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.