As part of trend that I hope to see grow, I’ve decided to provide you, my readers, with pictures from the ultra. Because every internet surfer loves pictures– even the semi-literate ones.

Here I am right before starting the race. Just look at the optimism and faith in my eyes. That’ll change.

After 2 laps (about 17 miles in):

Some of my pacers:

Coming in on lap 3:

After completing the race. My optimism has been replaced with endorphins… look at the dopey smile. I look little the worse for wear, however:

I had an epiphany yesterday, regarding Back on My Feet‘s ultramarathon.

My brother’s been extremely helpful with the ultra, eliminating my concerns with parking and driving home afterwards (I doubt I’ll be in any condition to drive, after all). He, together with my fiance and some old teammates, plan on standing on the sidelines and offering whatever help is needed. They also want to jump in as pacers at the end of the race, to keep me focused and motivated.

Their support– which is by no means limited to this weekend– enables me to do great things. Without my pit crew, I wouldn’t have the focus I’ll need to complete a 50-miler.

I understand just how lucky I am. After all, there are many people in our world who never had such an amazing support system– Among them, the urban homeless represented by Back on My Feet. These are men and women who can achieve great things, if they just have the support.

Tomorrow, we will be their support. The relay teams, the joggers and ultramarathoners. The volunteers, whose sacrifices utterly dwarf mine. That was my realization.

My race is just one tiny struggle in a world of struggles. By perservering, I am joining, supporting, and being supported by our common humanity.

My list of supplies for the ultra:

Grey shorts
Running shorts
Singlet
Fuelbelt
Race number belt

Racing socks
Asics socks

Shoes
Spare Shoes

Bodyglide

Plastic bags (for ice/wet clothes)

Gatorade
Soda (for end of race)

GU
Pretzels
White bagels
Cookies
Apple Sauce
Crackers

Nuskin
Band-aids
Needle
Towel
Clear first-aid tape
Tums (or a substitute… haven’t bought any yet) Share on Facebook

Today I got an email that suggested my old Facebook was not entirely useless. I was dubious, but further examination only supported this possibility; indeed, I had been invited, via Facebook, to do something constructive.

The invitation came from Pat, an old cross country buddy who ran with me in high school. Well, that doesn’t quite describe our relationship. He ran his ass off all around our home town, and I desperately tried to keep up. He beat the crap out of me day after day, and showed me just how intense running can be. He’s a nut- the kind of nut that champion runners are made of.

This being the case, Pat has decided to raise money for Back on My Feet by participating in their 20in24 Relay. But not just that- Pat will attempt to run 100 miles over the course of the event. He’s trying to raise $600 by the 18th, so he’s looking for sponsors.

Thus we get back to my contrived introduction: He’s been inviting people (via facebook) to sponser this act of nuttiness. I thought that I would try and help spread the word. BOMF has such an amazing philosophy on helping people (check their site out if you haven’t heard of them), and this would be a good opportunity to show them some support. And of course there’s Pat, who deserves to succeed with such a noble goal.