Just a very quick note to say that I finished Burning River!!! I believe that I am one of the happiest guys on earth right now! I had stomach problems again, about as bad as at Mohican, but I handled them differently. I also had so much help from so many friends and so much good fortune that my head is spinning from it all. It felt like the whole world was cheering for me and giving me a soft shove in the small of my back to help me down the trail (don't disqualify me; I'm using meataphore...kinda).
The course was spectacularly beautiful and very rough. The scenery constantly changed from one type of beauty to another all day and all night long. The weather varied as well. We had heat, we had rain, we had fog, we had perfect blue skies and sun dappled rivers.
The volunteers were saintly and I have to say that Joe Jurczyk must be the best race director on earth. I heard someone say that they knew the race would be a good one because it was "A Joe Jurczyk event". I guess that makes Joe a brand name. He deserves it. The event can be described in one word: perfect. My finish requires two words: Ugly and Ecstacy.
I'll write much more in a few days.
To all of you who got me to the finish line (and there were many of you): Thank you and I love you. Chat soon. --Mark
You were awesome out there and in such great spirits all the times that I saw you. Not a complaint in sight. You were happy feeling the pain and being alive. A man of such great character.
ReplyDeleteBy the way: I am glad I didn't have to use "the boot" at Happy Days.
Way to go Mark!! Congrats!!! Can't wait to hear the rest of the story! Terri
ReplyDeleteCongrats Mark! That's great stuff, can't wait to read the rest of your adventure. I won't be doing Running With Scissors, that's the same day as the Indian Trail Run 60k. You should consider doing that with me one of these years. ;)
ReplyDeleteFrom the sounds of it, I may need to shoot for a Burning River 100 miler next year after I beat the Mohican 50 miler. :)
Nick, your encouragement and good spirits got me to that finish line. that is the truth.
ReplyDeleteLuc, I have done the 60K a few times. I just love it. Maybe I should change my plans...I thought the Indian run was earlier.
Terri, thanks. I am loving your blog btw.
Mark: A huge congrats to you on finishing the Burning River 100! This race report is one of the best I've ever read. You are a very talented runner (adn writer) and your passion for ultrarunning and life comes right through. Soak up this moment and this great achievement for all they're worth because you've earned it! - Wyatt
ReplyDeleteThanks Wyatt
ReplyDeleteI've been walking around with this big goofy grin on my face since the finish line. We really are lucky to be able to do this aren't we ?