I came to the run looking to regroup mentally and do a little “pre-sixty year” review. I got much more than I paid for.

I got to see in a authentic way, life isn’t really all about me.  I experienced courage and humility from people like I hadn’t seen in a long time, if ever. I saw people hobble on a bad knee to a goal– come hell or high water, I saw people with big disappointments in their game plan go work on the trail instead of just sitting down (world class running people), I heard people talk through the aceptance of their age and of one day soon not being able to do these ultra-runs, but to just take up hiking and be content with that stage of life.

I got gifts of “gaiters” and “poles” just from mentioning I would like to borrow some (I have them on display to remember).

I got exposed to some of the most wonderful cooking and hospitality I have experienced so far anywhere — all and all it was the best time and lesson – with the best group of people a man “fixing” to turn 60 could have had.

I think instead of wars and divorce courts, if the parties involved would go to Rodger’s “little” 1 mile loop in Silveron, Colorado and spend 6 days with themselves going in circles till their legs felt like they were falling off — there would be much peace and love making instead of contention.

James Elroy Whitworth, D.V.M.

P.S.

Don’t fool yourself thinking I learned a big lesson and won’t be back!! I am in Texas with my new “Rodger look a-like” tank tops and I am out here on the farm doing loops and jumping off the barn roof to simulate the down hills on the course — I will come back if the Lord is willing and I will be gunning for 300+ miles, but I would be happy with 100 miles and Tana’s and Ivy’s cooking.