- This was my last chance to turn around, get in the car and go get some breakfast! Right after this my daughter yelled out, "I'm proud of you for signing up!" It almost made me cry, but it was almost funny because she didn't express any optimism that I would actually finish! She was just proud of me for trying. Notice the flashlight...it was dark for about the first 1 1/2 hours of the race. It was a beautiful sight to see all the multi-colored flashlights and headlamps bobbing around ahead of me on the road. Those early morning miles were so exciting and exhilirating. The weather was awesome, there was a thrill and an anticipation in the air, it was dark and quiet. It was just an incredible experience.
- This is one of the first photos of the course that came out. You can start to see the vastness of the landscape and the ribbon of road snaking across the plains. This was before the first manned aid station where there were some turns and twists in the road.
- I met up with my pace group before the first aid station.
- This was the first manned aid station, Battle Creek. The volunteers were great and the aid stations were all well stocked. They offered to help fill my Camelbak, bring me drinks and snacks, get me my drop bag, anything I needed. Really awesome!