What Motivates You?

In future posts, we will dive into topics such as training, motivation, and nutrition.

Family and Friends at Crossfit Evolve

Mount Rainier Elevation 14,411 ft
(Top Photo: I have been looking at a photo of Rainier on my desktop for almost a year now. Middle Photo: Ingraham Glacier Direct or Disappointment Cleaver will be the route Ryan Thomas, Jim Houck, and I will attempt to summit Rainier. Bottom Photo: Preparing for our trip June 14th - 18th)

WE ARE UP AND RUNNING

Here's the deal. Passion for Life has evolved into something greater than initially expected. The original plan was to see if running from Fort Collins to Steamboat would make me hallucinate. Now, with the foresight of some friends this has become something with meaning. But no matter what the reason to run has become, the strategy of crossing the finish line has always been the same. Bottom line, this is a team effort. My friends keep expressing that this whole 200 mile project needs to be sold as a solo run.....and they are right. I will be the only one with Passion for Life running the entire distance on as little sleep as possible. However, friends are planning to crew and run along side of me the entire time I'm out there. In fact, a couple of friends expressed that they are considering running 26.2 miles with me. That is the distance of a marathon. And this would be their first time reaching that distance. That's team commitment right there!
My race history is this: Seven or eight years ago I ran a 5k. I guess I felt like that was enough experience to run a 50 mile ultra in Steamboat (Run Rabbit Run). Last year I completed the Leadville Trail 100. Besides participating in a Vail half marathon to train for Leadville and this years Colorado Marathon, that's my racing history.
There is no way that I could complete one of these goofy events without support....it's a TEAM effort! With that said, new friends, old friends, friends of friends are all welcome to help. In fact, it would be greatly appreciated. If you are not interested in running and have a few days with nothing to do, help crew. My wife will be the crew chief, but she could definitely use some help staying awake, driving, and most importantly making fun of her tool bag husband.
Also, we are up and running with GRIT and RAMSTRONG! Passion for Life (non-profit organization) now has a facebook page (I'm not really sure what that means, but my wife Megan has one) and the donation page is up and running. Info is at the top of this blog. I'm not a great sale person, but here's my pitch: You can buy miles as explained on the Grit Athletics website or you can make a general donation of any amount......or you can crew or run......or you can send me funny pictures of marathoners losing control of their bowels like some of my friends.

Marathon on Mother's Day

Is there a better way to break in a new pair of shoes that you purchased three days prior than to run a marathon with some buddies?
This past Sunday, some friends and I participated in the Colorado 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon.
When the registration was completed to run the Colorado Marathon, it was based on the idea of logging 26.2 miles of training. When the race packet was picked up at the expo, the idea was to get a racing number and to meet Paul Vanderheiden (Race Director of the Wild West Relay). And when we all “toed the line” at the start, the idea was just to cross the finish. But in the end, what was taken from the race was an incredible experience and lots of lessons learned.
Congratulations to all of you racers. And to all the family and friends that were on the side cheering us on, THANK YOU!
As for the shoes, Newton's are the REAL DEAL!

The Wild West Relay 2010 (August 5th, 6th, & 7th)

Passion for Life 200 is a solo effort to run the entire distance of the Wild West Relay 198 miles. I will make up the two miles either on the front or back of the race. In 2009, Will Laughlin of Boulder completed the distance in just under 59 hours. So, this will be the second attempt (and hopefully completion) by one person to cover the entire distance of the WWR in its seven year history.
With that said, by no means is this an individual effort. It will take a lot of planning and coordination amongst family, friends, GRIT and RAMSTRONG. If you would like to help in any way, please contact me. We definitely need folks to pace, crew, and/or donate. I will post more information about donating in the near future.

Raising Money for Two Local Foundations

GRIT ATHLETICS

Mission:
To inspire and provide people of all ages, with a rich life, through athletic opportunities, and a variety of sports competitions, while developing skills for challenges along the way.


RAMSTRONG Foundation

Mission:
Supports local cancer survivors by providing financial assistance for basic needs, scholarships, programs and services.