Thanks

What with our eminent departure for Europe, my thoughts turn to all those that have helped make our Transalpine adventure possible.  I know Patrick feels the same and wrote a similar entry the other day. 

I've got to send out a  few "shout outs" of my own though:

My wife Gina doesn't give me the rah rah cheerleading kind of support that some spouses may.  She  doesn't always understand my motives and laughs about how I look in my compression tights.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  What Gina does understand though, is that this was one of those things that was important enough for me that she was 100% behind making it happen.

Gina grinded through the last semester of nursing school and started a new career  and was a loving mother to our two boys while I've been spending way too much time heading out the door in my compression tights. I look forward to regaining a balance in life.  I know Gina really looks forward to that.   Maybe next year Patrick and I can support Gina and Heidi in a grand adventure.  Maybe the TAR?!

A shout out to my sons Eli and Rowan.  "Are you going running again, Dad?" was a popular question I don't plan to hear for a while once I'm back.  The boys have also inflated my ego in ways only your own children can, asking questions like "Are you really running across four countries?"

A shout out to my Dad.  He called me about a year ago and said, "You really need to do this, it's a once in a lifetime experience.  I'll write you a check to help out with the expenses.  Just consider it your birthday and Christmas present for the next few years."

Thank you Dad. 

And thanks Dad and Sarah (Dad's wife) for joining Team Chugach and making the trip over with us.  Along with Patrick's wife Heidi and girls Grace and Rose, we have a great support  crew!

A shout out to the local running community.  There is no tighter-knit group of runners anywhere on the planet.  We compete hard against each other and cheer even harder for each other.  Thanks especially to Daniel, Jerry, Najeeby, Brent and the rest of the folks at Skinny Raven who really got behind us in this adventure.

A shout out to Louis Mass, owner of Elite Sports Performance.  Great guy, great program.  I wouldn't have been able to work my injured knee into shape without all the blood, sweat and tears he (and Chad and Billy) extracted.  And thanks to Dr. John Lapkass and John Polonowski for the skilled operation and maintenance. 

A shout out to Salomon USA for providing us with great gear.  We're grateful for the support and look forward to promoting the brand.

A shout out to all the friends, family and coworkers who have taken the time to wish us well.

Look forward to sharing the adventure!

Thanks.