Sweet 50K

by Thaddeus Michael Sweet In true idiot form, this trip got off on the right foot.  Thursday morning, I got everything packed up, got my 28-year-old pop-up, hitched up to the family mini van and picked up fellow idiot, Scott Olthoff. We were off on our adventure.  This was not my first voyage into ... More

The Evolution of a Running Mug

From an overweight wanna-be jogger to a 100 mile ultra runner... On a cold January day in 2006, without realizing what was happening, I took the first few steps in the evolutionary process. These steps were accompanied by a lot of gasping for air, sweat and an overwhelming desire to quit. That first mile was a horrib... More

The journey to Zone 2

by Rob Benefiel In September 2009, I opened an HVAC company. This was preceded by eight years of sedentary desk work. In November, I stepped on the scales and I'd hit 200 pounds. Whoa. My 36-inch waist pants were tight, and I was laboring to climb ladders and stairs. Okay. Enough. Time to get back into shape. ... More

The will to succeed

Will. Persistence. Guts. Discipline. Resolution. Stamina. Grit. Determination. Whatever you want to call it, I've been searching for it for most of my adult life.  I've always admired people like my husband Tim who plays musical instruments so well; or my friend Misty who earned her degree while working a ... More

Third Time’s A Charm

In June of 2010, I experienced my first Relay for Life event. I ran 216 laps or 54 miles that night and walked away with a feeling of satisfaction. A feeling that I had done something special. In June of 2011, I participated in my 2nd Relay for Life and ran 212 laps or 53 miles throughout the night and left with that same ... More

The Relay

There are a lot of races and events that people look forward to running in.  For me the races are few and far between. A grand total of 6 races is all I made it to last year.  This year I have cut down on my mileage due to two things, a newborn and a knee injury.  But there was one event that I wanted to make ... More

Does It Really Matter?

Fundraising is draining. Emotionally and physically. I ask myself, "Does it really matter?" Sometimes I really want to quit and just concentrate on my race/run/event. Take the extra time to relax and get into my ninja-like state of calm..... Then I get an email, message or phone call that punches me in the mouth and ... More

When I Look Back

When I look back.....I can't really remember what life was like before I was married.I can't really remember what life was like before I had children.I can't really remember what life was like before I became a runner.I can't really remember what life was like before I Relayed.It's funny how all of these share a common ... More

Princess Bumper Sticker

If you want one of these dumb stickers, donate $5 (or more) to the ACS through my Relay for Life page or PayPal AND fill out the form below. If you don't want one of these stickers, you are probably smart enough not to fill out the form. But you can still do the $5 (or more) part.      &nbsp... More

We Each Get One Life

Idiots, I need your help. Today is Memorial Day and it happens to be  the  8th anniversary of my dad’s death.  I am in the process of writing a book to honor him.  He fought an 8 year battle with colorectal cancer.  He truly hung the moon for me.  He was the type of man that lit up the room.  He was ... More