lake City by 7:50. We had a bit of time to kill so we drove into SLC after getting the rental car to check out the city and get breakfast. The main talk was about the weather. The Bear 100 Facebook page continued to blow up with weather updates that would get worse as time went on. Eventually there was talk of 4-12” of snow higher in the mountains. I tried to remain as relaxed and stress free as possible, but the updates kept weighing on me a bit more as time went on.

We headed to Logan to try and check in to our hotel early. The room wasn’t quite ready so we went and did some grocery shopping for the race. After we got all that together we were able to check in to the hotel shortly after. I tagged along on a short shake out run with Tim and Lindsey to shakeout the travel. They kept going to get some more miles in. I didn’t feel as loose as I would have liked to after the run. I just figured it was nerves.

I went and met Amy for a bit and we walked to lunch. I had worked at the Hu Hot in Logan several years earlier and there is a great pizza place next door so we stopped in there. Afterward we walked to packet pickup at The Sportsman. Seeing the new posts on the Bear Facebook page I started to look at extra warm weather gear and micro spikes. We didn’t end up buying anything at the time, but I was getting more and more stressed as the day went on. There were expected thunderstorms overnight and the high and low temps expected for race day were 20 degrees below normal.

A little while later after hanging out at the hotel for a bit, we all went to Dinner at Even Stevens. A sandwich shop in town that has some pretty great subs. Amy and I destroyed Tim and Lindsey in an epic game of Battleship. I was feeling a bit better and we went down the street to Sultan’s Tavern. Advertised as Games and Fun! As we entered the we took in the vintage feel of the bar. Wood paneling everywhere, disco ball, wide open dance floor, and basically all of the lights were off except at the bar. There were only four people there including the bartender. Things already felt a bit awkward. We decided to stay a bit since we had walked a half a mile to get there. One of the patrons turned on a light over the air hockey table and we played for a bit. The girls beat the boys. The boys had a losers game and we were ready to head out. The bartender started calling us over when we were done so we went to chat for a bit. We talked about what we were doing in Logan and he asked “which one of you is the jogger?” and “how long is your marathon?” We left there with a bit of awkwardness and headed back to the hotel. The rain was expected to roll in pretty quickly and we didn’t want to get stuck out in it.

We headed to bed when we got back and the storm rolled in quickly. Winds picked up and temps dropped. The race was still on my mind. I rolled around most of the night and started to notice some aches in my legs and that I was getting a bit chilled. Now I was hoping I wasn’t getting sick

September 22nd. Day before the race.

I still felt feverish when I woke up. I’m sure it was partly stress, but it also wasn’t helping my stress level. I am used to waking up early so Amy and I were up by 7. We went to breakfast and continued to track the weather. Tim and Lindsey went out for a run so Amy and I headed back to the hotel room to relax. After a bit I still felt chilled so we went to the hot tub. The water was more like warm bath water so it wan’t quite warm enough to help with anything so I headed back to the room to try and rest. Not long after we got some new news about the race. The course was changing. Again. I tried to stay as calm as possible, but this threw my stress levels even higher. My main concern was hotel. The original course was a point to point. Starting in Logan, UT and running to Garden City near Bear Lake. Now the course was an out and back. Starting and finishing in Logan.

I started making calls to the resort that we had booked in Garden City. Our “hotel” was actually a covered wagon. As I would find out the cancellation policy is 60 DAYS IN ADVANCE… This didn’t help stress. The man that I was talking with said he could move my reservation to the next weekend, but that I wouldn’t help us. He said he would check with the manager and get back to me. While we were waiting for a response we started calling other local hotels. No one had any vacancies. We started calling hotels within 20 minutes and Amy finally found one in Brigham City so we booked it for Saturday night since it was likely I wouldn’t be done running until sometime on Saturday morning anyway.

Not too long after we got some good news. The Conestoga Ranches where we were to stay in Garden City called. They were going to cancel our reservation and give us a full refund. This helped me tremendously. I finally felt a bit of relief. I called Travelocity and they were going to refund the full amount. Tim and Lindsey got back from their run not too long after I got the news. We caught them up on all the happenings from the morning while they were gone. They were both shocked to hear the news and I told them all about the hotel issues. At this point we just needed to regroup and start planning. I got a message from Miguel Ordorica about packing micro spikes in case they would be needed for snow or mud. Amy drove to Brigham City to try and pick some up.

During that time we met with Kaci and Miguel in the hotel lobby. We chatted about aid stations and drop bags. I’m was still feeling chilled and achy from the fever so I was trying to keep the meeting brief. I then got a call from Amy asking about the address for Scheel’s in Brigham City. I searched quickly while Tim, Lindsey, Miguel, and Kaci talked about the race. I couldn’t find one. I found out that Amy searched for directions to Brigham City. Not the address for Scheels there. Not really helping my stress at this point either. I tried searching for another place for her to go to search for micro spikes and suggested maybe an outdoor sports store nearby. I felt bad for sending her to get these spikes and now she couldn’t even buy them there.

She called me back not too long after and said that the address wasn’t even a sports store. She said that the lady there suggested Al’s. Which was in Logan. Which was right back where we were. I felt terrible. I told her to head back and I called Al’s. They had some spikes from the the previous year and so they were holding them for me while Amy drove back. Once Amy came back I finally felt a bit better again.

We started packing drop bags and prepping for the pre race meeting that evening. We got everything packed up and ready. We headed for the pre race meeting. As we got closer it started to rain. Harder and harder as we drove. With the race being the next morning I just kept praying it would pass through by the time we started.

Once we got there and checked in I calmed down some. We dropped the drop bags in their designated areas and found a spot to sit while we were waiting for the meeting to start. The majority of the pre race meeting was about the course changes and weather coming our way. Most of it we knew so there weren’t any major surprises. Leland, the race director talked about trying to scare everyone off with all the course changes. He said, “I was hoping I would scare everyone off and we could just have a pizza party” This was sounding pretty good at this point.

After the meeting we talked with Kaci and Miguel a bit. I was feeling better but I was still tired so we headed back to the hotel to settle in for the night and prep for the early rise the next morning……………………...



September 23rd - Race Day


We sat and waited in the rental car for the race to start. We arrived 45 minutes early. The rain was was light and I was praying it would stop. As the race neared we all got out and headed to check in. I went to the restroom to make sure I wouldn't have to go for a while. We took a couple photos and it was go time.


Start to Millville Canyon 12.25

The race start came around quick and I was only just making my way through the crowd as the countdown began. I was able to make my way up near the front just as we started. It would stay dark for at least another hour so we all started with headlamps. We turned right and headed up an asphalt road toward the trail. I could see my friend Kaci Lickteig running up ahead. I wanted to try and catch up with her for a bit since I knew it was likely I wouldn't see her for the majority of the race.

A few minutes later as we started to go up and down the rolling hills I was able to catch up to her. As I came up beside I said, "Kaci!" She said, "who's there?!" Ha! It was still too dark to know who was next to you. We chatted for a bit and wished each other luck throughout the day. I settled back into my pace and focused on all the miles I still had coming.

It was lightly raining as we ran the rolling hills. All the runners were in a long line. We would announce "mud" or "water" as we came to it so other runners wouldn't splash right into it. About 6 miles in we passed Millville. Which is also the last aid station we would go through before the finish. We would do 3 miles out and back at this point to extend the overall mileage to what was needed. We started to get daylight about 7 or 8 miles into the race. It was nice to be able to see around you.

Runners were already starting to spread out, but I continued to keep my own pace to ensure I made it through. Just about 3 miles from the Millville aid station we drop down the a small creek and into a parking lot. The race director was there tracking runners to make sure everyone was doing he out and back. He took my bib number and I turned around. The miles ticked by pretty quick back to Millville. I used the restroom quick, grabbed some strawberries, and refilled my bottles. Then we started the first major climb. (I later found out this is 2000ft of climb in two miles)

I ran what I could initially but i slowed to a power hike and just kept pushing forward. As we climbed it started to rain harder. At about 7000 ft I could see what looked like a fog. It was starting to snow! The trees were turning red and the white snow made it even more beautiful. I made it up the climb without any issues and started to descend. I didn't want to take the downhill too fast and trash my legs for later so I stayed conservative. My hands were freezing and wet from the rain and then snow so I struggled to stay warm. I had to use the restroom and get some rocks out of my shoe so I stopped for a minute at this point. As I kept going the trail just keeps going down. Switchback after switchback. Down turn, down turn. I made a mental note that this would be a tough climb later in the race.

As I came down the last downhill I was coming into the first aid station I would see the crew. It was great to see everyone. They helped me swap gloves. Amy fought to get my gloves on my hands. Didn't help that they were wet. Hey restocked my gels and water. I was taking endurolytes regularly and eating gels, but they threw food at me so I ate what I could.

Leathem Hollow 21.66



I ran a bit out of the aid station but I noticed quickly that I didn't feel good. We were on a fairly flat gravel road and I shouldn't feel like this this early in the race. I started walking. I was having doubts about being able to make it the rest of the race. I just kept walking and then jogging when I could but I was frustrated to feel this way so early. I forgot that the next aid station was so close so I was surprised to see Richards Hollow as I came in. Since it was so close to the last one I just grabbed a couple more Gels and headed out.



Richards Hollow 24.5



I continued to walk and jog when I could. I was still frustrated with myself. I needed to turn my mindset around. I was alternating spots with "a girl in red". That pushed me forward. We had another major climb at this point so I mostly power hiked it and ran whenever I could. I would run and pass the girl in red and then she would pass me. We continued like this for a bit. I didn't realize how much we were climbing. I started to get chilly again and it was still raining. Before I knew it it started to snow again. My gloves were also wet and cold. Again. At about mile 30 we finally made it to the top of the climb and hit a gravel road. This is where I started reading places with the "girl in purple" She was running with another girl and I used them to help pull me along. I still wasn't feeling great at this point so they passed me. As we jogged the downhill I was thinking, "I'm going to drop when I see my crew, I shouldn't feel this way so early and I have so many more miles" I continued downhill. I felt a bit better and ended up passing the "girl in purple" before we got to the next aid station. (She made a comment about second winds) I saw the last downhill and there about 100 sheep moving around and a semi truck blocking most of the road. Luckily the sheep were fenced it. As I turned to head to the aid station I saw that it was Cowley. I remembered that this is an uncrewed aid station. No crew allowed. "Shit", I thought. "I can't drop here" I reloaded everything in frustration and headed out quickly. Ready to head to the next aid station "to drop when I saw my crew"



Cowley Canyon 31.98



We headed downhill for the majority of this section. I saw the "girl in purple" again at this point. She must have gotten out of the aid station faster than me. She made a comment about second winds again. "There are a thousand second winds in 100 miles!" This kind of brought my spirits up a bit. I didn't notice it but I wasn't thinking about dropping anymore. The miles ticked by pretty quick and before I knew it I was at the next aid station.



Right Hand Fork 38.9



With dropping no longer on my mind I was happy to see my crew. Amy looked to be happy and that was a big help for me. We restocked my gels and water. Tim informed me that Lindsey Meyer would be running this portion with me. This surprised me because the plan was to start pacing at Tony Grove at the halfway point. (Also maybe a big reason I didn't feel like dropping anymore) It was great to have someone to chat with. Kept my mind off of what I was doing to myself. I don't remember a lot of the miles here but it started to get pretty sloppy and muddy towards the end. Puddles of mud and show sucking mud. I could deal with the puddles but the show sucking mud wasn't too fun. It was great when we finally hopped off then muddy trail onto the gravel before the next aid station. The "girl in purple" was up ahead and I had talked with Lindsey about her during the run. We were both thinking the same thing when we passed her. Lindsey beat me to it and said, "What's your name?!" After passing each other so many times I think she expected the question. She quickly said, "Kenzie!" it was nice to finally have a name to go with "the girl in purple" After we passed Kenzie we came into the aid station at Temple Fork



Temple Fork 47.15



Tim McGargill was prepping to head out with me at this time. We refilled my bottles and gels again. I also changed my shoes. Tim also had hiking poles that I chose to start using at this time. We got everything ready and went on our way. We crossed a highway and started on a trailhead on the other side. We hit mud right away. It was tacky, but slippery. The poles were already helping a ton. It was still lightly raining. I was still feeling strong while climbing so I took the lead and we started a 5 mile climb up the muddy trail. I knew Kaci was likely coming down the mountain from the turnaround so I was looking forward to seeing her. Before too long we came up on Kenzie again. As we passed her I said, "this mud sucks" and we kept climbing. As expected Kaci came flying by with her pacer Zach Miller about 20 minutes later. It was awesome to see her and she looked like she was just floating along. She said, "it's getting pretty muddy up there" and we would soon find out just how muddy it was.



As we ascended the rain kept coming down. The water was coming down the single track trails like a tiny creek. We were constantly splashing through puddles or silt pools. When we got near the 7000ft mark it started snowing again. The flakes were huge and I was still happy enough to take in the beauty and try to catch some on my tongue. For nearly 4.5 miles we continued climbing the muddy soupy trail until we reached a keep road. This really wasn't much better, but it was at least wider than single track. We climbed for about another mile and I was realizing the climb was taking a lot out of me. I wanted to run once we made it to the top but I didn't have much. We kept hiking along and moving forward. The snow was coming down pretty heavy now. I kept hoping that the aid station was close but we still had at least another mile. This portion was a bit up and down but I still couldn't run much. I was feeling cold and defeated as we came into the aid station



Tony Grove 53.8



Amy and Lindsey were there waiting as we came in. I was cold and muddy and it was snowing. I wasn't feeling too great. They reloaded my pack and refilled my bottles. I needed warm gloves so Amy gave me her pink ones. I stood next to the fire to try and warm up some. Amy said, "you don't look very good." I teared up. That climb was so hard. It had taken a lot out of me and I still had a lot of miles left to cover. Lindsey prepped to head out with me back down the muddy trails we had just climbed up. I told her to be prepared to get muddy.



Once we said goodbye to Amy and Tim I was feeling a bit better. We walked a bit because I was still trying to recover from that stupid climb up. Once we hit more of the downhill and single track we started to move a bit faster. I also realized we didn't have headlamps and it was 6:05pm. We had about an hour and fifteen minutes to get down this mountain before it went dark. That pushed me. We started moving quickly. As quickly as one can move after running nearly 60 miles. We stomped through countless mud puddles as the snow changed back into light rain while we descended. We were nearing the bottom and it started to get super slick and the mud was "shoe sucking" again. I realize I paid for this later but I was going through the mud like a downhill skier. I was using the hiking poles to keep me upright and my feet would slide off the trails to one side or the other and it went on like this for a half mile or so. We got to the last couple of hills and we could almost see Temple Fork. (We had to pass Temple Fork this time to get to Spawn Creek) I stepped in some mud and my right foot slid sideways. I caught myself with my left arm and slammed a fist into the mud. As I stood up I said, "Aw man, I got my pink gloves dirty!" This got a good laugh from a couple runners just heading up the climb that we were almost down. We finally made through all the dumb mud back to the highway. It was almost dark. Lindsey and I knew we could manage the gravel road in the dark so I slowed down to recover from the muddy mess we just ran through. We walk jogged into the aid station. The parking lot was a muddy disaster similar to the trails we just came down. Tim and Amy were just getting out of the vehicle as we came through the lot. I grabbed some food and changed my gloves again while Amy restocked my pack and we prepped to head out again.



Spawn Creek TH 61.5



After seeing the lot I should have known that the trails would be similar. We had to go back through the lot and up the muddy road we came in on. As soon as we hit the trail things weren't any better. It was a muddy mess. We walked the entire section up to the road. Up hill pretty much all the way. Slipping and sliding. I was doing all right with poles. Not sure how Tim was managing without them. We had a few runners coming down the hill and we were passed a few times by other runners heading up but it was a fairly lonely section. Just me and Tim. We finally made it to road and I felt spent. The climb and the mud took a lot out of me. It was still raining lightly. The temps were also dropping since the sun had gone down. We walked the majority of the way into the next aid station where Amy and Lindsey were waiting.



Right hand fork #2 68.73



A tough time for me. We walked all the way in and I was wondering when and if I would be able to run again. I wanted to quit. It was raining harder again. Amy and Lindsey pulled me into the warming tent and started to pull my mud soaked shoes and socks off to get my 3rd pair of shoes on. We got that done and I was asking for Tims Garmin charger for my watch. We were coming up on 17 hours and my watch was getting close to dying. They couldn't find it anywhere. I was frustrated with that. Now my watch would surely die and I wouldn't know where I was in the race. My pack had been restocked and we were now filling the bladder in my pack as well. I stood back up after my shoes were changed and my legs hated me. I moved a bit to head out and my left IT band was suddenly very painful and my right calf was tightening up near my knee. I stood still. With the cold, mud, pain, darkness, everything was weighing me down. I put my head down on one of the hiking poles and fought tears. After a minute to let me gather myself Tim asked if I was ready. I reluctantly said yes. We headed out back into the muddy mess to climb back to Cowley.

This was also mostly power hiking for me. I was mad to be back out in the rain and cold so I was hiking strong at first. We were still in constant mud but since I was down to my last pair of shoes I tried to stay away from the silt pools and stay fairly dry. Tims hands were getting cold and he was holding both of my bottles. He was alternating them from left to right to keep one hand in his pocket to keep warm. I felt bad. We planned to drop them at the next aid station. We just kept making our way and finally made to Cowley. It was snowing again.



Cowley Canyon #2 75.73



It was freezing. I needed to change my gloves again and add another layer if I could. One of the aid station volunteers brought over my drop bag. Kenzie came out of the warming tent and she didn't look good. I overheard her saying that she had been in there for 40 minutes and it sounded like she was looking for a ride out of there. I wasn't really thinking of quitting at this point. Just wanting to get warm and refuel. I grabbed another long sleeve shirt out of the bag and searched for some dry gloves. All I found were green wool gloves that I had brought as throw aways and arm warmers. I couldn't keep wearing the wet gloves I had so I put the green gloves on and wrapped the arm warmers around my hands as an extra layer. We grabbed some more food and gels and headed out.

I was instantly shaking from the cold. I wanted to go back in. Tim said we should start hiking and we will warm up. I fought with the choice for a second and we started hiking. It was snowing harder and I was worried about Tim still wearing his wet gloves. As we left a volunteer said it's 2 miles up and 6 miles downhill to the next aid station. I figured, "oh I got this."

The uphill was never ending. 2 miles. Easy. Not when you're walking it. It was snowing, muddy, dark and cold. We just kept climbing. And climbing. The 2 miles took us nearly an hour. Then we just had downhill. Easy right? Still not. I couldn't run so we kept walking. I jogged a little bit off and on, but the majority was just moving forward. It was so dark. We could only see what our headlamps showed us. They snow had come down pretty thick here. I was straddling the trail a bit while walking to try and keep from stomping in cool muddy puddles. This went on forever. Without a watch I asked Tim how far we had to go. I finally stopped asking because we were moving so slow that I would get disappointed when I found out we had only gone a half a mile. As we went I kept thinking I would see Amy and Lindsey at the next aid station. After a bit of thinking I remembered that there was an aid station 3 miles away from Richards Hollow and realized we wouldn't see them until after then next aid station. We were nearing the bottom and it looked like the trail suddenly disappeared. It seemed even darker and disorienting. I was in the lead and trying to find which way to go. The trail seemed to have merged with a creek. The rain and snow he raised the reel levels throughout the day. After a bit of looking we saw the path. We had to step over some boulders and logs to get back on the trail. I knew coming into Richards Hollow I didn't want to stay long so I prepped to head out quickly.



Richards Hollow #2 83.23



Tim was grabbing some food and water. I don't even think I refilled my water. I told Tim the next aid station wasn't far away. One of the volunteers said it was only 2.5 miles away. (I remembered it being more like 3) Tim said, "you wanna knock it out then?" I said, "yes, lets go."

This was the first time I had really tried to run in several hours. My right calf was noticeably tighter near my knee and my legs just felt heavy, but I kept cruising. The hiking poles were helping me keep my balance and take some weight off of my right leg. We were clipping along pretty good. About 10 minute pace. Of course my headlamp started blinking. The battery was almost dead. Of course it had to happen right when I'm moving fast. We stopped quick to change the battery and kept moving.

When we got near 2.5 miles I told Tim I was pretty sure it was 3 and my memory was correct. I'm glad I remembered because I probably would have been mad to go an extra .5 miles at that point. We ran to the aid station and couldn't see an entrance. It was pretty dark and muddy here too. We ended up having to walk back to the turn and make our way to the tent where Lindsey and Amy were waiting.



Leatham Hollow #2 86.1



Amy and Lindsey refilled my pack and I was able to remove my makeshift gloves. I put mostly dry gloves on and they had purchased hand warmers so I shoved those into my gloves as well. They weren't working as well as I hoped. We grabbed some food and warm drinks. There were several volunteers sleeping wrapped up in sleeping bags and I thought it would be nice to be done and wrapped up in warmth. We gathered our things and said goodbye to the girls.

Finding our way out of this aid station in the dark was a pain. We walked a bit and finally saw a trail marker behind a bush by some moving water. We went around the bush and tried to find the least wet path around the water. The mud looked stable so we went across. The mud was not stable. I sunk right in. We made it across and started the climb. I had told the crew earlier that getting back to Millville was going to suck. It sucked. Tim took the lead again. We were just getting rolling and he slipped and fell. He said, "well at least the ground is soft."

We climbed forever. And ever. And ever. The snow had at least let up and there was only a bit of light rain. The sun would be coming up soon so that was exciting. Sort of. I wanted to be done in the dark. That would mean I would have run this in more like 25 hours. Now I was estimating I would be done more around 29-30 hours. I still had plenty of time to get under 30. I apologized to Tim but I was fairly certain we would be walking the rest. I had no watch so I bugged Tim about 400 times for the time and the mileage.

As we climbed I initially felt strong but as we kept hiking I slowed down. Then more climbing. And mud. 5 miles of climbing total. The mud started to get snow covered again as the sun came up. I was hoping it would be a beautiful sunrise, but there was a lot of cloud cover and we were high enough that we are in the clouds. I thought it was my breath I could see in my headlamp but it was actually the clouds we were in. At least it wasn't snowing. We FINALLY came to the top of the climb and we hit the road where we had a steep descent to the Millville aid station.

The climb had beat me up pretty bad. As we started the downhill I knew it would be a battle. The road was rocky and steep. I was hoping the poles would help. They didn't. I told Tim I would move as fast as possible which turned out to be a 30 minute mile. My right calf and my right hamstring were pretty much a solid knot now. I tried turning backwards, but I couldn't lift my leg high enough to step down when my leg was uphill so I turned right back around.

Every time we came to a turn in the road I was hoping to see the bottom. This happened at least 10 times. After about an hour of downhill a girl was jogging passed me. It was Kenzie! Back from the dead. She said, "I going about 15 minute miles! Does this count as running?!" I said back, "this is my running!!" as I hobbled along. She kept going and I was passed by quite a few other runners that could still jog. Tim was quite a ways ahead of me as we moved forward. After several more disappointing turns we finally saw the bottom and the Millville aid station. It was the last aid station and I thought it would be smooth sailing to the finish.



Millville canyon #2 93.2



We refilled our packs and snagged a breakfast burritos which was actually a breakfast taco. I wanted to be done so I told Tim we should head out. We had 3 hours to make it 5 miles to get under 30 hours. I didn't remember the hills being so significant when we started the race so I was surprised to have so much climbing to do at the end. I couldn't run. I was basically dragging my right leg along. People passed me. I would get a little more disappointed every time. After almost 2 hours on the hills someone passed me and said, "is this ever going to end?!" My thoughts exactly.



I kept thinking I could see the finish and it wasn't over the next hill. Or the next. I could see a large hill blocking what looked like a residential neighborhood so I thought we HAD to be close but moving at 30 minute miles doesn't get you very far very fast. Tim was still about 100m ahead of me sort of egging me on. I thought occasionally about being able to smack him with one of my poles but he was too far away. I also had no idea of time since I didn't have a watch. I would see Tim crest another hill only to raise his hands in frustration when he still couldn't see the last downhill to the road that leads to the finish.

We finally saw a road at the bottom of a hill and found out we only crossed it TO GO BACK UPHILL! It would never end.

I kept moving forward.

We FIIIIINNNNNAAALLLLLY made it to the top of the hill where we could see the asphalt road to the finish. Tim was waiting at the bottom and I knew I would finally be done soon. I had always thought that I would run this last bit and see Amy waiting for me. I couldn't move faster than I was. I tried. Every time my right calf would seize up even tighter.

Walking on the hard asphalt was worse than the dirt. I walked through people's yards when I could to soften the beating on my feet. A lady passed me and said she was so proud of me. She saw how much pain I was in and told me I was making her cry. I tested up a bit, but I was hurting so bad that I had nothing.

As I finally made the turn to the last straightaway I could see Tim ahead. Tim said, " there's Amy!" I wanted to run more than anything and I couldn't. He pointed out a razor scooter by a bush. I laughed. I wanted to ride that thing in to the finish. It would get me there a lot faster.

Tim kept moving further ahead and I couldn't get there fast enough. With nothing left in my legs I had to walk it in. Amy was standing there waiting for me. I could see tears in her eyes. She told me I would make it under 30. I felt myself tear up a little again but still was in so much pain that it left quickly. I made the last turn and Kaci was yelling at me. Miguel was there ahead. Tim and Lindsey were waiting by the finish.

I made it. On shaky legs I stood and shook the hands of the race directors. Kaci told them I was another Omaha runner and they got a good laugh out of that.



Finish 99.2



Everyone helped me make my way into a chair and helped me get my mud soaked shoes off. I was hot, but quickly cooling down. They helped me get warm clothes on and get extra fluids coming in. After a bit the made me walk to the car but I could hardly move. The walk to the car was about as bad as the 100 miles I had just completed. We made it near the car and I wanted to stretch so Lindsey and Amy helped me to the ground. After a bit of stretching and complaining I was helped to the car and fell asleep within minutes.

They woke me up an hour later and we were back at the hotel. I was super disoriented. It took me a bit to figure out what was going on and Amy was laughing at me like I was drunk. I was helped to the elevator. I was a bit happier after my nap and was pretending like I was falling over. I don't think Tim appreciated this as he would grab onto me to keep me from tipping over. Then the next battle began. Getting all the mud off of my legs.

Amy helped me into the tub to clean the mud off. I had a great idea to just get my legs a little damp and wipe the mud off to keep it from getting in the hotel drains. My idea quickly failed. I just dropped my legs into the water and wiped all the mud off. I felt bad for a second. We washed it all down the drain and I cleaned the rest of the dirt off.

After getting cleaned up I had another journey. Getting into bed. Amy and Lindsey watched and laughed. I dropped my upper body onto the bed and then grabbed onto the sheets and drug my legs up onto the bed behind me. They liked some food and fluids near me and left me to rest.

It was starting to sink in some. I had just "run" 100 miles. It was the hardest thing I had ever done in my life. I'm so thankful to have an amazing wife and friends that helped me in my journey. God has blessed me in so many ways.









Posted on the Bear 100 facebook page during all the crazy weather posts

It Couldn’t Be Done
By Edgar Albert Guest

Somebody said that it couldn’t be done
But he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it!

Somebody scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it;”
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat
And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure,
There are thousands to point out to you one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing
That “cannot be done,” and you’ll do it.


http://youtu.be/mMfnt6Wqm4M

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic 5:00am	7.5 miles 00:00:00	Shoe: Ravenna7 Pink 0 miles on shoe

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic Running out of town today	6 miles 01:00:00 (10:00 min/mile)	Shoe: Saucony light colored 0 miles on shoe Height: 5' 9

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic Disney Springs 7:00pm	5 miles 00:00:00	Shoe: Zoom Fly 0 miles on shoe

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic Zoo loop 11:00am	4 miles 00:00:00	Shoe: A2000 2016-07 White 0 miles on shoe

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic David City	3 miles 00:25:45 (8:35 min/mile)	Shoe: NB XC 900 (2) 0 miles on shoe Height: 5'10

Activity	Stats
Running -	4 miles 00:00:00

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic	6.5 miles 00:00:00	Shoe: Brooks Ghost 9- Grey 0 miles on shoe

With team on Dietrich from Havelock

Activity	Stats
Running -	3.5 miles 00:00:00	Shoe: NB 890 Gray D 0 miles on shoe

-

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic 2:00pm Weather: 88* humid	3.1 miles 00:25:30 (8:13 min/mile)	Shoe: Adrenaline X 0 miles on shoe Height: 6-00

Weather: 1, Craig: 0. Feel completely toasted.

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic Cherry Creek Trail	10 miles 00:00:00	Height: 5'07

Easy morning run from home.

Activity	Stats
-	00:00:00	Height: 5'2"

I really dig the Dude's mug these days.

Feel 100 years old today. slow, creaky, tired.

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic Lake Oconee, Georgia 9:30am Weather: Hot, 75	6.01 miles 00:58:35 (9:44 min/mile)	Shoe: Brooks Glycerin 13 - Bk/Rd/Slv 0 miles on shoe Height: 5 10

Birthday run with the birthday girl, Abbie in Lake Oconee, Georgia. Beautiful down here. Hilly, so very hilly.

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic Spring Creek, Poudre 5:30am Weather: 57	6.35 miles 00:51:10 (8:03 min/mile)	Shoe: PI N2v3 Lime 0 miles on shoe Height: 5'10

Slept in again. Not too many people out until the last mile. I may drive back to Columbus this afternoon.

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic Super8, Dundee Subway Elevation: Ascent+293 Descent-283 5:03am Weather: 73­°, 3 SE, 83%, BS	8.21 miles 01:09:49 (8:30 min/mile)	Shoe: Saucony Guide 8 [20160513] 0 miles on shoe Max HR: 160 Avg HR: 141

Omaha [20160923]: Super8, Dundee Subway

Humidity! BE GONE!!

Booked passage on the Dundee Subway with Ashley, Elizabeth, Theresa, James, David and Charles. Twas a good ride.

Corporate Cup on Sunday.

Cadence: 170/max, 158/avg

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic Pedestrian Bridge 5:00am	10 miles 00:00:00	Height: 5'10

2 with Debra, 5 with a gaggle of gallopers and 3 doing some random strides. Happy Friday.

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic super 8 with subway extension 5:00am Weather: 72F and sultry	8.2 miles 00:00:00	Shoe: charcoal & pink Omnis 0 miles on shoe

Sultry this morning (also an answer in the crossword puzzle) with Dave, Shawn, Carl, Chuck, Jimmy, Ashley and Theresa. On the Dundee subway.
Kids are looking forward to the Homecoming game and dance. Should be fun. Have a great weekend!
Good luck to Justin and Kaci!!

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic	6 miles 00:00:00	Height: 5'10

Weights post. Had to work on a project this morning before training, so shortish effort.

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic Happily Solo. 4:30am Weather: 71 Breezy.	7.07 miles 01:00:54 (8:36 min/mile)	Shoe: BrooksLaunch3USAStars 0 miles on shoe Height: 5'3

Out early solo. Went out too fast. Came back too slow. So, fairly typical. Enjoyed this time to myself.

Now, at big Trauma Symposium. Wear your helmets, people.

Good luck to Justin and Kaci. Chasing the Bear.

TGIF X 50.

Activity	Stats
Running - Aerobic School Loop 5:00am Weather: 61 degrees e 7 cloudy slightly humid	6.3 miles 00:00:00	Shoe: Asics Kayono 22-1 0 miles on shoe Height: 6.0

Lots of coyotes making some noise his morning. Early start to their weekend? Enjoy yours. :)

Activity	Stats
Running - Weather: 73; 83% humidity	5.5 miles 00:44:14 (8:02 min/mile)

Short run with 12 x 25 seconds fast/1 minute easy in the middle.

Good luck to Justin!

Happy birthday to Bruce Springsteen! The pride of New Jersey turns 67 today! Today's mug is of he and Katie Ledecky, before Bruce's show in Washington D.C. earlier this month. Katie and her dad are huge Bruce fans, and Bruce had Katie's entire family backstage. Love that pic--two WINNERS in every sense of the word.

Tonight, birthday kid Bruce Springsteen is on "Late Show with Stephen Colbert" for an extended interview for his upcoming autobiography, "Born to Run", to be released this Tuesday (9/27). Yes, I set the DVR; and yes, I pre-ordered the book from Amazon.

Song of the day (and the ONLY song for September 23rd): "Growin' Up" by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Activity	Stats
Walking - Aerobic The Other Lake Out West 5:00am Weather: Beautiful	3.6 miles 00:43:56 (12:12 min/mile)	Height: 6' Weight: 180

Good to be back out after Tstormz yesterday.

Oddly enough I decided to "jog" a bit within walk for a Jalk.

Hellos or Good Mornings
Walkers - 2 for 2
Runners - 0 for 4

OldSchoolZ (Love going through Old Pics)