Why We Run

(I selected this post to be featured on my blog’s page at Running Blogs.)

Why do we do it? I get asked this question all the time. Why run 26.2, 50, or 100 miles? In a row? Do you ever walk? Eat? Bathroom? Let’s just try to answer why we do it.


You may think that since I run ultramarathon trail races that I am some kind of health nut or that I’m super athletic and really in shape. No, I’ve never won a race in my life, but I did come in fifth place in my age group in the Big Bend 50K in 2006. I was also last. No, I’m not a health nut either. I do not only eat plain tuna, brown rice, and acai berries. I’m not a vegetarian or vegan and do not frequent the gym for cardio, strength training, or yoga although I should.

Quitman Canyon Run 26 Dec 2009

I prepare for my Quitman Canyon running adventure by carbo-loading on Betsy and Raymond’s homemade buttermilk waffles complete with bacon and coffee. Betsy and Raymond are the owners of the BR Ranch (Neely Homestead circa 1920) and just so happen to be my in-laws.



Following breakfast, my wife, Cara and her Mom, Betsy graciously volunteer to shuttle me and my running partners to the start of my run. The plan was for them to drop me off about 5 miles south of Sierra Blanca, Texas and for me to run through the Canyon and back home to the Neely Homestead, a distance of about 13 miles.


The weather was a chilly 30 degrees, but sunny with just a little wind. We started our run and in a mile or so came to a shallow livestock watering tank. My running partners decided to investigate and take a little drink. Of course the water was frozen over and Lucy fell right through. Glad it was her and not me. Did I mention that my running partners are of the four legged variety? I guess you could say we are a dog family.

South Franklin Peak Run

Last month I ran and hiked to the top of South Franklin Peak (6,791 feet), the second highest in the Franklin range. The Franklin Mountains are in El Paso, Texas and encompass a 24,000 acre state park which is the largest urban wilderness park in the US.

My adventure actually started several weeks before, when I tried to find a route up the west side of the mountain near the red rock formation known as the Thunderbird. After bushwhacking through the prickly vegetation up to the T-bird’s right wing I was turned back by rugged terrain strewn with many boulders. I learned the hard way that Lechuguilla or Shin Dagger as it is known in the desert really does a number on the shins.