Ryan's first Ultra

Our great friends Garett and Holly live in our neighborhood and are avid runners. Ryan began running with Garett once a week at the end of last year. After getting back into running (Ryan has run a marathon) he and Garett decided Ryan should train for a trail run and the one up in the Big Horn mountains would be a great place to start. Although Ryan initially was set out to run the 30K distance, he opted for the 50K after learning that the 30K was full. So, Ryan would run his first Ultra (distance greater than 26.2 miles) at The Big Horn Trail Run. This is an annual event that draws competitors from all over (www.bighorntrailrun.com).

With tremendous help and guidance from Garett, Ryan stuck to his training plan and we are so proud to say that he ran his first Ultra last weekend! Ryan hoped to finish in under 8 hours and came in with a time of 7:38. He was in the top half of all the finishers and we are so proud of him!!! Although he definitely had his share of struggles along the way, his hard work and strong will power got him through the mountainous course and as many runners will say, "any finish is a good finish".

Ryan approaching the aid station at the 14 mile mark. Trudy, Dave, and I took the girls up to cheer him on. During our spectacular drive we saw FIVE male Moose. What a treat!!

Matigan showing her dad the sign we made and she yelled "Way to go Daddy!!"

And he's off again. Only 17 miles to go!!

While Ryan was busy running up the side of the mountain, we were busy playing and picking flowers

Trudy, Sarah, Matigan and Dave enjoying the beautiful day

Here comes Ryan towards the finish line!!! Wahoo, wahoo

Only about 50 yards to go

Ryan and (coach) Garett at the finish!! Way to go guys!! (Although he'll probably hate me for writing this part) Garett came in FIRST in his 50 mile (no, not a typo, he ran 50 MILES in under 9 hours) race (Super Star!!!!)

Matigan congratulating Garett

We are so proud of Ryan!

Holly approaching the finish of her 50 mile race. She beat her best time and ran a very impressive race! (I'm in awe of all three of them)

Holly and Garett relaxing after a long day of running!

Ryan resting in our cabin a couple hours after the race.

Ryan was obviously tired and is still sore, but he has recovered nicely and is not ruling out the idea of running the race again! In fact, this morning he said, "part of me wants to run a marathon just to see how I'd do". Go for it honey!!!