Post Death Run

First off thanks to everyone on their best wishes for the death race run this year.  It was most encouraging to hear your support. 

Thanks also to Ms. Csillag, Sifu Regier, Sihing Regier for making the event AWESOME!  Couldn't ask for a better group of people to tackle the task.  Everyone gave it their all as true martial artists and it really showed.  Also to Mr. Regier and Mr. Regier (Jr's) you guys did spectacular! 

Also thanks to Mr. Csillag and Ms. Krebs for the organization and mega support out there!  It was very much appreciated.

"Be Impressive".  That was the slogan pasted on the death race T-shirt this year.  What did that exactly mean?  This was a loaded slogan.  Prior to the race I took this slogan and felt it's meaning to show every spectator and fellow racer an effort that is worthy of a Silent River Student.  That was good!  This is perfect! Run when others are walking, breath properly when others are gasping, show compassion to struggling runners.

But, when the reality hits halfway up the mountain, and you like every other runner is gasping for air, walking alongside everyone else, and casually step over that piece of garbage like hundreds before you, "Be impressive" tends to lose it's luster.

This Death Race is like life compressed into 24 hours!  Dehydration, physical exhaustion, hunger, chemical imbalance, and a diet of concocted performance liquids and energy bars just makes the time warp to the "I don't give a $#%# phase faster.

Aha!  That is what "Be impressive" means. A life commitment to the extraordinary.  Not just going through the motions when things are easy.  The fella that runs solo and finishes 125km in 13 hours is less impressive than 71 year old "Dag" who did not make it past leg three, because Dag is not blessed with youth, yet he overcomes greater odds because of his commitment to being extraordinary.

Now that I wrote that, you would think that I adhere by it, however it is a great deal easier to say than it is to follow.  Looking back on the race, "Be Impressive" soon forced me to answer the question.  Did I impress myself during the run this year.  Well strictly looking at the numbers, no.  I did however show progression in other forms that I am proud of.  I thought about the well being of the team and did not rush down technical trails where Sketchy and Dodgy (right and left knee respectively) could end the teams effort for a finish.  I overcame countless battles of mind and body and ran where five years ago I would have walked.  While my training was an abomination this year, and physically I was disappointed in myself for the lack of commitment to putting more time on the trails, I have progressed in mindset.  My focus was very strong through the race and I was pleased with that. So with that, I guess I am pleased in certain aspects with my progression, but certainly realize there is work to be made.  With any luck I will be blessed with many more years of Kung Fu and death racing; ever searching for a life that is "impressive". a life that is "impressive".