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I love to run. I love to run far. So making the decision to run my first 100 mile race was not very difficult. However, the work I must put in to accomplish the feat will definitely be a challenge. I understand there will be immense pain involved in both the training leading up to the Javelina Jundred, as well as during the race itself. But hey, that's what running is all about!

Araviapa Running puts on a series of night races in the desert trails on the outskirts of Phoenix. I felt like I should definitely partake in at least one of them to help me get an idea of what I will encounter during Javelina. JJ100 is a 15.5 mile course that you run multiple times. The idea of running in a bunch of loops seems a bit boring to me, so I know I must train myself to handle this both physically and mentally.

After reviewing the race schedule I decided to run "Vertigo". The course for Vertigo is a 6.5 mile loop in the White Tank Mountain Park outside of Phoenix. I decided to register for the 63k, which would be 6 loops totaling 39 miles. I figured this would help me to get used to doing loops and give me a taste of running in the dark, both of which I will face at Javelina. 

A friend of mine, Michael Walker expressed interest in going out there with me to run the 31k, even offered to drive us (details to follow). So all was set, I was ready to tackle a new challenge. Of course once everything was planned I began thinking too much. I like to do that, keeps me entertained. "I haven't run more than 21 miles since Crown King" I kept telling myself, "maybe I should've just registered for the 31k.." I really like to torture myself (details to follow).

So race day came and on a smoldering July afternoon Mike and I headed off to go race Vertigo. After stopping at Safeway to grab a snack we arrived at the White Tanks eager and excited to do what, for reasons unknown, we both seem to love. We got there a good 2 hours early, we ate, we chatted, we complained about the swarm of flying bugs and the blistering heat. But needless to say, we were both pretty pumped up about the race.

As we sat watching the seconds tick by we got to chatting it up with a fellow racer. He seemed to know a lot about the course, even though he had never been there before. "Yeah, it's pretty flat" he explained, "I looked at the course profile and there is maybe a few hundred feet of gain through the entire loop." I envisioned flat, soft trails blanketed with shade... "Flat. I can handle flat. All. Damn. Day." I thought to myself. 

Finally Nick announced that it was time for the 63k runners to line up. I immediately recognized a youngster standing in the front. If you are obsessed with Ultrasignup as much as me, you get to know people that you don't even know. You know. Cristian Rios was the winner of both of the previous night races, putting up some very solid times. I figured he would probably be my toughest competition, not that you really ever know. You know. After wishing Mike luck in his race, which started 30 minutes after the 63k, I lined up with about 20 other runners.

All systems go

 We all counted down from 10, the clock struck 7 o'clock and like the mind of most ultrarunners, we were off! I sort of assumed Cristian would jump out in front, but damn, this kid didn't waste any time. We ran side by side for the first half mile or so, I looked at my Garmin, we were running 6:30 pace. "Oh hell no" I told myself, "slow it down, you have 39 miles to go for God sakes." So, I let up on the gas and that would be the last I saw of young Cristian. 

As I eased out of that initial, oh so wonderful 'start of the race' adrenaline rush, I realized 2 things; 1. I felt like garbage. 2. That guy lied to me.

I really didn't believe.. just couldn't believe Jamil would produce a "flat" course. I was already out of breath, felt downright exhausted. This desert trail went up and down. In and out of washes. My stomach felt uneasy. I was like a robot low on batteries. I felt like shit. I looked in the distance, behind me, I saw no one. I looked at my Garmin; 1.7 miles. 

"How could this be?" I thought to myself. I was gasping for air. The first substantial climb around 2.5 miles forced me to begin hiking. I was confused. I began to daydream of not running. My attitude began to deteriorate. 

For the first time of the evening, I rolled into the North Ridge Aid Station. The idea of eating seemed out of the question. I wanted ice water and I wanted it now. I remember feeling irritated because it took a long time to fill my bottle with ice. I drank a tiny cup of Coke. I nibbled on a scrap of ginger. I forced myself into eating a miniature bean tortilla wrap. That would be the last bit of food I would eat that evening.

I began dry heaving as I trotted out of the North Ridge AS. I felt terrible. Just terrible. I tasted vomit in my mouth. For the first time of the night, I felt like dropping. I daydreamed of how I would explain it. "Just not my day" I would elucidate, "first DNF. It was bound to happen.." I was deflated.

The noise of Araviapa's ultracity became apparent. I got a little spirit and sprinted through the line for the first time of the evening! I demanded more ice water and once again was aggravated that this process was taking so long. I nibbled some ginger, grabbed my handheld and took off. 

Finishing loop numero uno

I ran out of there with a smidgen of excitement pushing me. But as soon as I began my second loop I was again harassed with self doubt. My mind kept telling myself to drop. I felt so weak and nauseous, didn't want to run anymore, wished I was home in bed. I was sure my single handheld would be sufficient but I was drinking lots of water. Too much water. I kept trying to conserve it, forcing myself to deal with a dry mouth. I was suffering. As I approached the North Ridge AS I took the last gulp of water, savoring every drop. 

After once again feeling inpatient as they filled my handheld with ice water, I departed the North Ridge AS for the second time. I immediately guzzled all of my water, my mouth was bone dry. "This is lame" I said aloud, "I think I'm just gonna do one more loop and call it quits. Shoulda just ran the 31k." Once again the sound coming from ultracity gave me a little energy and I sprinted through the line for the second time of the evening. 

Dazed and abused

I did my usual at the AS. I demanded ice water, nibble ginger, avoided any real food and set off. For how crappy I felt, I did notice that I had been surprisingly efficient at getting out of the aid stations. 

My third loop was a lot like the previous two. I constantly told myself I was going to drop, that this would be my last loop. "Maybe one more" I thought, "maybe". I shuffled into the North Ridge AS for a third time, as bitter as ever. I did my best to get my handheld filled up as fast as possible. There was a girl sitting on the cooler filled with ice. "Get the hell off" thinking to myself, "this is a damn race, ya know.." But as I looked over the situation, it was clear that this girl was hurt. She moved off the cooler and a kind gentleman filled my bottle. The girls face was black and blue, she had taken a serious fall. I later was told she had to have one of her eyes sewed shut. I wish her well.

At this point in the race I began passing a lot of the 31k runners. I was hoping to run into Mike, I would tell him I was going to drop. He would understand. Less than a mile from the start/finish I saw my man, Mike! "What up, bro?" I said as I ran up behind him. "Hey man"  He replied, "you're in 2nd place! That first guy is like 40 minutes ahead.." 40 minutes ahead. Really. "I know. Dudes quick" I quipped. "I don't think I'm gonna make it, feel like crap. I've never dropped a race before but I think I'm gonna quit.." I whimpered. "Yeah, I feel like crap too. Just slow it down a little. You'll be fine" he encouraged me. I thought, "this isn't how the convo was supposed to go? He was supposed to sympathize with me and allow me to quit, dammit!" 

We said a few word to each other at the AS and I set off on my 4th loop. As I ran off I heard him say, "just take it easy, ya know". His words echoed in my head that whole loop. I did take it easy, even enjoyed parts of it. I started thinking that maybe I could finish this race. "When I finish this 4th loop, I will be on my 5th loop and once I finish my 5th loop, I will be on my last loop. Genius!" 

After departing the North Ridge AS for the 4th time, I began to enjoy running again. There were bursts of lightning behind some clouds in the far distance. Nature was showing me its beauty once more. I thought about my life, my wonderful girlfriend, my family, my past, my future. "This is what separates the men from the boys" I said aloud as I made my way into the AS, wrapping up my 4th loop. I grabbed a Red Bull I had stashed and took a long swig. Oh yeah! 

Finishing up loop 4-feeling like death

My 5th loop was nothing short of spectacular. I was full of energy and positivity. I encourage every runner I passed, "good job" and "keep it up!" I shouted. I was running everything. The ups, the downs, the rocks, the mounds. I even had patience when it came to getting my handheld filled at the AS. I was still avoiding food but felt that at this point, I would be fine. I had popped plenty of S-Caps and my nausea had subsided. 

I was able to run nearly every step of the 5th loop. I shot through the line, leaving only one more little, tiny, easy loop left to conquer. Easy, right? 

The moment I finished number 5, I heard Mike screaming "dude, first place just left 5 minutes ago, you can catch him!" I was astounded! I had made up at least a half hour and now I knew I could catch the leader. I was overwhelmed with excitement. I ran up to Mike to give him five and that's when it happened. My left calf seized up with cramps. Before I could even finish giving five, I collapsed to the ground in agony. "Oh my God!" I shouted, "mother fucker. My calves are cramping something ridiculous". I laid there for a minute while Mike and another volunteer talked to me. I had just wasted 5 minutes, I needed to go. 

I forced my body off the ground and began hobbling up the trail. Not exactly how I envisioned the start to my final loop. My right calf was in excruciating pain. My left was not much better. I walked for a few minutes and then began to jog. I would jog for a few hundred feet and then my calves would start to cramp up, forcing me to walk again. My energy was great, just couldn't run long because of the cramps. This was extremely frustrating. I wanted to run. 

As I approached the 2 and a half mile mark of my 6th loop, nausea made an unwelcoming return. I dry heaved and choked a little. "Maybe the lack of food is taking its toll?" I began to think, "I've eaten nothing but scraps of ginger all day. I screwed up." I now accepted that there was no way I could catch up with the leader. "If it weren't for these cramps, I would've got him. I just know it.." I mumbled to myself. And quite honestly, I believe I would have. I began getting more concerned with getting caught than with doing the catching. 

I stumbled into the North Ridge AS for the 6th and final time of the night. Jamil starting spraying me down with a water mister while my bottle was being filled. "These cramps are killing my time. Do you have any advice?" I asked him. "Umm well, you guys probably do a lot of crazy long climbs out in Tucson. This is a lot up and down stuff. Maybe you're just not used to it?" He replied. "Yeah, I haven't done very many long runs lately, either" I said in a laugh peppered with desperation. I grabbed my trusty handheld and limped off, back into the darkness. 

The cramps had spread, my body was feeling like it was gonna seize up. I kept up my formula of running until the cramps were about to attack then slow to a walk. I started looking behind me, I felt like someone was going to catch me. "Wouldn't that be wonderful" I thought, "someone pass me at the end of the final loop to steal 2nd place.." I wanted to get this thing over with but the last couple miles seemed like an eternity.

"God damn cramps!" I shouted into the air, "you are killing my time!" I just wanted to see the lights coming from ultracity, then I knew I would be home free. I hiked up one last hill, it felt like Mount Everest. My leg were buckling. "There it is!" I shrieked. I saw the lights, I was close. I kept on truckin'. As I came within a quarter mile to the finish, I heard something behind me. I looked back, "oh shit, here comes the 3rd place guy!" 

I started running, knowing that I could go very far before the cramps would force me to walk. Or collapse to the ground in pain and defeat. "This is exactly what I feared for the last hour" I sadly thought, "this just can't be happening." I couldn't run very fast but I was now running. Running or not, before I knew it he was right behind me. I turned and looked at him, "are you finishing?" I asked while already knowing his answer. "Yes" he replied while running beside me. 

We were now in the final stretch to the finish line. As soon as he answered my senseless question, it felt like God came down from heaven and handed me a pair of wings! I began to sprint. The cramps vanished and were replaced with adrenaline. We ran side by side for a bit, then I took the lead. I shot though the finish line ahead of him, holding onto to 2nd place by the hair on my chinny chin chin! 

I stood there in a daze of disbelief. A photo finish to a 39 mile race. Mike came up and congratulated me and so did the runner that I just battled with. And wouldn't you know it, young Cristian walked up to me, put out his hand and said "good job". The sportsmanship in ultras warms my heart. After catching my breath, I walked over to talk to the guy that almost stole 2nd place from me. "I'm sorry, my pride wouldn't let me lose 2nd place. Not tonight." I explained to him. "No worries, man. Good job!"  He answered with enthusiasm. We chatted it up for a few minutes. His name is Andrew Heard. He is a very respectable ultrarunner with plenty of races under his belt. It was nice meeting you, Andrew!

Mike and I sat there, in the middle of the night, watching others finish or continue on. We talked about how awesome ultras are and how great a job those Coury brothers do putting on races. We talked about the spectators that stay through the night waiting for their loved one to finish, how they are just as committed as the runners themselves. I simply love to be a part of this wonderful sport, can't imagine my life without it.

Beyond exhausted we decided that it was time to depart. Mike thankfully had some friends in the Phoenix area willing to leave a door open for us. During our delirious drive to their house I noticed Mike become distracted while shifting gears. We had noticeably slowed down. "Is your car okay" I asked him. "I don't think so.." His voice sounded shaky. We rolled to the side of the freeway. His car was done. And so was my mind. It was 3:30 in the morning, we had been up all night running and now our transportation was out of commission. I was too tired to panic. 

Without getting into all the details of how I (we) made it home, I just want to say how fortunate we both are. It was made clear, we both have people in our lives willing to help us when in need. Eventually, I made it back to Tucson, concluding yet another adventure in ultrarunning. These experiences, car trouble and all, are the chapters in my amazing life that I will never forget. 

(details to follow)

Run With The Roosters

99 days. 99 days came and 99 days went without me participating in a race following my twisted decision to race Crown King on a broken foot. 99 sunrises and 99 sunsets. 99 sleepless nights. 99 problems. You get the idea. 99. For a race junkie like myself, that's a long time. Too long. Fortunately, I ended that streak before it hit tripled digits.

Once I allowed myself the rest to heal up, I made a decision that my first race back would be Everyone Runs 'Run With The Roosters' race in July. I felt like that would be sufficient time to gain some leg speed back, plus having raced RWTR the last 3 years, I'm quite familiar with it. 'Run With The Roosters' begins outside of Old Tucson Studios and heads onto Kinney Road. It's five miles of rolling hills that are deceivingly difficult. It's very important to stay conservative in the beginning, because those hills dish out some damage in the latter stages of the race. 

Since my return from injury, I have been pretty obsessed with trails. I haven't been incorporating very many "tempo" runs into my training. My goal, ultimately, is to be an ultra runner and focus specifically on ultras. So as the days went by and it drew closer to race day, I began getting very nervous. I went back and forth on whether I was going to actually do the race. But I had made the commitment, so I was determined to follow through.

My stress level and self doubt reached a boiling point the week before the race. "I would be better off racing a 50k than this 5 miler.." I explained to Kristi, "I haven't done any tempo runs, I'm going to fall apart out there." I kept going, "around mile 3 it's going to get ugly. I know I'm going to blow up." It's bizarre that in all honesty, I would have been far more confident racing a 50k than a 5 miler. But it's true. 

Kristi had also gone back and forth on whether she wanted to participate in the race, but the day prior she made the decision to do it. So I headed off to Fleet Feet and came home with 2 race bibs. I was excited that Kristi was doing the race also and I was able to relax a little in regards to how I felt I would do. I figured what the hell, if she is willing to go completely out of her comfort zone and run in a race, the least I could do is limit the amount of bitching I express about what I'm most comfortable doing. Makes sense, right? 

'Run with the Roosters' starts really early, hence the reference of "rooster" in the title. So Kristi and I were up at a little after 1am getting ready to go. We probably could have slept later but both of us weren't feeling all that great and sleep was already hard to come by. After choking down some oatmeal we headed off to Old Tucson to go "Run with the Roosters!" 

We arrived at about 4 in the morning and got ourselves prepared. We were both feeling pretty awful, so I tried to keep us motivated. "We will feel so good once it's over" I explained to Kristi, followed by, "mile 3 is going to ruin me, I'm just certain of it.." I know how to motivate! I ran a little warm up mile, my feet felt like they had bricks attached to them. The air was thick with humidity, I felt like I was going to vomit. I took a deep breath and walked over to the starting line. "This is going to be ugly" I thought to myself.

After wishing Kristi luck, I went to the front of the crowd. I looked around at the other runners up in the front, "damn, these kids look quick" I thought. I saw at least 10 guys that looked fully capable of dishing out a good ole fashioned beat down. During the singing of the National Anthem I went over my race strategy in my head, "don't go out too fast...don't go out too fast..don't go out to fast.." 

The race director and genuine friend of mine, Steve Landau announced that it was time for the countdown; 5-4-3-2-1 Bring the action! A group of about 8 of us all went out in a lead pack. One guy immediately separated himself and took the first position. I thought "there is not a snowballs chance in hell that I try to catch him, I will just be smart and stay in this pack." I looked down at my Garmin; 5:10 pace... "For the love of God, slow the hell down!" I reprimanded myself. 

After I eased up on the gas a bit, I found myself sitting in 6th place. I could see that there was no way I was going to catch up with the leader, he was way out in front. The guy in 2nd place had also made good separation, unless he completely fell apart, chances were slim that I could catch him. I could see the 3rd place runner, he was in a distance reasonable to catch up with. I thought, "if I run smart, I may be able to steal 3rd place."

Around the 1.5 mile mark I made my move on the 5th place runner. I was holding on to about a 6 minute pace and felt pretty good. I was able to pass him and begin focusing on 4th place. I could see he was already struggling. I pushed on the gas and moved in front of him. Now it was time to take down number 3. 

As I put a little distance between me and the runner I had just passed, I was struck with nausea. I just passed the mile 2 mark and felt like I was going to bonk. "This wasn't supposed to happen until mile 3?" I thought to myself. I tasted sickness brewing. I looked at my Garmin, I had slowed to a 6:30 pace. I took a deep breath and focused on turning my legs over. I began creeping up on 3rd place, he was now within striking distance. "Quit being a baby. Go get this guy!" I told myself. I got a second wind and hammered past him. "Good job, man!" He shouted at me as I showed him the back of my shirt. "You too.." I carefully mumbled,  trying not to spill out the contents of my stomach. 

The next mile of this race is the toughest, It's a steady climb to the turn around. I was surprised at how good I felt as I past the mile 3 mark. I had picked my pace back up to 6:20 and felt stronger than I had all day. I grabbed a cup of water at the aid station and dumped it on my head as I made the turn to head back. I had put a good amount of distance on the guy behind me and was sitting very comfortably in 3rd place. 

The final stretch back to Old Tucson is particularly entertaining. Because this race is an out and back (with a short segment that takes you off the main road) you get to see all of the runners that are behind you. It gives you a boost. With shouts of encouragement coming from so many of my friends, I was completely invigorated. I had picked my pace back up to 6:15 and felt energized. I could see that I now began gaining on the 2nd place runner.

With less than a mile to go, I knew I wasn't going to catch up to the runner ahead of me. I just wanted to cut his lead down as much as I possible could. I kept chipping away and I continued to get closer. The sound of the finish line celebration as I closed in was music to my ears. It continued to get louder and my heart was pumping adrenaline. I was running smooth and fast. My body felt light as air. I took a right into Old Tucson and shot through the finish line. This is my favorite feeling on earth! 

I finished the race in 31:13, 16 seconds behind 2nd place. This wasn't my fastest time on this course, but it felt like it was my best race. I was extremely pleased with the outcome, can't wait to do it again. There are so many elements to running and racing. I continue to learn more about myself through this beautiful sport. The happiness it gives me is simply priceless. 

After catching my breath for a few minutes, I headed back onto the course to go find Kristi. When I finally reached her, she was running as hard as she could. I am so proud of her! I ran, jogged, walked and talked to her until she crossed the finish line. The least I could do to is pass this beautiful gift on. Who knows, maybe it will change her life too? 

Everyone Runs really knows how to put on finish line festivities! Fully equipped with a slip and slide, free breakfast, snow cones, coffee, smoothies and more, Mr. Landau raises the bar when it comes to putting on first class events. Bravo!

Time to add another Rooster Trophy to my collection!

Bring The Action

Rakin' it in

Rooster Red Carpet

Sky Island Serenity

"Where have you been all my life?!" I shrieked as I came flying down Aspen Trail. I can see all of Tucson from the edge of the trail, one false move and I will be on my way there. It's absolutely beautiful up here.

My entire body is flanked with shade as the trees form an almost perfect arch around the single track trail. I feel a grin spread across the length of my face, because I am exactly where I want to be. I am home. I am glad I made it to the last TTR run of the season, I now know where I will be spending a good part of my summer. Here, in Sky Island. 

The air is full of moisture, I almost taste the shrubbery surrounding me. A flock of purple butterflies dance in the air to the beat of nature. The beauty surrounding me almost distracts me from the challenge that Marshall Gulch Trail is throwing at me. It's a constant climb, the rocks attempt to twist my ankles, I refocus my footing and breath in the fresh air. Tastes like pine trees. 

I really like it up here. It makes me realize just how much of the Catalina Mountains are still foreign to me. I want to explore this entire mountain range, I am ready to expand the plethora. I feel like I'm being drawn to the mountains, like they are calling my name. When I drive around I am constantly looking at all of the mountains surrounding southern Arizona. I daydream of running all of the trails and hitting all of the summits. I am certain that I have found my calling.

Once I top out on Marshall Gulch Trail, I hang a right onto Aspen Trail and begin the ascent. This is my second Marshall/Aspen loop of the morning and I am sucking air. These trails are deceivingly difficult. After the relentless climb over the first segment I reach my favorite section of all. I stop to catch my breath as I look over the edge of the cliff. "It's go time!" I shout as I begin flying down the single track trail that hugs the edge of the cliff. I look to my right for just a second, I can see for thousands of miles. I feel like a caged animal just released into the wild. 

After finishing up my descent into Marshall Gulch I sat down to absorb all of the beauty. "I am one blessed individual" I think to myself, "all of this could've been missed." Remembering how fortunate I am is not always easy to do. I want more. I want more money and more stuff. More things that I don't need. I want. But when I am alone, in my element, I can finally appreciate what I have. I am here and I have everything I need. Right here, right now. I am at peace. 

I depart and make my way to Sunset Trail. The next mile and a half is nothing but climbing. "For God sakes, I've been climbing all damn day" I complain to myself, "and I freakin' love it.." I finally reach the end of the trail, I look at my Garmin; 11 miles in 2 hours and 13 minutes. "Those must've been some tough miles.." I say, under my breath. Awesome. 

On my drive back down Catalina Highway I was witness to the fresh aftermath of a severe motorcycle accident. Traffic was at a standstill as we watched paramedics load up the victim into the ambulance. I had just finished spending my morning in paradise doing what I love and I am now watching a body being carted away. My heart swelled up with sadness, again I am forced to appreciate my life. Life is serene. What a day. What a day on that big hill in my backyard.

Aspen Delight

Skyrunning

Armpit Police

Well, it is official. The return to running from an injury "honeymoon" phase has ended. It was wonderful while it lasted. I was convinced that I would never have to force myself to go run again, that I would be so grateful and appreciative that I can run, I would have all the motivation I could handle. Sadly, no. It has fizzled out and now I'm back to "I don't feel like running today" or "I'll just rest today, it's too hot" etc. And so on and so forth. And what have you.

It's not everyday that I have  to "force" myself to get out and run, but at least a couple times a week that is the case. On my drive home from work the other day, I told myself at least a dozen times that I was too tired to run and that I should take the day off. I got home and preceded to tell Kristi all the things I had been telling myself. "I'm too tired, I'm not gonna run today." I looked to her for a response, only to be met with a blank stare. Kristi has learned to ignore my self doubt, as her response has never swayed my decision one way or another. She knows better. "I'm just not feeling it today," I tell her as I pull out my running shoes. 

Eventually, I put on a pair of running shorts and depart. I managed one of my fastest runs in a long time. My last mile was 6 flat. I got home and started spitting out all my splits to Kristi, "the first mile was 7:15 then 6:50 then..." was she even listening? ".... and my last last mile was 6 flat!" I shouted, ending the explanation of my daily statistics. I must be a world of entertainment to live with. 

I want to be the best. I want to win races. I want to come in first place and stand on the podium. This is what I strive for and these are my dreams. And I love it. I want to work harder than I've ever worked in my entire life to achieve my goals. I will not settle. 

There is nothing in my life that is as powerful as running. It has molded me physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have learned to love myself because of running and as a result, I have learned to love others. This may sound too dramatic for some people to comprehend, but these are facts. 

One facet of my life that has been reconstructed from the pile of rubble I created is the relationship that I have with my family. For so many years I took for granted the family I was blessed to be part of. Sometimes I feel like I'm living 2 completely different lives, in one lifetime. There are parts of my past that I have trouble believing actually happened. At times when I reflect I think, "did that really happen, or was it just a dream?" 

A few months ago my sister, Ariana said she was going to come visit me during the Summer. I thought, "visit me in Tucson, during the Summer? Who does that?" Most people run away from this incinerator during the Summertime. 

Staying true to her word, my sister came out with her two boys and visited me. Here. In the Old Pueblo. In the days leading up to her visit I was struck with fear. A fear of what to do. "What can we go do?" I thought, "these boys live next door to the almighty Disney World, what do I have to offer?" I hadn't seen my sister (or my nephews) in over 2 years. Needless to say, I was very excited. 

As soon as Ariana and the boys, Noah and Toby arrived, the fear of finding stuff to do, disappeared. It was so great to see my nephews and my wonderful sister. We sat in my living room and caught up. Kristi suggested that we go drive up to Mount Lemmon and ride on the ski-lifts to the very top. We all agreed that was a perfect idea. Thank God for Kristi, the only idea I had come up with was 'Sonoran Hotdogs'.. 

The following day we went and picked up Hannah, Kristi's brilliantly awesome daughter and all of us headed up to the magnificent Mount Lemmon. Everyone was excited to get on the ski-lifts, except for Mr. Toby. Ariana decided to stay with Toby and the rest of us prepared for departure. Noah and I shared a lift and had a nice conversation. It was great to spend time with him, he is such a kind soul. As we neared the top I received a text from Ariana, "We are on the way up" she wrote. I later found out that she had bribed Toby with fudge. Well done, Ariana. Well done indeed.

We all spent some time together on top of Mount Lemmon. We enjoyed the beautiful views and the cool air. We took pictures, we laughed and teased each other. I love my family. Toby requested to ride with his Uncle Sheddy (nickname courtesy of Toby) on the way down. On our way down Toby turned and looked me in the eyes and said "it's so peaceful up here." I just love that kid.

That evening, after indulging on some outrageously delicious Sonoran Dogs, we all went swimming. As I was swimming around It became quite apparent that Toby is fascinated by armpit hair. "You have armpit hair!" He shouted, giggling like a maniac. Noah chimed in, "he's obsessed with armpit hair." I turned and looked to Toby for his rebuttal, "I'm the armpit police!" he exclaimed. There is never a dull moment when that boy is around.

The following day they had to leave. We only had one full day together and we made the best of it. Kristi, Hannah and I walked the three of them to their car to say our good byes. As the car was pulling away we heard a little voice screaming, "bye Hannah, bye Hannah!"  We all waived goodbye and the car disappeared into the distance. I was overcome with emotion. I went to my bedroom and cried. I am so grateful for my life and my family.

A few hours after they departed, I went on a run. As I was running, I reminisced. I think the most important part of running for me, is the time it gives me to think, to appreciate. I am very appreciative that my sister, who was visiting my parents in NM, drove hundreds of miles to visit me and see my world. I have a pretty cool life today and want to share it. Thank you all for spending time with me and my family and getting a glimpse of my world. You are welcome to come back anytime!

The temperature was well into the triple digits as I zigzagged my way up Esperero Trail. I thought about the life that could've been. My legs pushed harder up the simmering rock face. I recall having nothing except the clothes on my back. I am overwhelmed with heat, I am sick to my stomach. I remember having no direction. I only push harder. I am alive. I reached a point that I felt fit to make my turnaround. I took a seat a shed a few more tears for my second chance at life. I am truly blessed. I powered through the remainder of my run, fueled by immeasurable appreciation. This is all the motivation I need.

Noah Livin' The High Life

Toby and Uncle Sheddy

The Whole Crew

Artwork By Noah Strong