There's so much more. . .

Finisher medals, technical tee-shirts, water bottles, other running schwag. Those are the physical objects you get to take home after a race. If that's why you race, stop now and save yourself the money. Think of the hardest physical activity you've ever done. . . then compare it to this: Badwater. This is the baddest ultra-marathon on the planet. If we don't consider the time training here is a little bit of what it takes: A crew of atleast 4 people, their transportation to Death Valley, their hotel stays, minimum of two vehicles (one van of sorts to carry everything to support the runner), all supplies that will be needed throughout a 135 miles race for the runner and team. This is the tip of the iceberg. For a more official breakdown click here. What do you think is waiting at the finish line? Answer: your crew, the race coordinator and a few local inhabitants. What do you think you get for finishing such a grueling race? A hand shake, a finisher medal and a belt buckle.

I got the pleasure of hearing Darren Fortney talk about his "Zero to 135 in 5 years". Darren finished Badwater in 2009 and is doing it again this July. He is raising money for Gilda's Club because of their impact on his life while battling cancer. Darren touched on his training, what got him in to ultra-marathoning and his opinion on cancer - "When people ask me what kind of cancer I had, I say, the bad kind. There is no good or bad cancer, it doesn't matter what color bracelet (referring to his yellow Livestrong) you wear." He had great insight and inspiration for anyone looking to accomplish anything. Here were some of my favorite take-aways:

-There is no rule for choosing what distance races you do when. You don't have to start with a 5k the move to a 10k and then a half marathon. Do what you want.

-Use 'and' instead of 'or'; don't decide 'well should I do the Madison half marathon OR the Milwaukee Lake Front?' No rules apply.

-Learn to use the word 'Yes'. Yes you can do it, yes you can accomplish it.

-Be accountable and honest with yourself (there is nobody else watching you!)

It was a great little event and I thank Fleet Feet and Darren for the chance to hear him speak.

There was also a guest in the audience who will be defending his title at McNaughton in Vermont. Ryan Dexter aka the Punisher, will be putting his 200 mile title on the line in a few days. And yes that's a 200 mile.

It's not about medals and shirts. It's about the personal accomplishment.