Ultrarunning camp is over

“When you get exposed to people who have done such extraordinary things that pushes you, so that in some aspect of your life you will do something that is brave.”

-Joan Allen

Ultrarunning camp is over and it was awesome. Not only did I learn more about running, I had a great time and I've become more inspired to run than ever. I've met some more incredible people who have done extraordinary things. Steve, in the picture above, was amazing. He's in his 70s and just started running again last week. He did an amazing number of miles and his form and technique improved incredibly during the 4 days of camp. Fortunately for me, Steve lives a few miles from me and he's going to be running much, much more!! Steve, I'm very proud of you.

There was a breast cancer survivor who ran a marathon 6 weeks after a big surgery (you're my hero J), many who had done incredible races, a woman who went from doing a marathon to doing Leadville in a month and a half, M was accident prone as hell but fell down, laughed about it,picked herself up and started running again. Bob's 65, looks incredible, and is doing Badwater in a couple of weeks. Lora is just all around incredible. Leo came from England just to attend the camp! Everyone had a fantastic sense of humor (especially Chandler and Dave!!) and everyone was a terrific runner. I'm in awe of each and every person who attended camp. Lisa and Jay Batchen and Matt Hart you are all great coaches and so much fun. Lisa and Jay have a way of making regular people like me feel like we can accomplish anything if we want it badly enough. Thanks for letting me participate!

As far as Addison's, exercise and me is concerned, I will never be a good or great ultrarunner. However, in the last couple of weeks, I've found I can make quick friendships with like minded people, do some of what they do and be a part of the ultrarunning world in so many ways. I may or may not do the Grand Teton Races 100 miler at the end of August BUT I was able to participate in the Desert RATS stage race, the ultrarunning camp, and I may pace and crew a woman in the Leadville 100, etc. I can be part of a great community without going too far beyond my limits. I think that the last 2 weeks have been a lesson in limits and enjoying what I can do and what I am good at without going too far physically.

Here are some pictures from the last couple of days.

Tetons 6 am


Judy poses with the Grand Targhee sign 5 minutes after meeting me


Lisa and Jay have all of us over for dinner. Look how clean we all are!

Coach Lisa makes Dave work for his food!

The gang gets started on this morning's run

Group photo in Rick's Basin



The running begins!

Pretty Julie, a future Leadville 100 runner, enjoys Rick's Basin and the great outdoors