Final Notes for Superior

The most common question we all get asked is "why do you do this/these?"

My answer in the past has been "If you have to ask why, you won't understand the answer". I don't even say that anymore. I just tell people "It's fun, but I don't think you would get it"

I am tired of discussing the subject with people who just plainly don't want to accept that many of us continually challenge our minds/body/soul harder and farther than most. I think that makes some people uncomfortable, so they start pontificating why I should not so something like this. Usually comes from an out of shape sloth.

Someone recently said to me "being healthy and fit will only add 4 years to your life".

Yeah...... but going to Superior 100 is an experience. It is more than a challenge. There is a decent chance of failure, inevitable pain & suffering, and a sure ticket to "damn.... why did I pay money for this".

It is the above which keeps me coming back. I know I can run a marathon. I know I could run a marathon in x time. I might be 5 minutes plus or minus that time, but close enough.

Superior is different. One can go for 6 hours and not once get bored at the scenery. To say it is breathtaking is an understatement. Add in all of the other stuff, and it becomes an epic event. To be a part of the event is special.

I am gracious that I can show up to the start healthy enough to think I can do it. Gracious to have people willing to blow their whole weekend seeing that I can make it through, and gracious to have a wife who says "have fun".

My first ultra was up there 6 years ago at the spring races. That course and the Ice course and Afton are my "home" courses. (If you can say that how infrequently I am on them). They are special to me.

I had a period this year where I thought I might be done with Ultras. Period. It was a down period where I just could not muster up any care.

The night before Ice Age this year I sat in bed (a very nice, comfy bed.... thank JL), and had a cloud of dread hanging over me. I really did not want to be there.

But all that has changed.

I am actually fired up.

I am prepared, somewhat trained, and full of a need to prove to myself I am not dead yet.

This race has significant meaning in my life. I don't think I can handle another DNF. So that is motivation in of itself.


So that is why I do these. Not really an answer, but it is what it is.

Maybe one more post on possible ways to follow the race. Crew has to be up for it, though