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.