This was my second year at Syllamo. I usually don't like to do the same run too many times because there are so many to discover, but Syllamo Arkansas is magic.
I had a great weekend although brutally tough. A tornado recently went through and they had 15” of snow the week before. This left for what seemed like hundreds of fallen trees in the path as wells as a lot of water run-off and water crossing. It was 30 miles Friday, 50 miles Saturday (16,000’ elevation change), and 14 miles Sunday. Although I trained less than last year, I ran much better. I finished with some good runners. These are guys that, in the past, would have eaten, changed and showered by the time I crossed the finish line on the 50-mile day. It was awesome. Feel great. No pains, blisters, issues, etc. Life is good.
This group of elite athletes, as well as the entire forest, fall eerily silent as Dave Wakefield (last years overall winner) sings the National Anthem. Goose bumps.
Falling in the river while trying to show off for Photographers. Smoooth.
Ran with the second place girl from Wyoming, named Corena. She ran the 50k and the 20k. Dropped me both days. Must have been something I said. Smoooth.
My campsite at the base of a big rock bluff
Me and Stewart Johnson – multiple 100 miler and Hard Rock 100 finisher
Early morning start of the 50 mile in the dark. The little lights are all the headlamps coming up the hill
Sweet. I love finish lines. Ultra running is said to be very similar to hitting yourself in the head with a hammer. It feels really good when you stop.
Me and Stewart Johnson – multiple 100 miler and Hard Rock 100 finisher Early morning start of the 50 mile in the dark. The little lights are all the headlamps coming up the hill 
Sweet. I love finish lines. Ultra running is said to be very similar to hitting yourself in the head with a hammer. It feels really good when you stop.It also doesn't take long before you start craving the next one. A sick, wonderful cycle.
