Hey Colin, it's Lorne Trudgian. Yes I like so many this past week have been captured by your and Blain's "crazy" adventure over there in Chile. I first learned about it on Facebook. I have been following the progress and blogs of you two bros each day. The more I read them the more engrossed I became in your journey and the adventure you were writing with your lives for all us readers back here in Canada. As I read I prayed that God would supply your needs for strength, endurance and protection. Now that you have had a day to recover and anxiously await Blaine's victory. It felt it was a good time to send you, my dear brother, a few encouraging thoughts. In a few hours you will see Blaine and the other fellow "survivors" cross the finish line. As you know it is a finish line you and they have had engraved on their minds, every day, every step, every bluster, very pain for the past six days. It will be a celebration you all there will enjoy and remember for the rest of your lives! A celebration of accomplishment and relief that only those of you who went through this journey can fully realize and appreciate. I said you as well because it is a victory for you to celebrate also Colin. You played a key role in Blaine's journey to the finish line. Colin, I want you to never forget the picture of their sense of accomplishment. Why? Fore if you do decide to make a second attempt in 2015 to "conquer this Atacama beast" it will be that picture that will motivate you throughout the hundreds of hours in training this next year. It will be that picture that will be the "fire" that burns in your belly. From today's blog it sounds like you are thinking about giving it a second try next year? Good for you. The two most significant events that were the greatest motivators in my finishing Ironman Canada 2012 - was the year before as a volunteer seeing those men in the change tent who couldn't move having swam 3.8 kms and biked 180 kms. I had to see that side which most people don't to remind me of the huge task ahead of me. It motivated me each day in training to determine that I will not be among the casualties the next year! Two, was seeing the finish line. As you know, unless you are there you can't imagine the emotion and inspiration! Colin, you now know what it will take to complete Atacama. The question remains, "How bad do you want to complete it?" You were not a failure. In my eyes and many others you are also a victor! Maybe not a victor in the sense of crossing an actual finish line, but none the less still a victor in the life lessons learned. Congratulations on raising over $40,000 for such a worthy cause. Congratulations on making the effort and completing three days (half the course) and over 120 kms. Congratulations on gainingd huge life lessons of what it's like to push the human body to the near point of exhaustion. You now know that within you lies a reservoir of strength few know about and even less ever tap in life. Colin, God bless you and cheers for taking on this challenge, and even attempting it with only a few months training, wow! As you said, it for you it was not about the athletic challenge as much as it was for the Fund and the children. That's the true prize! Your tired, blistered and sore feet will continue to heal. You will be fully healed and restored in time. Enjoy talking on the return flight home and reminiscing about your shared experience with Blaine and your shared sense of accomplishment. You are both winners in all of our eyes. Perhaps more so for you Colin than even Blaine because of the life lessons you have learned and what it took to "get up and try again." I remember learning years ago the little phrase which has proven true to me: "Count the cost, pay the price, reap the reward." So many say and want the reward but few are willing to pay the price required to reap it. Over the next year, carefully count the cost again of completing Atacama (which includes the input from Kathy and family. Now that you have the "eye of the tiger" to motivate you to do whatever it will take in training to this time next year - go and reap the reward that awaits you in 2015. And it will be even sweeter then than what it would have been for you this year. Looking forward to seeing you sometime in the future and hearing all about your adventure in greater detail. Remember: You are a better man to have even made the attempt than those too afraid even to try! Congratulations Colin and Blaine. You are both true winners and inspirations to the rest of us. Safe trip home.

Dear Colin Schmidt, Bring it. With love, The Atacama

Are you suggesting your going back next year to try again Colin?? I have really enjoyed following your race and reading your blogs. It's been a true inspiration. It allowed me to remember why the whole Kulhawe family was so good to me. Your quite simply just good people. Blain I don't know you but any friend of Colin must be a great person as he only surrounds himself with the best. What you are doing is truely inspirational and fantastic. I hope I have the privilege to shake your hand one day! Good luck with the last stages of the race.

Blain, Words can't say how you continue to inspire me and the boys. Well done, my love. Best phone call ever- today getting a 7:30 wake up call to "run" with you the last 200 metres of the race and to hear in the background all the friends you have made in Chile cheer you on. What a special day, a unique race for you. Ride this euphoric high today. You and Colin should be very proud of your accomplishments. You make me so very proud. Can not WAIT to see you. Love you long time, to the desert and back. K

So proud of you Blain& Colin. Wonderful amazing ..Love Mom & Dad11

Blain and Colin, Your stories and adventures have had our complete attention back here in Edmonton for the last few days. You are both heroes in mine and Chelseas eyes. Blain, as your little bro in law, it is important for me to say that you are an inspiration and role model to me (you MAY even posess the charm to drag me out to a desert with you one o these years). I have been running 10K every day this week other than monday where I had soccer, where I committed that time to thank God for you and Colin and the hell you guys have to endure for your loved ones. Keep looking to God for strength and thanksgiving in the last few runs man. You have been so blessed with a character that just shouts christlikeness in times of trial. Thank you for being that model to us and to your kids. Colin! We have never met but I DO remember seeing you at the JDH foundation, and having thought you were Blains long lost twin brother. I got a side profile glance and thought you were him momentarily. But if that is false in appearance, it looks to be true in integrity and kindness. The words I've already tried to express to Blain can be mirrored in this part for you. Thank you for going out into a vast dry desert, (maybe the last place many on earth people would to?) and running for what you believe in. I always liked what c.s. Lewis said in one of his books, "we are not bodies with a mind, but minds with a body." Your courage and strength both of mind and body allowed you to push to the limits, but we all are daily reminded that these bodies don't always allow us to push past exhaustion. Nor should we. That's not the essential part! What's most important is your heart and mind which, as far as I can tell, will never give up the fight against CF and other things in your life that require your attention. Thanks Colin for your words over time in this blog, I look forward to shaking your hand. And guys, I read a cool prayer for thanksgiving, and I'll share some of it with you. "I bless thee for the soul thou hast created, though it is fixed in barren soil; for the body thou hast given me, for providing senses to enjoy delights, for thy royal bounty providing my daily support, for a full table and overflowing cup, for appetite, taste, sweetness, for social joys of relatives and friends, for ability to serve others, for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities, for a mind to care fort fellow-men, for opportunities of spreading happiness around, for loved ones in the joys of heaven. I love thee God above the powers of language to express, for what thou art to thy creatures." God bless you guys with thanksgiving as you close this "business deal" together!

Abby said "yay, youre almost done! Hope the last leg isn't as painful!" Very insightful & child like :)

Blain & Colin, you're so right that this is ending so differently than how it started, but it's anazing how God had this all planned long before you guys had even thought of doing it! You may never know the impact you've had on people He put in your path, but there's no doubt there will be many! Good luck with the last leg & see you soon!

Colin - way to go buddy. Great job and well done! Hope you mend quickly and have a safe trip home. Immensely proud to count you as a friend - you do so much for everyone. You're a great example bud.

Colin - way to go buddy. Great job and well done! Hope you mend quickly and have a safe trip home. Immensely proud to count you as a friend - you do so much for everyone. You're a great example bud.

Just wanted to pass along my support. Colin, incredible accomplishments to date. Pass along encouragement to Blain.

So Colin, I bet you don't think my idea to put spray on box liner on your feet is so funny now :) All jokes aside, Derek and I are both very proud of you and the 100% effort I am sure you put forth, and the lengths you went to support Blain. Loyalty is a admirable trait that is present in far to many men, and you sir, have it in spades . I have texted Blain a message of support and have put "The song that never ends" in his head, so hopefully trying to get it out of his head will carry him through this leg of the race. Stay strong, stay off your feet and see you when you get home.

Colin, the glory is in the trying and the cause, hat is off to you for the effort . Great cause, and great effort , come home safe and Go Blain Go !

Hey guys. I just wanted to send along my support and admiration for your dedication for this effort and cause. Colin, I am sorry to hear about your having to pull out of the race, and I know through your strength internally and externally this was difficult for you. You are the best and everyone around you believes in you. Blain, I have boxed the stuff in your office and it will be ready for you when you get back.....just kidding. I know carrying on without Colin is not easy for you, but your drive will keep you going. Keep it up. Take care guys.....Rob

We love you, Colin, and are extremely proud of what you have accomplished. Heal well and return to us back home safely!

Way to go, Blain. It sounds like you are doing great, but it also sounds like these races never do get easier. Stay strong for the long stage. Take care, Mary

Seriously, you guys have got me spilling tears here. Blain & Kris you're words & heart have knocked me over. Colin your enthusiasm and sacrifice humbles me. Sending all the love.

Ok. I've waited this long but i now feel it's time. I'm officially standing on "virtual" check point 3 for you...it's nice and shady, I have a spritzer bottle in hand, applied some of Johns manly grapefruit lip balm and am puckering up to give you a big peck on the cheek and a gigantic bear hug. You are doing GREAT. I know more than anyone how it feels to withdraw from a race and I know that it would have been a guy wrenching decision but Colin, the fact that you even got on the start line to even start this crazy crazy week long adventure is so much more than most people would do. You ARE a legend and I'm sure everyone at home is very proud. I am...so much so I even got off my butt and pledged today... Blain...you are epic. I know you won't read this until after the day of doom but it's going to be a cake walk...80km? Meh-nothing.. Long day is all about the top 6 inches. Head in the game and your painful feet will follow (no matter how slow) good luck x

Hey Blain and Collin! Praying for you guys and cannot believe what you are doing out there. Saw Evan at youth tonight and he gave us the heads up that you had a blog. Your passion for others is admirable! We pray that you would both be blessed in incredible ways. Collin although we have never met you we can see you are a giving man with the biggest generous heart. So many families and children will be blessed and given hope through your efforts and generosity. Thank you! Blain, Mary and cole emailed us some pictures. They also sent us a video of cole playing the piano that the foundation gave him two years ago. It will bring a smile to your face when you hear his piece that he has practiced for two years played. They also sent pics of him with his sleep machine the foundation bought. They are so grateful and this is just a small glimpse of the many lives you are touching through the foundation. Hope it encourages you as you finish and head home. Hugs and prayers.

Wow. I am moved to tears reading this because those words are so special and so very true. It is clear to me that this race has impacted you both in a profound way. And that your friendship and may I say it?..bro-mance :) has grown into something pretty awesome because of what you have experienced together there. Colin, I share Blain's sentiments completely. You are exactly who I feel Blain needed out there with him for this journey this time around. As I was driving home from work and had heard from Blain and Kath that you had stopped, my first thought and concern was how you might be feeling disappointed in yourself; that it was not as you envisioned the race would go. That your time there was not as you had hoped for and that you'd be coming home next week with regrets. And then I just had this other thought: that isn't all that different to how Blain and I first felt in the hospital when Jack was diagnosed with CF. Its maybe how a 16 year old kid feels when he is told he has cancer and needs chemo, or when parents are told that their newborn has a hole in her heart and needs numerous surgeries to live past 1 year. I'm not trying to make light of this at all, please understand, but I think the very existence of the Jack Davis Hope Foundation, the reason you gave the desert everything you had both physically and emotionally is to help people rise up above that crushing weight of disappointment. No one HOPES for their child to have physical pain. No one EXPECTS that their 16 year old will need to fight chemotherapy instead of fighting with their brother over who gets the car that Friday night. Life for these families ends up taking an entirely new course, a harder path, a rockier terrain with massive hills and valleys. Its moments like this when we are reminded that life is not in our control and it gets the shit knocked out of it sometimes. And I think your race (which has now become a different journey from the one you had expected) mirrors life for the some of the families and children that you ran for in the first place. The beautiful thing is, is that we can have confidence that God IS in control and that in ALL things, he works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. That is the real message of hope. That is what can overcome any disappointment. I truly believe Colin, that both you and Blain have been called for a purpose in your efforts in the Atacama. Your path may look different from what you had hoped, but every step on your path has been anointed by God and what He is using you for out there. All my love to our 2 desert-racers. You are missed. K

Beautifully said Blain! Colin, you're an amazing guy, and even more phenomenal for trying something so far out of your comfort zone. Know you're there for a reason, like Kath said. You may never know how many lives you've impacted by just the sheer act of saying "with God's grace, I 'm going to give this my all!" Our love and prayers go with you all day, every day. Looking forward to seeing you guys back on Canadian soil soon!

Hi Colin & Blain! We hope & trust your stage 4 day went well! Im sure Colin, you'll come home with such rich memories that will last a lifetime of this journey with Blain! So incredibly proud of you both! Blain, kudos, high fives, hugs and 'way to go' to you for bringing Colin to this point, I'm sure it has forever been imprinted into his life in ways that will be revealed now, and yet to come as he reflects on his time with you in the desert. Colin, I have no doubt that tears will fall from laughter of stories in the desert! You have done well my love, and thanks to God that he heard and answered our prayers for a strong knee! Ski season awaits hey?! Enjoy each and every day remaining Colin, soak it all in, the people, the experience, and the surroundings! You are STILL 'here for a purpose' and although the perspective of 'purpose' has shifted you are still there 'for such a time as this', I have no doubt you will use every opportunity to pour into the lives of the people you're around! You ARE there for purpose my love!!! I can not say enough how proud we are of you!!! We love you infinity!!!! Kath, Ella, Hugo, Thor & Enzo xo

Blain & Colin, So proud of you both. We are praying for you fiercely to have a safe run and return to your families. I had a great time with Evan and Jack at the cornmaze on Sat. They are growing up rapidly. Some wise words: "The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." Mom Laser

Blain

Hey Blain and Colin, we are just reading through your last update and amazed by you guys . What an amazing adventure and for you both and for a foundation doing such great work ! We will continue to pray for good health and strong legs to carry you for the rest of your trek . What great examples you are to your kids (and ours) to push yourselves to the edge for the benefit of others . Keep the updates coming so we know how to pray! Love from the Stober 5

Hello from Red Dear Dad & I are thoroughly both your blogs Laughter & tears THEY TELL THE STORY about friendship family & THE FOUNDATION .We know you willboth have stories to tell well into old age .Just like Dad Oh my can we stand??????? Love Mom &Dad

Good morning Donkey & Shrek! Might be good afternoon by the time you read this... Or night time if it's especially rough ;0 The crew at Sideline are all cheering you on even though they think you're both completely awesome and completely off your rockers... Day 1 looked pretty fun with all those awesome photo ops, then day 2 looked roooough with the not so awesome photo ops... What a difference a day made. Trev Abby and I are praying for you constantly, specifically Blain - for your patience and wisdom, Colin - for your knee and endurance. We love you guys and are looking SO forward to hearing about this adventure!

Blain & Colin! Mari Mari lamnchnen. Apparently greetings in Chilean after a very unthorough internet search. I woke up in the middle of the night here and was thinking of you two so I thought I'd pray & say hello. I imagine you start racing pretty soon to avoid the heat of the day. It's hard to imagine a place that gets less than an inch of rain all year - especially as it's raining right now in edmonton. After your first few steps you'll be more than halfway today - exciting!! You probably already know this but atacama is compared to Mars! You're running on something similar to Mars?!? No wonder the need for all the expletives. Anyway I'm rambling. Super proud of the two of you for doing this cool thing and being such awesome role models of how to be people. Kristin & the boys came over to watch Captain America the other day. Jack talked the whole time and Evan was the strong silent type & Kris brought me hot coffee and her overdosing embarrassment of love (kidding Kris ;) i sheepishly bask in your affection. Love your whole fam. Anyway I'll keep praying for you two as long as I'm still awake that you find things to laugh about, that your feet keep moving, that you're protected from injury & hallucinations and that people are drawn to the God in you. Cheers

Blain

Hi dad! Mom showed me how to comment here so yeah here I am!She also just sang me the song from her last comment and my ears are now bleeding in a bloody heap in the toilet.Oh yeah all the appliances are falling apart here,the kids bathroom toilet isn\'t flushing properly and the microwave door is jammed.So when your doing another day just think to your self \'I cant wait to fix toilets when i get home from this 30 degree weather!\"Dad I really miss you and we pray for you every night.Oh ya and Milo is convinced if he barks loud enough at the door when someone ring the bell,that you will walk in.miss you lots cant wait for you to get back and fix my toilet so I don\'t have to get up at 11:30,walk down 13 stairs or so and use the downstairs bathroom. -GopherballZ

Hi dad! Mom showed me how to comment here so yeah here I am!She also just sang me the song from her last comment and my ears are now bleeding in a bloody heap in the toilet.Oh yeah all the appliances are falling apart here,the kids bathroom toilet isn't flushing properly and the microwave door is jammed.So when your doing another day just think to your self 'I cant wait to fix toilets when i get home from this 30 degree weather!"Dad I really miss you and we pray for you every night.Oh ya and Milo is convinced if he barks loud enough at the door when someone ring the bell,that you will walk in.miss you lots cant wait for you to get back and fix my toilet so I don't have to get up at 11:30,walk down 13 stairs or so and use the downstairs bathroom. -GopherballZ

I am not so sure you would be as inspired if you saw what the kids were wearing as they ran the km in 27 minutes. Pink fluffy tutus!! Wish I could send you the pic of them- they were hilarious. they sure knew how to work it. If they hadn't had those weighing them down, who knows how fast Monkeynuts and Gopherballs could have run?! Maybe you and Colin should wear pink tutus. Would that add or distract from the shedding of "manly tears??" We continue to pray and to ask for protection (and healing) on those old bodies of yours. We also continue to be immeasurably proud of all you 2 have accomplished. Much love coming your way from way up in Edmonton. So many reasons to be thankful these season. I am thankful for you my bestest friend, my hounddog :) When you get home I will sing you yet another off-key verse of "The wind Beneath My Wings"...Wait for it......Love K

Blain, sounds like a trip of a lifetime, hope the smiles in the picture last the whole race. Take care and be safe and have fun. chris

Blain, sounds like a trip of a lifetime, hope the smiles in the picture last the whole race. Take care and be safe and have fun. chris

Was waiting for this all last night and the pics were super cool!!! Praying for some reprieve on your feet and minds today!

Hey guys - great job so far! Keep it up! Love the blog comments and appreciate you sharing the experience with us. You have a lot of support back here so when you need to dig, know that we're all praying for you. We took the dock out on the weekend, so don't worry about that. All taken care of 😉. Have a great day gents!

Well done you guys!! The pics of you look great and yes, it made your wives were very happy to see your gorgeous stubbled faces. True-you are not making your feet very happy i can gather....boys and I prayed hard for yr feet tonight. The massive sand-dune frolic looked super fun but water and sand are not friends in a shoe are they. Hopefully you will wake to an easier day stage soon: (ie. easier on the feet). Wishing I could be a fly on the wall, to see all that incredible scenery and listen to your conversations that bring you from laughter to tears and back again! I have shown photos and videos to my students and brag about you to then every chance I get! one more bragging right that you wld be interested to hear- the Canucks beat the Oilers over the weekend in preseason! Yay:) Love you madly you crazy man! One more week till u are home:)

awesome going Blaino, Stage 2 done and dusted, you two fellas will only gather momentum over the next 3 days. what a great cause you compete for, the blisters and nails will be forgotten in a few weeks. stay strong Canadian Blain.

Wahey - great to see you back there Blain and cool to see you introducing someone else to the pain, ahem, I mean pleasure, of the desert! Couldn't have a better desert guide there Colin. Enjoy the thrill of the crazy adventure! Kia kaha. Keep MARCHing! Camo

Well done Mr. Colin :) Sounds like there are enough highlights in the day to keep you guys smiling and looking well in the photos. Maybe Mr. Photograher read my blog post and decided that you 2 were worth his time. In any case, it was so good to see you guys in your GQ glory. Are people asking you if you are related? I have had several people ask that same-old question these past couple days. Here are a couple Q's for you: How smelly are you guys now on a scale from 1-10? What is your favorite (or least hated) surface/terrain to run on? Are you enjoying my "Daily Davis Dumb-Ass Moments?" Do you have any idea how impressed I am by you these days? Keep on going Colin. Thanks for all the times you've pushed thru the pain. I hope that the F&^%$#@head is keeping your spirits high as I know you are doing for him. Sleep well tonight!

Well you two ruggedly handsome Canadian guys stepped up your game and definitely got in your fair share of photos! Awesome! I seriously don't think the kids have EVER ran inside as fast as they did today when I told them some pictures were posted of you today! Perfect timing as they came in, showered and all cheered at each photo! No doubt the boys locked themselves on the sand dunes and of course wondered if they could dirt bike there!!! I see you took my birthday wish for you to heart and stopped to take in the vast grandeur, I wish I could have asked you what you were thinking in the moments of your hands behind your head just looking out, Im pretty confident there was some praise and worship of our great God....(that and trying to get a good breath in?!) We couldn't pass today without some recognition of it being your birthday so we put up the banner & kids blew up some balloons! We broke out your Hawaiian Rice with Chicken and I, Ella & Thor tried it, Hugo wouldn't have anything to do with it and Enzo kept looking in the bag and saying "yucky". I think you've spoiled the boys with your tailgate BBQ and gourmet spreads on your biking and snowmobiling trips! We'll save the decorations and real celebrations for when you're back home!!! Life is going well here, we all miss you so, but that pales in how proud we are of both of you!!! Ive heard recently of some individuals making the news with their accomplishments, summiting K2 and other feats, and I can't help but think, yes, they are accomplished, but for self..... you two doing this is selfless, so giving of yourselves for others, answering the call to give with your lives.... Eat, drink, rest & sleep well and march on again tomorrow! We await in eager anticipation of your update tomorrow! ALL our love to you!xo Katherine, Ella, Hugo, Thor & Enzo! xoxo

Schmidt, remember that diesels are not always the first off the line but are good for the long haul and like a good Albertan diesel it should be slightly oversized and all chipped out (that's you Davis) turbo spinning and black smoke left behind. Have a great rest of the race fellas.

Happy Birthday, Colin!! We share in the joy and admiration of your many friends and family back home as you both experience the agony and the ecstasy of physical pain in the midst of what sounds and looks like some of the most surreal and spectacular running scenery on the earth. You are an inspiration! Journey on for us all, and all those kids!!

So excited for you two! I live reading the updates. We are praying for you guys along the way. Happy birthday Colin

Awesome to read your blog! You guys are phenomenal! Colin, you are inspiring me to go out and do something equally crazy. But I did some research and, unfortunately, there aren't any deserts around here.... so I guess I'll just have to enjoy a beer on the couch. But seriously, keep posting pics and info about the run. God bless you guys for doing what you are doing! Stay safe!

Keep going strong guys and Happy Birthday Colin! Looking forward to the next blog!

Way to go boys!!! Praying continually with you and still jealous even though I also hate running. Can't wait to read tonight's blog. Happy birthday Colin!!! I am sure it is one you will never forget!

Well done on getting through stage one guys-great work!! I'd forgotten just how cold it gets there at night...I think you'll wear him down, you'll be spooning by day 3! Nice position in the middle of the pack there guys...never a problem to walk. Just do what you need to do to ensure you can wake up feeling ready to stand on that start line each morning. I'm saving my virtual motivational check point 3 warm and fuzzy hugs until you need it later on in the week!! In the words of my husband...."GOOD JAWB!!!" x

Well Happy Birthday,brother inlaw. What does one get for the man who who hates running and runs a desert ultramarathon? What do you get a guy who never fails to inspire me to be better so I might measure up? What do you get a guy who sets an example that others follow? For now it will have to be my prayers for safety, strength and joy of this endevour you and Blain are sharing and a beer when you get back. I am love you and I am proud we share birthdays. To Blain keep him in front and poke him with a stick, no wheelchair required.

Well this will work out nicely for a night owl like me as your blogs and results get posted at 10:30 pm. I have now so many more options than just watching The Bachelor or Adam Levine on The Voice. :) But thank you both for posting an update. We live vicariously through you 2 these days as the rest of life just seems to swim around unimportantly. Colin I love what you said: you do not have to love running. You don't even have to like it, but you do have to have courage and heart to take on such a huge challenge. And you have so much heart! Thanks for this gift to the Foundation, to the families it helps, and to our family too. The finish line gets closer everyday you keep going. Run, walk or crawl...whatever. Get there because you can. Blain, I miss you tons but notice that I am not cuddling with other people yet. I am not even a little surprised that you have already tried to spoon that poor man :) If you ever want me to join you on one of these races- you are going to have to refrain from cuddling with the boys in your tents. But truthfully, I am so in awe of you and the risks you love to take to do things that matter. You are an amazing man and I am so proud to know you and love you. Keep on keeping on babe. The boys and I are cheering you on every step. We love you both and pray for you often. Wishing you lots of moments every day where you feel so sure and certain that every step you take is worth the effort. Kris

Oh Blain, now I know why you asked him to join you on a race! Not bad being able to bring along his amount of body heat for cold nights! Sorry\'s he\'s let you down on that one! OK Colin, I think you may have, finally, in 42years, found something that has taken you out of your comfort zone Schmidt!! You\'re into it and you can\'t get out except with your 2 feet, a heartbeat and no greater guy to do it with! Hmmm....now you know what it\'s like to be married to you! Life is lived much out of my comfort zone! Hope you\'ve rested well and your 2nd day has gone much better! Alot of water this next stage 2, however, you 2 should be ok, no need to break out your water wings, sounds like the water os only knee deep! Kristin is right, we need more pics, I think if you don't have speed, then at least flaunt your GQ looks you two! Best looking Canadian guys out there I'd say! xo Kath, & the kids (who, by the way are doing just great!!!)

I'm excited for this adventure you two are on! Praying for you two along the way. Happy birthday Colin! This has got to be better than spending another birthday at BP's in Rocky?

Looking forward to a new update from you guys(today hopefully). Seriously you guys are apparently not hot enough to gain the affection of the photographers lense. As always, he seems to find his "peeps" and good looking female competitor and then take only photos of them in the days to come. Get yourselves noticed please. I want photos!!! Do what you must....:)

The kids & I just got home from an evening in SP Grove, as I finished praying with the boys I checked the time and it was around 1am October 5th your time!! Itsl less than 10hrs till game on!!! I can't begin to imagine the feelings and emotions you both must be experiencing! I can tell you though how incredibly proud we are of you both & how I look so forward to hearing how this experience impacts your life. Prayer is constant thru our day for you both! We await in eager anticipation for an update!! May you be abundantly blessed this first 40km....xo

Thinking of you both good luck .What an experience for two good guys.Love you Mom &DAD

Hello guys! Got the race jitters yet?! By the time you read this, you will probably have Stage 1 behind you but just wanted to send a quick shout out to you both. We are all so proud of you and think of you often. Hope the feet are being kind to you and that you are still smiling. May the winds be ever in your favour, Colin, and pushing all of Blains flatulence in the direction of other competitors :) Have fun out there - We can not wait for all the stories! Xoxo