Now I am less than 24 hours from the start and I am actually freaking out a bit. But I actually love the feeling. What could be more exhilarating than trying something that almost certainly will end in failure. It causes me to examine the reasons behind my adventures. Ego is useless at times like this. Humility needs to dominate. Gratitude is the overwhelming feeling right now. I am lucky to be sober, lucky to be going out in the woods for a test of will, lucky to have kids that are wonderful, lucky to be loved by an amazing woman. In short, I am lucky just to have the chance to suffer. In this way, I know that I am truly living.
My girlfriend Norma arrives today to support me. She will be updating on Facebook and Twitter when she can. There is not much of a signal and runners are actually gone for up to 12 hours at a time so information is in short supply sometimes. Thanks to all of you for your amazing support.
Suffering = living = happy Charlie. You are living as well as anyone my friend, HTFU and enjoy the pain
Have an amazing race Charlie! Chances are, while you’re on the course, my wife will be delivering our little girl! Kill it!
Good Luck Charlie! I’m training for my first Marathon and tomorrow is a 16 miler! After the update about your race, it seems like it should be a piece of cake, but I’m still worried! I’ll be pulling for you to finish, and myself too. If I make it without walking, I’ll be happy. So WHEN you finish, you should be happy too. I know you’ll make it! Thank you for being an inspiration to me not only in running, but in sobriety too. Following your adventures gives me hope in mine, so thank you. Your the man Charlie!
Brett Perry
Marshalltown, Iowa
You can do it Charlie! I have a lot of faith in you. Just think you could be the 9th finisher, but even better yet, the 1st virgin to do finish! Just be smart on your strategy! I will be checking everyday!
I love that race number! Charlie, you got this baby!
Charlie,
Suffer well my friend, to live on the edge is knowledge. I know you’ll give it your best. Run smart, run strong, prevail. We’re thinking of you.
Clyde
Charlie ~ first virgin to finish would be rad (yes I am grinning right now)~ you def. can do this and remember it is not about finishing it is about growing and reflecting on what makes you the insane person that you are. I am always proud of what you do and you know I am always behind you. Slow and steady wins the race (atleast that is my motto since I am slow). This is going to be painful and you will struggle, but like everything you do it brings you more depth to life. I can’t wait to here how it goes. Thanks for all that you have done for me my dearest friend! The Dengler household sends love!!!! Be safe buddy! Oh and tell Norma that if anything crazy happens to your bum on this race it is all her now hahahahahahahahah! Hugs!
Race smart, carefully and have fun. Hopefully you have achieved some good suffering by now!