UTMB

I'm in!



The email arrived today announcing my acceptance into the prestigious Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 166 km race beginning in Chamonix, France on August 26. This is, without a doubt, really awesome. Ever since I traveled through Chamonix for two days in 2009 I've been dying to go back, and this is a fantastic opportunity to do so. This is for a purpose, a goal to be accomplished. UTMB represents for me everything I love about the sport. Much like Hardrock, it's a perfect example of a natural, non-contrived challenge of self in some of the most amazing mountains in the world. What I love about the mountains and life in general is showcased perfectly in that race. And I'm not the only American going over there, either. Geoff Roes, Anton Krupicka, Krissy Moehl, Karl Meltzer, Hal Koerner, Nick Pedatella, Scott Jaime, Nick Clark, Josh Brimhall and more are all entered as well. Who shows up in August is another matter that's yet to be seen. But the fact that all these fast Americans are in is really exciting. To put myself at risk for repeating what's been said about several different races lately, UTMB could be the most competitive ultra ever! Who knows? All I know is that I'm super excited to go to France and run in the place where mountaineering began and test myself first against the mountains, and second against the competition. UTMB will be incredible this year.