I’m Not Crazy, Just An Ultrarunner

Trail Dog On His Favorite Bike

Admittedly, I was reluctant to begin “blogging” since I thought it sounded like “ralphing” or something Tommy Urbowich spewed onto Sister Mary Germaine’s white habit in my 5th grade Catholic school class after disagreeing with a cafeteria “spicy dog” at lunch.  Not to mention I knew nothing about how to create a blog nor did I think I had anything to say that would be interesting.  Ah, but one of my regular running mates <<<Randall Trail Dog Levere - (considerably younger, way faster and wiser and a mad cyclist) convinced me otherwise.  So here goes nothing…….  I’ll promise to keep it as real and interesting as possible….I’ll probably struggle with the later but I’ll let you be the judge.

This is the story of me - Bob “Diesel” Crowley, preparing to conquer one of the big quests on my “life list”  - the Western States 100 Endurance Run.  So far, if we’re keeping score, it’s The Beast 2, Diesel zippo.  In 1994 and again in 1996 The Beast kicked my ars - both times I DNFed (did not finish).  That’s me up there in the corner >>> in 1994 on Cougar Rock, early in the race…..boy, what I didn’t see what was coming!   I’m returning to the trail to finish what I started 15 years ago, believing that third time is the charm.  To beat The Beast, the wisdom I’ve gained will have to compensate for the speed, endurance and ability to run without something going boing that I’ve lost.  Fat chance but it worked for Dara Torres, right?

Oh, the “Diesel” nickname [every trail runners needs one] comes from my propensity to steadily grind out the miles - chugga, chugga, chugga - not pretty but efficient….like a diesel engine.

I hope you enjoy the journey with me…..and If you don’t, feel free to report me to your favorite shrink - I’ve got to believe after reading this blog I’ll look like a steak dinner to them