Just ran my final "long run" on a beautiful sun-filled fall morning here in Calgary.  Lots of colourful trees to run through and barely a breeze.  I love the smell of autumn.  I spent a good portion of this run reflecting on the last six months, as well as what is to come in the next dozen or so days.  I find it motivating to reflect back to all of the struggles that were faced during this gruelling training program.  Whether it was running out of water on a scorching hot day, getting caught in a rain storm, or tripping over a tree stump and rolling down a hill while being witnessed by others...it's all a part of the process that makes us stronger.  The countless times I had to turn down my friends' offers to hit a pub, due to a scheduled long run 12 hours later.  The diversity of makeshift washrooms on a saturday morning.  Surviving the chaffing battle, and the horribly painful shower that followed!  

Sure I like to run.  But it's what's attached to running that fuels this addiction.

The running community.  Runners are awesome.  They're so happy.  Being shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of runners at the start line of a race, all preparing to reach a goal they have set for themselves.  It's a special feeling that can hardly be explained.  I also have yet to pass a fellow runner on a trail without getting a wave or a thumbs up.  That's cool to me.

The playing field.  A runner has an endless choice.  I remember the NYC Marathon a few years back, and the mayhem that came with it.  Helicopters flying overhead, TV cameras, sirens, and thousands of people lining the streets cheering with signs and horns.  It was so great to be a part of that.  Now fast forward ahead two weeks, to a desert run in Chile.  Could the two be any more different?  

The challenge.  I love a challenge.

That's why I run.  

Leaving Wednesday for the Atacama.  Feet fail me not.   Look forward to meeting everyone!!  

Troy