Saturday, May 26, 2018

Breaking News



A few posts ago I hinted at some pending exciting news to come. Well, today is the day to report on that. I'm very excited about this journey ahead for myself and the others I know who are taking part. At the same time I am humbled by the task in front of me.

Last year, I completed the Order of Hrimthurs, which was the hardest thing I had ever done. It included the life changing 160 miles of Tuscobia, the legendary and iconic Arrowhead 135 and, finally, Actif Epica which I appreciate more as time passes. When I started running ultras 6 short years ago, those were all races that were unreachable and impossible to imagine starting, let alone finishing. The lesson learned is that by taking a chance, you find out you can do much more than you think.

Early last month I decided to take another chance on something that long seemed an unattainable dream. After going back and forth as to whether I was ready or capable, I submitted an application to what had become a bucket list race for me. Yesterday I received this...





I've only known about this race since I started running ultras so to say this was a lifelong dream would be vastly overstating it. I have had a fascination with Alaska since I was 8 or 9 years old. It was a place of mystery, freedom and adventure. I've always wanted to go and now I will have the chance.

My previous races qualified me to enter the Iditarod Trail Invitational 350. I will have 10 days to make the 350 mile journey from near Anchorage to McGrath, along the Iditarod Trail in February 2019. And now I am officially on the roster.

I have plenty on my plate to keep me focused this year but as of now, everything is work towards ITI 2019. There is a ton of work and research in the months ahead but this will be an adventure to remember. Stay tuned!

http://www.iditarodtrailinvitational.com/

PS: Congratulations to fellow Hrimthurs, Paul Schlagel and Jeff Rock for also getting in. Knowing they will be there will make this experience even better. 

ITI350.png


4 comments:

  1. I haven't been on fb in forever, so what exciting and proud news to hear right away. We are all so proud of your efforts, you know - you are the only 'super athlete' that I am acquainted with, so this is exciting news. We know you will prepare hard and do your best next year. I will have to check out the website. My 'boys' from next door are amazed by you, as well. I share all your exploits with them and enjoy sharing you as an example of someone they can aspire to be, if they so choose. Great news, Dan.

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    1. Thank you. It is still a long way off but it will creep up on me like they always do. I'm very excited and can't wait to share the stories.

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  2. That is HUGE! Cannot wait to follow your progress on another epic journey!

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