But seriously, folks...

Pardon my silliness from the other day, or not. This is a serious endeavor we are undertaking, and yet without a healthy dose of levity it will be just a death march, and who wants that?

With all sincerity, however, I am extremely appreciative of those encouraging us and also those supporting our efforts, including our sponsors Portland Running Company and Dave’s Killer Bread (and I hope to soon add another to that list). I’d also like to send a shout out to our gracious race volunteers Christine Starnes, Frank Allaert and Rachel Crowley, who will give up a part of their weekend for us. Kudos to Brenda Parrish who upgraded the logo she designed for the original UltraLords 6x6 team from 2007. And thanks to all those who’ve already made generous contributions to our charities or might soon be considering it. And the rest of you out there reading about us, or cheering us on, or who will be willing to give us your seat on the bus that Monday after the event…

I’m happy to report that the HTC Race Committee, especially Bob Foote and Jude Hubber, seem more than tolerant of our undertaking so far. It is my intent to ensure that they do not regret that. After all, following our 200-mile warm-up jog, they are pulling out all the stops, including inviting more than 1,000 other teams for us to chase after and celebrate with on the way west. I know, they were going to do that anyway, but still…

And I can’t forget my tremendous teammates, without whom none of this would be possible. They are preparing very hard. In fact they train so much they have no time to answer my emails, which makes sorting through the logistics that much more challenging. (A few thoughts on logistics in my next post.) These are good guys (not one career politician among them) and talented (not game show talented, although I suppose I shouldn’t rule it out; not sideshow talented, although you have to be a little odd to be an UltraLord; just dedicated, resilient and impressive maturing athletes who also still have to work for a living) and fun to be around, and yes  - seriously - I still expect to feel that way after sharing a vehicle with them for 50+ straight hours.

Steve