Wasatch 100 Endurance Run

I need to start this post off with a little observation. When I told people that Andy was going to run the Wasatch 100 they say, "Oh, cool." No big deal. Then, after a while, they ask, "So, that's the relay, right?" No, it's a 100 mile run. "Oh." A while later, I get follow up questions like, "So, who's he running with?" Or "How often does he have to run to reach a 100 miles?" It just doesn't sink in, to those who don't know, until finally we come to, "He's running the WHOLE 1oo MILES! BY HIMSELF? STRAIGHT?" That was pretty much the same reaction to anyone who isn't in the running community. And I get it. The idea that it is even physically possible is baffling. But hundreds of people do it. And some even enjoy it. And some, like Andy, can say they did it and NEVER do it again....I wish. :)

He started at 5 in the morning and ran the first 40 miles by himself along the top of the Wasatch mountains. But finally, after that, I was able to see him. He looked great and was happy after just running an absurd distance and still having 60 more to go! Starting at mile 40 they are allowed to have one person at a time run with them, for certain distances, to keep them going and keep them safe (and keep them sane.)

Andy's dad is trying to slap some sense into him, "Stop this running nonsense, are you crazy?"

Coming up into the Lamb's Canyon checkpoint with Tom. Now if Tom was only wearing matching knee socks, THEN they would look awesome.

Two of his life savers, Isaac and Tor (And little Tate on top.) It was such a gorgeous day.

These guys are so awesome. Treating blisters and changing socks while shoving food in his mouth to keep him going.
9:08 p.m. at the top of Millcreek Canyon. It was 31 degrees here but he was still strong and in good spirits, thanks to Isaac.

At 1:30 a.m. he rolled into Brighton Lodge for another pacer switch out and hey, why not brush his teeth while he's here? Thanks so much to Tor for crewing at every single stop, you were a life saver!!! (Oh yea, and thanks for running through pitch black mountains for 4 hours too.)
Someone's eyes are a little glazed and hands were a little shaky. He was still doing unbelievable at this point, but making me very nervous with how he was acting here. But Pete kept him safe and sane, even through the sleep walking and altitude. Here's the thing, his buddy Pete is running a marathon, across the top of the mountains in the middle of the night in 28 degrees for Andy. That's love.
10:22 a.m. 29 hours and 22 minutes later he's at the Homestead! YEA!!!! 67th place out of 250
Andy and his buddy Jeff. Jeff was just as insane and ran the whole race well. He tore it up with only minimal damage to his extremities. Thanks for training with Andy, buddy. You're both nuts.

Run, Ella, Run! (And swim and bike....)

A long, cold wait. The water was warmer than the air.

On Labor Day Ella made us the proudest parents ever! She has been begging to do a triathlon all summer and she finally got to! (We won't talk about the last time we tried to have her do one. Let's just say her parents feel like jerks.) It was in the Murray city pool and it was FREEZING! The swim was 75 meters, the bike was 2.3 miles and the run was .6 miles. Not too bad for a seven year-old. I was so nervous about her swimming on her own, because she just started learning this summer and hasn't done it a whole lot, so we kept reminding her, "When you get tired, just use the rope." Well, she didn't forget. It was so cute, she swam about 10 feet straight for the rope and then slowly pulled herself along, swimming here and there, not wanting to get out of the water. She was second to last out of the water out of everybody...and I am not sarcastic when I say I am so proud! :0) I was just relieved to have the swim over with. Especially since after that she booked it on her bike ride, going up 5 super steep hills and passing kid after kid, then coming in smiling and started her run passing even more coming in 36th out of 63. Not too bad!! My little girl is so amazing. I love you, Ella!

Actually happy to finally get in the water. The anticipation always makes you more nervous.

Here she goes! She just wanted to stay in the water where it was warm.

Transition 1. I wish we could have helped her, but she did it all on her own.

Pass her, Ella! Mommy and Max cheering her on as she heads out on her bike.

Starting the run she grabbed a banana and drink. Not because she necessarily needed it, but because that's what Dad does in his races.

My gold medalist!