12:57:40

I am drafting this post just a few days before Christmas. I know it is long overdue and it may change at some point in the future but for now, I wanted to reflect something while we are still in 2006...

The spectacular day of August 27, 2006 seems like so long ago. And yet, the pictures in my mind and the feelings of that day are fresh. My goal was 13 hours. I just made it. I won't go into race details (the several mishaps and rookie mistakes, for instance...though they are entertaining so perhaps at some future date I'll add those in) since those race details are overshadowed by the essence of that day. All in all, it was an experience that I still have difficulty putting into words. It was a day that I would relive in a heartbeat...and I don't recall ever having said that, despite the many fabulous days I have been fortunate to have!

I will note, at least, that Penticton was simply magical...this beautiful little town tucked away in the Okanagan Valley, with its undulating landscape, shimmering lakes and rich greens, made for a stunning race course. But even more special were Penticton's townspeople and visitors alike - what energy, what motivation, what encouragement. I cannot adequately put into words how wonderful it was to see a whole town light up for this event. My friend Rick and I ran a good portion of the run together and, while I admit we exchanged less-than-positive words laced with sarcastic humour (used purely to keep us sane through the torture that the last half of the run is), those strangers who never seemed to tire of their cheers kept our mood lighter than I believe it otherwise would have been.

Of course, the cheers and encouragement of the non-strangers, and my biggest fans - Marcus, Ainslie and Rick's mom (Rick's dad was racing, too!!) - gave me the biggest boost of all...

Most definitely, it was an experience I will never forget. Ever...

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and yelling - "WOW...What a Ride!" (Unknown)

He who never risks going beyond his limits should not complain about the mediocrity of his existence. (Anon)