Wow, that’s not the outcome I expected! I’m currently on my way home from the Yukon Arctic Ultra February, 2025. I started the race this year with a different mindset of dealing with whatever happened and letting things come to me instead of trying to force things. I had no (or low) expectations, considering my recent postoperative heel pain, my ongoing heart condition and my recent horrible bronchitis/cough.
Anyway, at the first checkpoint, I took my sock off as part of the mandatory medical check and shockingly discovered severe frostbite to my big toes. My race was over… and suddenly. I was pulled from the course. Everything had been going well otherwise. I was feeling stronger as the miles went by. I can’t describe the level of disappointment. TBH, I train the entire year for this race. To me, it’s the ultimate challenge. The distance is formidable but the extreme and relentless cold take the difficulty to an indescribable level.
I’ve had many successes in life, professionally, personally and athletically. I’ve also had many disappointments that pale in comparison to what some people are burdened with. Anyway, it’s a bummer. The life lesson of not having expectations was reinforced with this outcome. I’m tempted to say it has been a colossal waste of time, money, effort and sacrifice, but I still greatly enjoyed the process of preparing for the race. It has allowed me to maintain a supremely high-level of fitness and to continue pursuing optimal health.
In a few months, I will hit a major age milestone. However, I thrive on attacking my goals and dreams, full steam ahead oblivious to my getting up in years.
I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this stuff and as I said in my book, “I don’t want to have any regrets!”
I know also my pursuit empowers and motivates others. That alone makes it worthwhile.
As of today, despite the event not being even half over, more than half the competitors have dropped out, most because of frostbite and colder than minus 35 degree temperatures.
Last night I was having dinner with a group of other non-finishers who all unsurprisingly echoed my thoughts.
When I was younger, a DNF (Did Not Finish) devastated me. With age comes maturity and wisdom. This one hurts of course but looking at the big picture, I remain tremendously grateful for all my blessings.
What’s next? I don’t know yet. Most importantly, I’m tending to my frostbite, hoping to stave off partial amputation.
Knowing my history, I’ll be back at it next year. But… Maybe not. I’ve got my eyes on a couple of different opportunities.
The desire to challenge myself and do very hard things runs through every cell in my body. I still have the competitive drive, not against others, but within myself. I’m almost never satisfied. I stay hungry. I love the Chase. “There’s always another level.“
I challenge you to ask yourself, “What would I do?“
Thanks for reading.
And please, continue to chase YOUR personal Extreme Greatness.We
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