Run From the Ducks 8hr Ultra

Run From the Ducks is a timed run.  Unlike many other races, it does not have a set distance that you run, rather, you run for a set amount of time and see how far you can go.  In this case, the clock was set for 8 hours.  Yup, 8 hours.  Imagine your entire workday (with no lunch break to speak of) RUNNING.

I want to give a special thanks to my support crew on this race: Travis, who ran for a couple hours with me to help keep the pace alive and offer some support and encouragement.  Sam, who volunteered at the race and counted my laps.  While a lot of his peers gave up and started goofing off, Sam stayed with it to make sure I got credit for each lap I did.  I appreciate your dedication.  And Mindi, the best crew chief I could ask for.  Not only did she keep me hydrated, fed, motivated and focused, she changed my shoes and cared for 4 kids at the same time.  If anyone deserves an award for this event, it is her.  Thank you to everyone who made it possible; I couldn't have done it with out you.

Before the race with my favorite crew

My goal for the race was to complete 40 miles.  The furthest I had gone up to that point was about 33.  To achieve 40 miles I would have to average 5 miles an hour, which isn't very fast, but I had to account for water breaks, bathroom break and time to eat, change shirts or shoes or whatever else might come up.

There were less than 20 runners that braved the rainy morning

 The course was a beautiful loop through Clark Gardens in Mineral Wells, TX.  The loop was almost 1 mile long.  Towards the end of the race it was very challenging not to stop every mile and take a rest.  If it wasn't for my great crew and cheer squad I wouldn't have done nearly as well as I did.

Best cheer squad and crew ever.  I couldn't have done it with out them.

It rained almost ALL day.  The kids were such troopers to stay and support me despite the elements.

Water began to flood much of the trail after about 5 hours.  I kept repeating, "just keep swimming, just keep swimming."

This isn't sweat, this is liquid Awesome!

Everyone got a workout

I was reduced to walking several times over the eight hours.  It was more important to keep moving forward than moving forward fast.  Plus, walking gave me a chance to visit with some cool ultra runners.

40 miles.  I made my goal in about 6 1/2 hours and was pretty wiped out.  But the whole point wasn't to get just 40 miles...It was to see just how much I could get.  After a brief rest and some coconut water, I was back out there.

I did 4 laps in the last 30 minutes trying to hold a spot in the top 3.

My final count was 47.5 miles in eight hours.  My final 4 laps were enough to put me in third place overall.