Ultraman Canada coverage on ESPN

WoW! I was not even planning on doing this race, at least not this year. Ultraman Canada ended up being a lot more than I thought it would be. As an event, as a proving ground, as a bonding experience, it exceeded all of my expectations.

I didn't really have this race on my radar, except as a "one day I'd like to", until my plans to Run2Boston with Charlie Engle got postponed (as explained in Runner's World). I needed something on my schedule that was big and new, and this fit the bill.

As I was preparing, some local triathletes that had done the race kept telling me, "Steve Brown [the Race Director] puts on the best event I've ever been to." I didn't really know what they meant by that, but it sounded good (and it really was several people).

I was faster than I thought (and more daunted by the challenges leading up to it, ie - a 10k swim, making the 12hour cutoff for the 173 mile bike) and my bike time straight blew me away. The exact line I'd been using was "Day 2 is going to be tough, it will take me more than 11 hours and I hope less than 12". I finished just a few ticks under 9hr30 (09:29:51). It was one of those days that just felt good and more importantly, opened up a new awareness, to something I have and I'm hopeful that I can tap into that again and again and again.

Outside of the performance, which is really not what draws me to these events, the connections with people were unforgettable. Steve fosters this family feel that truly makes you feel like every other athlete, every crew member, the entire circle of staff and ultra Ohana - is much more than just new friends. It is incredible.

Lastly, my crew was the best. It couldn't have been better from my perspective. I'll only single out my mom, purely to leave the others off my public website. I couldn't really understand why I ended up with my mom as a crew member. It is a bit of a risk, let's say ;) It was the best choice I could have made. She was massively helpful and I'm so glad to have this memory of us together - forever. Thanks Ma! 29th August 2014

Runner's World Article

Working on this piece with Charlie Engle was hugely rewarding. It was a process. He's a very good interviewer and I think this article blows away the 'same ol same ol'. The photoshoot with Jose Mandojana was also a lot of fun and more from that can be found here: http://blog.josemandojana.com/?p=1292

The print article is way better (imo) - but the online version is here: http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/losing-his-legs-made-him-stronger-than-ever?page=single

...and lastly. All I am willing to claim is that I am tougher than I used to be. Still, it's a pretty cool headline ;)

Competitor Radio Interview

Great opportunity to chat with Bob Babbitt on Competitor Radio Gotta love him for covering endurance sports! It's an awesome archive of great interviews - I listen to them all. It is very cool to be on the list - between Dave Scott and Freddie Rodriguez no less! Listen to Andre Kajlich interview = HERE =

Hoje Em Dia!

Walter Reed Visit

Molly Shen from KOMO news did a story about my visit to veteran friend Dan Berschinski and other wounded soldiers at Walter Reed - it was an amazing experience and an eye opener. We are awfully isolated over here, especially tucked way up in the Pacific NW - much of that is a blessing and much of that is thanks to many generations of veterans and active duty service members. I was thrilled to be able to help in any little way and believe we all can and should do more.