It has been a while folks. I could tell ya the reasons, but they dont matter really. Being a short, fat, unathletic feller, I have always despised running. I know it is good for your health and all, but for some reason I cant seem to pull it off. Hundred yard dashes, laps for football, basketball blood and guts, etc. always seemed like punishment to me.
Imagine my surprise when I learned that my twin brother Jim not only *loves* running, he also competes in ultra-marathons.?.? I thought he was joking when he told me about it. Ultra-marathons are usually 50 to 100 mile runs – with a time limit in which to finish. I was fortunate and blessed that Jim asked me to “crew” him during the Daytona 100 – a 100 mile run and race from Jacksonville, Fla. to Daytona Beach, Fla. More on what I learned from that in a minute – first, some background…
Most people know the story of the first “marathon” from Greek history. However, a lot of what one learns about the “Nike” run is wrong… Pheidippides actually ran 300 miles, not 26.2.
In early December 2018, Jim ran 100 miles from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach. My job was to drive supplies to aid stations and help Jim get what he needed to finish the race. It wore me out driving, I cant imagine running it. I witnessed the will of the human spirit – and learned the importance of determination in meeting and beating a goal… To give you an idea, Jim burned over 11000 calories during the run. His body endured pain and suffering I am unable to comprehend. I was left feeling guilty for my laziness – and realized that growth requires pain and suffering. It is SUPPOSED to be uncomfortable. I returned home with a greater respect and admiration for my brother, and a challenge to put myself in uncomfortable situations… I needed to go from this:
To this : So… Jim – Thanks for the trip, the lesson, and for opening the veil to the power of the human will and its unbreakable spirit. I will be honored to crew your runs – any length, any time, at any place. Love you bro. Thank God for the automobile…