I went into this race with one objective, one single purpose..... beat Stewart Johnson. Beat him like a red headed stepchild. You see Stewart is a Hardrock finisher. That makes him a very worthy adversary.
It was a good plan too. I dogged him for the better part of the first lap. Stayed right on his heals slowing wearing him down. Then, getting close to the turn around, he slipped away. Some like to say "I let him go". Not the case, he dropped me like a bad habit. He was leaving the turn-around as I came in. He was all smiley and upbeat with a clean shirt you just want to rub dirt into. I was hurting. Spent too much time at the turn. He picked up 50-minutes on me in the second lap. Age and experience defeats newbie exuberance once again. I will fight another day. I'm coming after you Ricky Bobby - Stewart Johnson!
Pete Leon, pre-race. Looking younger and leaner than ever. Pete and Casey Yunger, two great friends I work with, both started running a few years ago. They each have multiple marathons and 50k's under their belts. They are training for their first 50-miler, Berryman, May 17.
Kansas sunrise
Hills
Rocks
Remains of a prairie fire
Bluffs - Stewart Johnson, taunting me, laughing at me!
High water crossings
Sand
Race Director - Phil Sheridan and his wife Stacy did a fantastic job (Stacy obviously does most the work). In spite of all their efforts, this was a tough one for me. I was really tempted to quit, after the first 25-mile lap, but unfortunately couldn't because there were just too many people there I knew. I couldn't possibly slither off without finishing what I started. I'm glad I did because the second lap actually got better for me. Peer pressure is good. Especially these kinds of people. Ultra-runners are just the coolest people.
