Excitement Abounds!

There's a buzz in the air in our household tonight as we've heard the latest update on Jeff's Race in the Marathon des Sables! Not that it surprises me at all, but he has surpassed his goals and expectations the entire race. I squealed with delight when I read Becky's email today. I can almost hear her shouting for joy as she told us..."We just found out today that Jeff led the main pack (non-elites) on the long (47-miler) day! That means he had to do some route-finding too and had the helicopters flying over tracking him... can't believe he's in the top 50 now." Isn't that exciting! I love this picture of Jeff from the race website, that's our boy!!:)

There are details on how the excitement has been unfolding on Jeff's Race Blog and also on their Hillseekers Blog. I can't begin to imagine the feelings that are racing through both Jeff and Becky's veins right now. What an amazing experience this has been for them. One thing I can say though is give me Lisa Smith-Batchen's number. She has been Jeff's coach for this endeavor. His performance speaks volumes about her!!!

The race energy must have been spilling all the way over to Georgia, because last night we had a most excellent ride!What an amazingly fun and challenging trail this is. You can see more pictures of this great playground here.My legs were pretty trashed from my effort at the crit the night before, but it was too nice of an afternoon to pass up riding. I abandoned my usual Wednesday riding partner, the Caminator, and chose instead to play in the dirt.
At first it was slow going, but I still enjoyed riding the singletrack. I don't enjoy riding the road when I'm tired and wasted. I can always have fun on my mountain bike even if I am feeling lame.After an hour, things started kicking in and I was ready to get down to business. Chasing Kaptain Kleen around on his singlespeed is a dirty job, and I was loving it! Kaptain Kleen cleaned everything on his Surly, a very impressive feat!
Excitement was in the air! Everyone we knew was there...Flatfender, Scubacruz, Gary, Shane, Robin, Gregg, Jungle Boy, Chris, rlaz, Cerar...it was like a big celebration!See, everybody is excited for my Highly Motivated Mission Possible friend! Jeff, we're so very proud of you! You are conquering this Mission Possible like a true champion!

Mission Possible

Our good friend, Jeff, has embarked on his Mission Possible today racing across the desert in the Marathon des Sables! Raja and I have sent him off with good vibes and all the energy we could channel across the many miles that separate us in body, but not in spirit. His equally wonderful wife, Hausfrau Becky, is going to be keeping the website current with updates as the race progresses, so we will be sure to stay tuned each day. Check it out! I am sure they will appreciate the support!

Jeff has done an incredible job with his blog documenting the arduous training he has undertaken in preparation of this epic race. Although his routine was a bit over the edge for me, his documentary doesn't make it appear that way at all. He did a fabulous job of drawing you into the experience and feeling the positive uplifting aspect of the journey. Trust me, you will be impressed with the videos he made that take you along many of his runs. Do yourself a favor and take a peek. I know how much effort went into making those posts, and I do not want them to go unnoticed.
Raja and I are two of Jeff and Becky's biggest fans. We met this delightful couple a few years ago on the in-town weeknight rides when they lived in Atlanta. Since they both hail from the South, you can always expect to be greeted with a warm and gracious nature. Although they have accomplished a list of adventures that would rival any National Geographic writer, you would never know it from their laid back and humble spirits. We were sad to see them leave a little over a year ago; however on the flipside they landed up in Switzerland! What a cool place to have some friends. Oooooh, Raja, I think I smell a plan cooking;)

Many of you may remember last year when we celebrated Raja's birthday climbing the Stelvio pass in Italy. Jeff and Becky were the ones that made this day possible. It was truly one of those moments that will go down our memory lane as one of the most special occasions we've experienced to be cherished forever.Now we are looking forward to creating some more exciting memories climbing the Swiss Alps!

Jeff is not putting forth all this effort in the Marathon just for the sake of stoking his ego. Always thinking of others and with the whole picture in view, he's using it as an opportunity to raise money and awareness for "ING Chances for Children." I hope some of you are able to step up to the plate and help Jeff reach his goal. Every bit counts, and these days it's so easy. There's a link on the site. Thanks! So today we've been thinking about our friend and wishing him godspeed! Yes, Jeff, anything is possible. You prove it every day of your life.