This weekend the THPL journey took on a big challenge. We competed in the Javelina Jundred, a 100-mile trail race, consisting of five loops through the McDowell Mountain Regional Park north of Fountain Hill AZ. The race delivered on all elements of a great challenge. The dry desert air delivered on highs in the 90s and lows in the fifties adding to the challenge, the terrain was beautiful, and the race was just plain hard. All 100-mile races are challenging and with a 30-hour cutoff it was critical to keep moving forward. There are so many thoughts that run through your head when you take on this kind of race. Will I make it to the end, should I drop out, am I doing all of the right things to ensure a good race. There are highs and lows and what we know is that how we feel at one point will change soon after. The mental challenge of a 100-mile race an equal challenge to the physical test that this race puts on our body. And it really is all about staying in the game, remembering that pain is temporary, and quitting is forever. With this mindset and one foot in front of the other and we can get to the finish line. Another amazing experience that came from taking on a big challenge. Now time to recover and reflect. Happy to be done for sure…..

Loving life when the finish line is crossed

Ciao

Joe