Doug, the ultra man

Doug doesn't watch or follow a lot of sports. In fact, he can't join a conversation with most men about basketball, football, baseball stats. But ask him about any ultra runner and he can tell you their PRs, what shoe they wear, where they train etc.  He's been interested in ultra-running for a while and has been wanting to jump on that bandwagon. He signed up for a 50k in NJ but it was canceled last minute.

Since moving to Reno, Doug has been able to take advantage of the trails as well as my pregnancy (meaning, he has more time to run since we don't tag team on exercise as much now). So, he found a race in  the bay area that was on a Saturday and we were game.

The two weeks leading up to it were tough because of my toe problem, but I wasn't going to let that get in the way. He came home with a number of injections to numb my foot for the weekend and we were off. It was our first adventure to the Bay area since moving here but we didn't do much sight seeing, we are excited for that in the future!

Driving to the start of the race was beautiful, through the Muir Woods and then along Highway 1. Breathtaking and nauseating for this pregnant Mom. We pulled up to the race with minutes to spare, Doug pulled out a syringe and pumped my foot yet again to numb it so that I could drive and walk around. We totally looked like dopers. 

The race wasn't really meant for spectators, it was on very recluse trails that were difficult to get to, especially crippled and with children. So the girls and I drove back to the hotel for breakfast, to relax a bit and check out.

We headed back and tried to find him at some of the aid stations but had no luck. I called him to ask how he was doing. He said he was fine but was thinking of cutting it off at the 30k so that the family could have more time together.  I told him that's silly and to keep going. Leah heard that and said, "Dad better not do that, we didn't come here for him to quit!" I thought that was so cute!

We anxiously waited for him at the finish. I get so emotional watching runners come into the end at long races. Its so motivating.  Doug came in way stronger than I expected, and with 11 minutes to spare on his goal time. He ended up coming in 30th, out of the 70 that finished. And it turns out this is rated extremely challenging as far as trail races go. Poor guy had to drive home since the injection was starting to wear off.

And a few days later, Doug is ready to sign up for another...I think he's caught the bug! 

Just before the race

The home stretch...looking strong!

Battle wounds. Doug was so struck by the scenery at one point that he wasn't paying attention to his foot placement and totally ate it. He said he was glad no one was around him at that point.

At the finish. these girls were so proud and excited for their Dad. 

The view from Highway 1