Dirty 30 race report

Well I have another ultramarathon under my belt.  As usual, it not only challenged me physically, but emotionally and spiritually too.

The Dirty 30  - a 50K in Golden Gate Canyon, CO.  It was actually 32 miles but I guess that doesn't make for a good name....

Gary and I pre-race

Start line

I sent my running partners Gary and John an email back in January telling them I was thinking about doing this race - any interest?  John didn't - he was done doing long races (I should probably follow his lead at some point!).  Gary liked the idea and the challenge.  We have adventured together for several years (Gary 20+, John 10+).  I don't ever look at the race details, just the pictures from the course.  Gary immediately looked at the race details and came up with a plan - we would have to run 19 minute miles, plan our nutrition and we will make the cut-offs.

We went to Golden Gate Canyon several times to recon the course.  It was usually snowy and cold.  We both got busy with life and didn't train or recon to the level that we should have.

This race was a bitch. No if's and's or but's.  It was a bitch!  It was one of the most challenging days I can remember.

For training, I did several mountain runs, however none more than 15 miles. I raced some snowshoe races this winter but they were only 10K.  The bottom line....I was under-prepared.

We decided to opt for the early start as we were going to need the extra time.  There were 50 +/- of us that opted to suffer more than the rest of the crowd.  The weather forecast looked favorable for a great race (low of 40, high 65, no rain).  The sun was just starting to rise, the nervous energy was palpable.  Most of the early starters were first time ultra competitors.  The race director, Megan, called them SISU's.

From the website, "Sisu is a Finnish word that cannot be properly translated into the English language, but is loosely defined as stoic determination, bravery, guts, resilience, perseverance and hardiness, expressing the historic self-identified Finnish National Character.  Sisu is about taking action against the odds and displaying courage and resoluteness in the face of adversity. Deciding on a course of action and then sticking to that decision against repeated failures is Sisu."

I admit, I was a little jealous of the attention that was bestowed upon the newbies.  I knew I was going to suffer today.  The question, "Would I be able to overcome the challenges ahead (and display the qualities of Sisu)?" loomed large.

Go!

I started out in 4th place (for about 100 yards - lol).  Over the course of the day, all but a few would pass me en route to the finish (500+).  For me, this was not a race against the other racers, this was a race against the trail, the conditions, the clock and most importantly, my brain.  My goal was to finish before the course closed.

My race strategy was to power hike all of the uphills, try to run the flats and downhills.  Drink water every 10 minutes or so, try to eat every 30 minutes.  I had a smorgasbord of food in my pack.  I try to eat real food early to keep my stomach happy. Then later, gels, bars, anything that I can tolerate. Over the years, I learned to have a good nutrition plan but be flexible as I never know how my body will respond on any given day.

I also used hiking poles.  They help me with the uphills and more importantly take 20-30% of the weight on the downhills creating less jarring to my knees and hips.  It engages my core and helps with balance - especially in the technical portions.  I did a lot of training at Orange Theory Fitness the past 1.5 years.  This has taught me focus (on the dreaded treadmill and rower), has given me some serious core strength, raised my aerobic capacity and anaerobic threshold.

Back to the race....

The word that best describes the first half of race for me - HUBRIS - I was full of it.  I kept thinking that this is going to be easier than other races/events that I have done - Grand Canyon, Leadville Marathon, Skyline to the Sea, Snowshoe marathons, etc.  Time goals started to creep into my head. "If I can do Leadville Marathon in under 7 hours, this should be easy!"

We were flowing through some nice non-technical singletrack. There were some climbs but nothing too difficult.   I always go out too fast, I always go out to fast, I always go out too fast.  Maybe one day, I will figure this out.  Gary was hanging back. He is much more disciplined than I.  I would get to the aid stations first and regroup while he steady paces his way in.  Today, I didn't realize that he was struggling with cramping and calf pain.

At around mile 9 the trail turned into a crazy technical rock skree field (elevation ~9500').  No running here.  I wondered if there was going to be a lot more of this.  It was totally un-runnable - up or down. The trail started to humble me.  The terrain reminded me of the top sections of Mt. Grey's and Torrey's.  I have climbed several 14-ers and it has proved to be great training for this - both mentally and physically. I was extremely glad for the hiking poles here! We then descended into aid station 2.

We left aid station 2, 40 minutes ahead of schedule still feeling pretty good.  12 miles done - 1/3 of the way there.  The trail out of aid 2 started to climb.  It was steep and long.  The negative thoughts started creeping in.  I ate some food but my stomach wasn't feeling that great.  I was forcing food and drink down. It was almost 5 miles to the next aid station.  It was 5 miles to the next bathroom.  It became clear that I would need it.  There was a sign that said 1 in 100 ultra runners poop their pants.  I was determined not to be that one....Though at times, it was getting close!

The trail descended for 2 miles with a 1000 foot elevation loss into aid station 3.  When the trail goes downhill, I think that I am the king of the world.  The trail flows and time flies. The hubris crept back in.

Aid 3 is 17.4 miles in.  WELL over half way!  There was a volunteer with a sign that that made me laugh so hard, I had to take a picture with her.

I paid a visit to the outhouse to drop some weight.  Now all was well in my world.  Lower bowels were empty and I still had a spring in my step.  I had a drop bag to replenish my food.  I changed socks, wet my head and I was ready to tackle the second half of the race.  Unfortunately Gary dropped at this point. He was cramping really bad.  He didn't think he would make it to the cut off in time to continue on in his current physical state. He called it a good training day and dropped out. There were a lot of people dropping at this point.  Seeds were planted in my brain, though I didn't know it at the time.

The temperature was much hotter than the forecasted 60 degrees - I cursed at the weather man for giving me unrealistic expectations.  It was probably 80 degrees in the sun.  I exited aid station 3 to a grinding 2.5 mile (1200') climb.  I was starting to cramp.  I took several breaks along the way.  The flats and downhills now became shuffles instead of runs.  I was breaking down.  This section was 8 miles to the next aid station.  It was very technical.  I was alone for most of it.  There were a half dozen or so of us suffering, passing, resting, leapfrogging each other.  I felt my attitude plummeting faster than I could run downhill.

I got it into my mind that I would drop at the next aid station as I thought I would only have 50 minutes to make the cut-off from aid 4 to Windy Peak. - the last obstacle of the race.  I thought that distance was 5 miles.  I was now shuffe-walking - visualize Marty Feldman's Igor in "Young Frankenstien" (walk this way).  That was my running gate.

I arrived at Aid 4 (mile 25) and accepted my fate.  My hubris had turned to humiliation. I was defeated. I rationalized that 8 hours, 25 miles was still a good day. It had been a long time since I didn't finish a race - maybe I was due?  My cramping was fierce at this point. I was quite dehydrated.  I sat down in the shade.  I told them I didn't think I would make the 5 miles in 50 minutes.  They immediately started questioning my logic.  It was only 1 mile to the 3:00 cut off.  I had plenty of time.  Fuck, Fuck Fuck! I guess I didn't really have an excuse anymore.

This aid station was probably the best aid station in the history of aid stations.  I ate fresh fried pirogies, boiled sweet and white potatoes dipped in salt, avocados, chips, watermelon and popsicles. Yes - Pirogies and Popsicles how much better could life be!?!  I must have sat and ate for 15 minutes straight.  I accepted that I couldn't use the "I'm too slow excuse" and I was resigned to gut out the remainder of the race.  I refilled my water bladder and set out to finish.   I also took a lifeshotz vitamin boost.  It couldn't have come at a better time. I knew my wife Gina would be proud! I felt awesome!

The rest and food really energized me. My "Igor" gallop turned again into good running form and I was going as fast as I had a the beginning of the race.  I was back in the flow.  Again, I was pretty much alone as almost everyone in the race has passed me by now.... I knew that this rejuvenation wouldn't be long lived, but I would ride it out as long as I can.  I was at the cut off in 8 minutes as it was all downhill.

I turned into a steep downhill single track in the woods. there were several familiar faces coming up looking really tired.  Ominous warning.  I am cruising along and I start to feel something dripping down the back of my legs.  I thought, "Is it water or blood?" Thankfully it was water.  I must not have secured shut my water pouch.  I pulled it out of the pack and there were several hole in it.  Fuck, Fuck, FUCK!   How does this happen?  And what timing!!

 A random hiker offered to lend me her bladder, I politely declined.  The lowest holes were about 2" from the bottom of the bladder.  I could keep about 16 oz of water in the bladder.  I knew that wouldn't last long.  I still had 8 miles, and the hardest part of the course was looming large ahead of me.

The climb to Windy Peak was 2.5 miles and 1200'.  Alone, it wouldn't have been too difficult.  It was now mile 26, exposed in the hot sun and 8.5 hours of running thus far.  I was still able to run the flats and the short downhills.  The uphills started to become more technical and steep.  I was able to maintain with several breaks.  My legs were starting to cramp again.  I took some salt tablets and took a big pull from my water hose.  About 5 minutes later, the cramping got real.  I felt like I was on the edge of full tonic-clonic seizure.  I drank the remainder of my water.  I thought I was close to the top, but I was very wrong.  I took it easy, modified my gait to minimize the cramping.  I was in trouble.  I sat along the side of the trail and massaged my calves and thighs to to try to flush out some of the lactic acid.

I started asking other runners for water.  I had salt deposits all over my clothes, face and hat.  I was pale and my heart rate wouldn't come down.  The other runners let me take pulls off their water hoses.  One trail angel named Charles had a spare bottle in his pack that he gave to me.  This guy saved my race (and most likely, my life!)  I drank a good bit of it quickly, took more salt pills and marched forward.  I summited about 20 minutes later.  I took a picture at the top.  Sat down for a few minutes and drank the remainder of my water.

Top of Windy Peak Mile 28 - Cue the butterfly!

I heard the volunteers talking about me that I was out of water, not looking so good.  There was some chatter on their walkie talkies about sweeping the course.  However, the only way to safety would be to finish.  I needed to go about a mile downhill to get some more water.  I better get moving.  I didn't want to DNF at this point!

I was back to my "Igor shuffle".  All downhill from here (except for the uphills...).  I started to reflect on my life.  My mom is not doing well with her health and her situation weighed heavy on my at this section.  The emotions were strong at this point.  I decided to turn on some music.  Foo Fighters - "Times like These" started playing.  Couldn't have been more appropriate.

About half way down, four high school boys were coming up the trail  They asked me if I saw a guy with a white hat on.  They were bringing up water for him.  I wished it was for me, but I knew I could get water fairly soon and didn't want to take it away from someone who "really" needed it.  I told them somewhat sarcastically that there were hundreds of runners with white hats.  I had a tan hat on.  They kept going up, I kept going down.

I come up to aid 5.  One of the volunteers asked me if I got the water that they sent up for me?  Fuck, Fuck, FUCK!!!  I told her that I didn't think it was for me as the boys specifically said a guy in a white hat.  We both had a laugh.  I sat and drank water and tailwind electrolyte replacement.  2.6 miles to go.  I got up and headed for some more downhill.

I could hear the cheering at the finish line but I couldn't see it.  The last mile seemed like it took forever.  There was a prize for "last ass off the pass".  I was thinking that I had a good shot a winning some money.  I slowed my pace a bit to come in 5 minutes before the official cut off.  Turns out there were a handful of people still behind me.  No prize....

I finished with some people at the finish line but not the crowd I felt I deserved - lol.  Gary was there to support.  He guided me towards the food and we exchanged stories from the battles that were fought today.  Lot's of emotions.  As we were talking, I realized that I had to really had to dig deep to finish.  I was in awe that I finished.  It was a definite character builder!

Thank you Megan and all the volunteers on the course.  There were supporters dressed as clowns, sunflowers, I think I saw cookie monster, and a sadistic sexy police woman in fishnet stockings (she sent the water for me). The aid stations were well stocked with great food, supportive volunteers and great energy.  The views form the trail were absolutely spectacular and the pictures on the website don't do it justice.  A great time was had by all!

http://dirty30.org/golden-gate/course-info/

At the finish.  Full of salt!

I have to thank all those that support me along the way.  Especially my wife Gina, my kids and all my family and friends near and far.  I thought of so many of you on my run while in solitude for almost 11 hours today.  I feel blessed to have the life I have and the people in it.  Gary - always my partner in these crazy adventures.  You will get it next time. And John, you would have loved this race.

 My favorite quote from a sign today:

I am definitely a "special kind of idiot!"

I Try Not to Get Political - But....

"I Have a Dream" - the MLK Step at the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise

Once again, I was honored to have been chosen as part of a delegation to represent Colorado dentists and attend the Washington Leadership Conference put on by the American Dental Association. It is an opportunity for leaders in dentistry to meet with our national legislators to educate and advocate best practices and trends that we are seeing.  In a time of such flux with the delivery of healthcare, we offer perspective that hopefully will help shape health care and ensure that we can best serve our communities.

It was an interesting social and political time in the area.  A man named Freddie Gray was killed while in police custody shortly after being arrested.  Sadly, a much too common occurrence not just limited to Baltimore, but across the nation. The protests began peacefully but soon turned violent.

I was Baltimore to attend the Orioles game on Saturday evening. There was a palpable energy inside and around the stadium due to a strong police presence. At the game’s conclusion, the fans were not allowed to leave for their own safety until the riots had calmed.  

As time marched on, the riots continued. Buildings were damaged and looting ensued.  People were injured.  The National Guard was called in, and a curfew was instituted. CNN and Fox News were having a paparazzi feeding frenzy with a countdown to the mandated curfew. There were several more arrests and a public outcry….The entire situation was sad to witness.

Order was not restored quickly.  It wasn’t safe to be in the area.  The following day the Orioles game was cancelled.  Oddly, the next day’s game was played to an empty stadium.  Never before has a Major League baseball game been played in an empty stadium.

Pictures from the game which no one watched

Back in DC,  we dentists were meeting with our legislators.  Several of our legislators mentioned that they were invited to various “State”events (dinners, lunches, etc) with the President, who was hosting the Japanese Prime Minister. 

The Japanese Prime Minister (Shinzo Abe) must have been wondering about how the free speech thingy (1st Amendment) is working for us….I am sure that President Obama was thinking the same thing.  At a press conference to introduce the PM, POTUS took a few minutes to address the rioting. 

He recognized first that the rioters who were committing unlawful acts were not helping the situation.  They were no better than criminals and thugs taking advantage of an opportunity to be destructive. 

He then balanced his displeasure at the fact that some police officers/departments are not doing what is mandated that they do -"to protect and to serve”.  They too needed to reform and be held accountable.  

He continued to address the core issue with some of the most profound and inspiring words I ever heard him say.

"Without making any excuses for criminal activities that take place in these communities, what we also know is that if you have impoverished communities that have been stripped away of opportunity, where children are born into abject poverty, they’ve got parents often because of substance abuse problems or incarceration or lack of education themselves can’t do right by their kids, if it’s more likely that those kids end up in jail or dead that they go to college, in communities where there are no fathers who can provide guidance to the young men, communities where there’s no investment and manufacturing’s been stripped away and drugs have flooded the communitiy and the drug industry ends up being the primary employer for a whole lot of folks… In those environments, if we think that we’re just gonna send the police to do the dirty work of containing the problems that arise there without as a nation asking what we can do to change those communities, to help lift up those communities and give those kids opportunities, then we’re not going to solve this problem.

America, the land of opportunity - has no opportunities to thrive. 

Without opportunity, there is no hope to dream. Frustration ensues and more riots are going to occur. 

We must return to our roots- the ideals that serve as our country’s foundation - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  

We need to take back our freedom.

We must accept that to right the ship, there are no simple answers.

We all are going to need to sacrifice for the betterment of the whole.

The finger pointing needs to end now.  

We need to work together to figure out solutions that spur opportunities for everyone to contribute. Americans have always had the creativity combined with the spirit to make this happen.  

We real solutions, not more riots…

If you like this blog post, I would love to hear about it.  Please comment or share it on Google+, Facebook, Linked in, Twitter, etc.  If you are looking for a dentist in the Denver area, we are always looking for new patients.  Please visit our website http://www.tcdodenver.com/ or like our facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/TCDOdenver.  Or you can contact us  the old fashion way - call us at 303-321-4445.

Thanks for reading!  BK

TEDMED 2014

For the second year in a row, I attended the TEDMED conference.  TEDMED is a corner of the infinite TED universe specifically focused on innovation in health care. 

Innovation is much too small of a word to describe what TEDMED is.

They try to introduce it on their website (www.tedmed.com): "TEDMED is a global community dedicated to unlocking imagination in service of health and medicine. Our goal is to seed the innovations of today, making possible the breakthroughs of tomorrow...for a healthier, more vibrant humanity." 

But even this is incomplete.  One must experience it to understand.

To attend, one must go through an application process.  TEDMED is always searching for the proper mix of delegates that will be allow for stimulating networking and friendships to be made.  This year the event was hosted in two cities, Washington D.C. and San Francisco.  I chose the latter.

There were 80 presenters, 2000+ delegates, 80 start up companies from various sectors of health.  This year's theme was "Unlocking Imagination".

240 page conference program

The presentations were thought provoking and expertly delivered in the classic TED style.  If you have ever seen a TED "talk", you know where I am coming from.

They shared how they were improving the design of hospitals to improve both the health of the patients and the communities they serve by leaving no footprint.  One was looking at diseases in different ways - for example, What role does childhood trauma play in all future diseases?

They challenged our paradigms at every turn. For example, legalization and government compensation for the harvesting of organs to reduce black market activity while saving lives.

They inspired us with virtual reality games to reduce pain in patients.  They gave us a glimpse of a new plastic that amorphically changes shape via electric manipulation to be used in cardiac catheterization.

One speaker was collecting voice samples to "donate" to people (kids and adults) who cannot talk - thereby giving them a voice and a personality.

Several bioethicists asked an uncomfortable audience on how messages to the public about drug use should be altered drastically.  One asked, should doctors be totally transparent? While another shared courageously about physician assisted death or discussed the ethics of genome mapping to tell our future propensity to disease.

My favorite speaker was Abraham Vergehese.  He is the author of several books including NY Times bestseller "Cutting For Stone".  I had the opportunity to meet him afterwards and have him sign a book that I read in 1999 titled, "The Tennis Partner".  I told him how important that book was to me and charged me with the impetus to live each day to the fullest.

After sharing life stories for a bit, he signed my book with the last line from the narrative, "...Get the ball back over the net just one more time."  (never give up!).  He gave me a hug and told me that I made his day (how cool!?!?!?!).  http://abrahamverghese.com/

Abraham Verghese and I at TEDMED 2014

     

The "convention floor" is known as the hive.  The hive is always buzzing with activities.  The start up companies are all there on display with things to play with.  Of course, I had to go to the obligatory brainwave activity detector to verify that the old neurons are still sparking once in while.  And, like last year, contrary to most people's opinion, I do indeed have a brain that is functional....I will leave it at that.

Verifying that I do indeed have a brain.

The hive is where it all happened.  The space was designed very deliberately to maximize our experiences. There were several areas for lounging, networking, working, watching presentations, eating, etc.  There were speaker meet-ups where you can have very in depth conversations with the speaker and other curious fellow delegates.

Another area was called the campfire where they served gourmet smores and had a vast array of topics to talk about about current and future trends in health care.

The attendees were medical students, PhD. students, biomedical engineers, heads of various prominent medical school departments, angel investors, artists, employees of tech, medical devices and marketing firms.  I was "wowed"by practically everyone I met. I was humbled my the creativity and intelligence of my fellow delegates.  I was inspired for their zest and zeal to change the world from their specific niche.  I met people from all over the world - US, Israel, Canada, UK, Australia, South America, Hong Kong, etc.

I WAS THE ONLY DENTIST.....too bad....I would encourage some of my fellow colleagues, (especially the thought leaders) to consider coming in the future.  I wasn't lonely, but I was the only dentist!

The over arching theme:  No matter what new technology is becoming available to better treat the patient's physical maladies, nothing can help a patient's psyche more than a healthcare professional (Physician, Nurse, Dentist, etc) that genuinely cares and connects with his/her patients on a human level.

Thanks to all the TEDMED-er's involved in putting on such an amazing experience and allowing me to attend once again!

Peace.

If you like this blog post, I would love to hear about it.  Please comment or share it on Google+, Facebook, Linked in, Twitter, etc.  If you are looking for a dentist in the Denver area, we are always looking for new patients.  Please visit our website http://www.tcdodenver.com/ or like our facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/TCDOdenver.  Or you can contact us  the old fashion way - call us at 303-321-4445.

Thanks for reading!  BK

What will your verse be?

Robin Williams's death is a tragedy that has rocked my world.  I didn't realize how much he affected my life until I look at all the movies/tv shows/appearances that he was in.  

In "Dead Poet's Society", he challenges his students by asking the question,  "What will your verse be?"

A question of epic proportion.  Imagine being in his class posed with this question.  

What would your verse be?  What are you passionate about? How will you impact the world?  

Ironically the character that Professor Keating (Robin Williams) inspires most, Neil, commits suicide too.  He takes a chance and follows his dream, parents are unimpressed and pressures him away form his passionate path and he sees no other option but to die.  

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. More tragic irony spoken by Robin Williams - 

My wife said to me this morning, "It is so unfortunate that people who struggle with addiction and depression cannot see how much their world around them love them"

So true....

I know many dentists and friends that have chosen to quit the fight.  Their demons, like Robin's, finally got the best of them.  Robbing them of the opportunity to see the light in their lives. Robbing their family and friends of what could have been.  

Today I shed a tear for Robin Williams; I am grateful for his verse; his impact on me and the world.  

The court jester is back with his maker; making heaven's souls laugh hysterically as he did for us.

Thomas Crum suggests:

"What would it be like if you lived each day, each breath, as a work of art in progress? Imagine that you are a masterpiece unfolding, every second of every day, a work of art taking form with every breath."

I believe that everyone has gifts that are completely unique.  Our purpose is to explore/grow those gifts and share those gifts with the world.

Everyday is a gift; I choose to treat it accordingly....

If you like this blog post, I would love to hear about it.  Please comment or share it on Google+, Facebook, Linked in, Twitter, etc.  If you are looking for a dentist in the Denver area, we are always looking for new patients.  Please visit our website http://www.tcdodenver.com/ or like our facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/TCDOdenver.  Or you can contact us  the old fashion way - call us at 303-321-4445.

Thanks for reading!  BK

Advocacy in Dentistry - ADA Storms Capitol Hill - Washington, DC

United States Capitol at Sunrise

I was honored to be part of a delegation that went to Washington DC to provide dental care advocacy on behalf of the Colorado Dental Association and the American Dental Association.  We had a chance to meet with most of our Colorado legislators in person and if they were unable to meet with us personally, they had their health care staff expert meet with us.

This year we had three issues to bring forth.  The first was a reform on student loans hoping to get a reduction in interest and an increased tax deduction.  This is for everyone with student loans, not just dentists.  An interesting stat - Americans collectively owe $1.1 trillion dollars in student loans, much of it subsidized by the government.  It is quickly approaching the amount of money that we owe China ($1.4 trillion).   Congressman Paul Gozar, DDS (R-AZ) calls this a bandaid, a good start - but not a comprehensive solution.  The cost to go to college/graduate school must evolve as it is unsustainable.  Dentistry is the costliest of the professions to train and it is not unheard of for a dental student to finish with a $500,000 student loan debt.  This is a 30 year mortgage, not a student loan.

The second issue we discussed was an ask for grant money to help start initiatives that will serve those in need.  These grants will help states with initiatives such as "Give Kids a Smile", "Missions of Mercy" and community coordinators that will help people find a dentist via emergency room referrals, nursing homes, schools, etc.  The legislators asked where is the money going to come from.  We call this designated grant money an investment, not a cost.

For example, in Colorado - we have an event called Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM). COMOM is a 2 day event where dental professionals set up a temporary dental clinic in a big way.  Over a thousand patients are treated for free over the course of the event.  All of us bring our own dental tools and supplies and treat what is needed.  The cost to put on a COMOM is $160,000.  The amount of dentistry given to the community over a $1,000,000. This is money that won't have to come from government benefits such as medicaid.  The next COMOM is in October in Henderson, CO.

The third issue was a letter initiated by Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (R-AZ) that we want our legislators to join in and sign.  This letter asked the Center for Medicaid and Medicare services to improve the fairness and transparency of Medicaid recovery auditors and their review process.  We believe that audits of medicaid providers should be done to catch providers trying to beat the system, but not on those that are doing their best to serve those in the community in need.

Currently, in some states, the process is "guilty until proven innocent" with very little opportunity for the provider to have any recourse to defend him/herself. It is difficult for dentists to want to join up to become medicaid providers when these type of audits are in place.

We also had a variety of speakers give us the current state of the political climate in Washington.  There is less than 40 legislative days left in session and due to stalemate political party posturing, they predict that very little legislation of any significance will get done.  Sad that this is the case.....

One of the best speakers was Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL).  He was preaching to the choir when he said that the Affordable Care Act cannot put a price tag on caring for our patients.  He predicts that the "commoditization of health care" is going to drive down the opportunity for us to truly care about our patients.  I am doing everything in my practice to not let this happen.  I hope my colleagues will too.

A big revelation was how important our political action committees (PAC's) are.  Both ADPAC (national) and CODPAC (Colorado) raise funds to advocate to keep dentistry a profession of relevance.  This year alone, these PAC's have allowed us to spend time with our legislators to explain our needs so we can provide the best dentistry and services to our communities that we serve.

"Up in Smoke" - The Marijuana Phenomenon....How is Dentistry Affected?

"Rocky Mountain High" has a new meaning...

As of January 1, 2014, the recreational use of marijuana became legal here in Colorado.  The "medicinal" use has been in place since 2002.  When Barack Obama became president, he openly said that he wouldn't make this a judicial priority. Pot shops started to "bud" up all over Colorado. They grew like "weeds".  It got a little out of hand.  Advertisements, crazy names and street sign shakers everywhere.  All vacant commercial real estate became pot shops.  To really put this into perspective, there are more pot shops in Denver than Starbucks.

(A video I took a few years ago of a guy toting a sign advertising $25 1/8th's on Colfax Avenue.  Sign toting has since become illegal for pot shops.)

Imagine, walking into a marijuana store and after perusing the dozens of strains, brands, edibles, etc - pulling out your cash and making a purchase. No need to look over your shoulder. You walk out, you go home and partake.  This is not a hallucination.  It is reality in Colorado.  (Buy stock in Frito-Lay now!)

Before it became legal for recreational use, I had been to many concerts at Red Rocks, an outdoor venue in Morrison, CO. At the start of every show, the rampant outbreak of "glaucoma" commenced and it seemed that the only cure had been to smoke dope.  These poor souls -all those years of suffering - buying tickets to their favorite artist and unable to see the stage due to their glaucoma.  No longer- with the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, they can see clearly!

I say this with my tongue firmly in cheek.  I thought the medical "guise" was a sham as so few people truly had medical conditions that qualified.  If it was truly for medical use, why weren't pharmacists in charge of its distribution?  They are the only profession qualified to dispense legal drugs.

The recreational marijuana experiment is here to stay.  The State of Colorado is expected to generate over $100 million in tax revenues. If you are not from Colorado, take note, I predict that this phenomena is coming to your state soon.

Before I go any further - for full disclosure, my marijuana days are long over. Mind altering substances didn't agree with my preferred future. I voted against the legalization. Obviously, I was in the minority.  It is here to stay.  It is now as normal to smoke dope in Colorado as having a beer with friends.

I am not going to get into the social ramifications or discussions about the signs of the apocalypse.  I would like to open up the "doors of perception" in my profession and start the conversation.  

How does marijuana affect dentistry?

First of all, our patients use it.  Accept this fact.  A significant percentage always have. We need to ask them about their using habits.  This may seem strange and/or uncomfortable.  We need to know, so we can treat our patients appropriately. There are several risks and maybe even some benefits here. 

Potential Risks:

• Smoking marijuana causes cancer.  I know, this is going to elicit all sorts of responses from the peanut gallery.  Bottom line, it has carcinogens in it that cause cancer.  When we do an oral cancer screening, we need to get over our fear and ask our patients.  We need to council and educate our patients with regards to the risks of use - Just as we do with alcohol.

• Like tobacco, smoking marijuana is also a risk factor in periodontitis which is the leading cause for tooth loss these days.  I am sure that oral hygiene takes a back seat to vegging out on the couch listening to Pink Floyd. I also predict "higher" caries risk due to xerostomia, poor diet and lapses in oral hygiene. 

• Very important point - just because it is legal, we dentists must practice dentistry SOBER!  This goes for the dentist and our staffs - all health care professionals included.  It has never been OK to go to lunch and knock back a few drinks then return for our afternoon patients. This is no different.  I know you say, "it helps with concentration" - Zero tolerance here! 

• Marijuana use can lead to addiction.  We need to be skilled in communicating this fact to our patients as we do with alcohol and other drugs. There is a plethora of resources available to treat the disease of addiction. We need to be well versed in guiding those patients that need help towards recovery.

Potential Benefits:

• Pot may be a viable pain management alternative to opiates.  This is empirical.  But it does relieve pain. Chronic pain is a criteria to get access to a medical marijuana card.  I haven't seen any studies or if even these sort of studies are possible due to marijuana being a Schedule 1 drug. Opiate abuse/addiction is at an epidemic level.  There were three times more opiate deaths than drunk driving deaths in Colorado last year.  Pot is addictive but probably not as addictive or dangerous as opiates. I am not saying that pot is not dangerous.  I don't think it is as dangerous.

• Pot may be a viable anti-anxiety alternative to benzodiazepams.  I will bet that our patients have been smoking pot prior to dental appointments for decades.  Again, I'm not sure if any studies have been done (see above). Another criteria for a medical marijuana card is anxiety.  

I do not proclaim myself to be an expert here.  These are just my observations and predictions as a practitioner and a citizen in the State of Colorado.  There is a wide open frontier of possible opportunities and pitfalls with the legalization of marijuana. Hopefully we can stay ahead of the curve and help our patients as always in the best possible manner.

If you like this blog post, I would love to hear about it.  Please comment or share it on Google+, Facebook, Linked in, Twitter, etc.  If you are looking for a dentist in the Denver area, we are always looking for new patients.  Please visit our website http://www.tcdodenver.com/ or like our facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/TCDOdenver.  Or you can contact us  the old fashion way - call us at 303-321-4445.

Thanks for reading!  BK

Is Dentistry a Commodity?

From 1991 - 1995, I went to dental school to learn my craft.  I found out that early on, that the scientific based classes came very easy for me as I was a biomedical engineer prior to dental school.  What didn't come so easy, was the artistic training that was required to be a dentist.  We had to learn how to create teeth out of wax, plastic, amalgam, composite, gold, porcelain, etc.

Looking back to grade school, I was the kid that got sent to the principle's office from art class for being disruptive.  I would do anything to not do art.  I was quickly slapped with reality when I struggled in these early training exercises in dental school.  I had no artistic skills!

I struggled so much that I was required to go to what I call "wax camp" during the summer after the first year of dental school. (Does the movie"The Breakfast Club" comes to mind?)

The other "campers" and I huddled around bunsen burners flames and honed our skills with one-on-one instruction from some very talented instructors.  One day, I don't know when or why, the switch flipped and my right brain connected with my left brain and I was able to wax up teeth at a proficiently high level.  As time went on, I became better and better at it.   In fact, I taught this very same class at University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine for 7 years.

So back to the question, is dentistry a commodity?

Dentistry is an imperfect blend of art and science.  It is not mass produced on a conveyer belt in a factory.  It is provided uniquely and personally to our patients.

A mentor and master of dentistry, L.D. Pankey once said, "I've never had a tooth walk into my office. It was always attached to someone.  Get to know that person, and I may get the opportunity to treat that person's teeth."  Words which I live by in my practice philosophy.  We treat people holistically - mind, body, spirit. You are not a set of teeth, you are a "whole" person.

So is dentistry a commodity?

Can a person go to a dentist and say that he needs a size 12 upper molar and the dentist picks one off the shelf and glues it in?  NO

Can a person go to a shoe store and ask the salesman to fit him in a size 12 shoe? YES

Can that person buy a size 12 shoe for $30, and a size 12 shoe for $300?  YES

Is that shoe store being chastised by community organizations for "gouging" its clients?  NO 

Why then do dentists get chastised by insurance companies for charging a fair price for their services provided uniquely to an individual?  Usually people (insurance agents) placing unfair judgements on things they have no experience with.

If a dentist charges more for a service than a patient values, the patient will not buy that service. Simple economics - supply and demand.

If a person sees a value in either price point for the shoe, he/she will buy that shoe.

The same thing goes in dentistry.  There are different levels of service and challenges in treating patients.  A more difficult procedure may cost more as the dentist to takes more time, care, judgement and skill to perform that procedure to the level of care that the patient expects.

And any patient has the right to put value on things important to them.

Most third party entities (insurance companies, government agencies, etc.) have been masterful at creating a "dentistry is a commodity" mindset to the consumers.

I am emphatically saying that it is not a commodity.  Dentistry is a blend of art and science executed with proper judgement and skill that only comes from our highly specialized training and experience.

There may come a day that one can choose a size 12 upper molar off the shelf -

Then again, there may not...

All this could be a moot point as clean teeth do not decay - AND - 95% of dental problems are preventable!

If you like this blog post, I would love to hear about it.  Please comment or share it on Google+, Facebook, Linked in, Twitter, etc.  If you are looking for a dentist in the Denver area, we are always looking for new patients.  Please visit our website http://www.tcdodenver.com/ or like our facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/TCDOdenver.  Or you can contact us  the old fashion way - call us at 303-321-4445.

Thanks for reading!  BK

25 Things About Me

As my 46th birthday approaches, I decided to take a different approach to my usual rants here on my blog.

This was a facebook thing several years ago.  I retrieved my list from 2008 and updated it. It was a good reflection exercise for me.


Here are 25 things about me in no particular order -

1. I used to alter my mind with substances but found that it didn’t agree with my present or future plans…

2. I am inspired by positive changes in people, places and things...

3. Someone from my high school told me once that I when I grow up, I wouldn’t listen to heavy metal anymore….”F@%k -you old friend, I still do!”

4. My kids are exactly like my wife and I, and it is scary! We are raising our children Jewish…however, sometimes Sunday school interferes with our ski weekends and my mountain running “problem”…Sorry Rabbi Mo!

5. I love to run, bike, triathlon, snowshoe etc.… my favorite running partners over the years have been Gina, my Dad, my brothers and sisters, Gary Benson, Charlie Perez, Maggie Close, Liza Gualandi, John Stevens, Conrad LaPorte, Steven Griffith, Dave Lindeman, Brian Reick, all my Team-in-Training groups, my dog Kida and now Crosby.  Thinking back, Gary Benson has been sharing adventures with me for close to 25 years.

6. I love to run/play in the mountains. In fact, last fall I ran the Grand Canyon, South Rim to North Rim and back to the South Rim in less than 18 hours.  Other notable athletic accomplishments – Leadville 50 mile mountain bike race, mountain biked from Telluride to Moab, multiple marathons, trail marathons, and snowshoe marathons. (yes you read that right SNOWSHOE marathons)

Which segues nicely into….

7. My life is an adventure, just ask anyone!

8. I am a deeply spiritual person. I try to improve my faith every day. Sometimes I falter and my intentions don't align with my actions. I am human and there are lessons to be learned everyday….There is spirituality in imperfection.

9. I am excited to see so many friends that are on similar paths as I. I am proud to walk this path with all of you! You give me strength and hope when I cannot see it for myself.

10. I have an awesome dental practice, and an amazing team of people that I work with. (employees, patients, consultants, referring doctors, specialists, etc). I am proud of the lives that we impact through our dentistry. . I love being a dentist. I believe that the smile is the window to the soul. I do everything that I can to help my patients’ soul shine through.

11. Progressive music genre: “Complicated music for complicated people” – I think that Geoff Tate of Queensryche was speaking to me when he said that!

12. I would play guitar for a living if I thought it would support my lifestyle.

13. Two friends (Mike Ford and Pat Gibbons) died recently from complications of the flu.  Their lives were cut short, but their impact on the world was huge and their spirits carry on in so many lives that they touched.

14. My wife is a saint to put up with me on a daily basis!

15. I am glad to have reconnected with so many friends from the past on social media.  I am so happy for all of you who choose to share about your lives.  I hope to reconnect in person with you in our various travels.

16. The economy may not have a bright immediate future. However, our attitudes do, if we choose accordingly.

17. In October, 2007, I testified before the United States Congress on behalf of the American Dental Association. I was to explain to them about the ravages of methamphetamines on oral health. My true message was that there is a solution to the disease of addiction. Treatment works. Sometimes it may take a few times but it is the best solution going. And, it saves lives!

18. I am about to become the President of the Colorado Dental Association – I am nervous, excited, and amazed that any group of people would choose me to lead an organization.   I hope to leave the organization better than when I took it over.  I work with an amazing board and CDA staff that keep this train rolling in the right direction!

19. The best thing about being a father is that I get to live my childhood again through them. I am blessed to have a loving family to share their experience on how to do this thing! It is easy to father a child, it is an accomplishment to be a father.

20. Religious people are afraid to go to hell in the afterlife. Spiritual people have been to hell (here on earth) and don’t want to go back!

21. I have had many mentors in my life to which I am most grateful. They saw things in me that I couldn’t see in myself and then encouraged me to grow those gifts.  I try to pay it forward by mentoring others. Thanks to all of you, especially mom and dad....

22. My wife thinks that social media is weird but she is starting to warm up.

23. My dream house is in the mountains near a rolling, open meadow strewn with wildflowers and a stream running through it.

24. I played basketball in high school.  As a rebellious teenager, I began to hate it at the time. Looking back regretfully, I could have played at a higher level if I put the effort in.  Basketball has so many life lessons in it.  I took my son Max to the Coach K basketball camp two of the past three years.  Last spring, I reached out to my old basketball coach from high school (Ken Sartini). Over dinner we caught up on what had been going on in our lives the past 20 plus years.  I thanked him for being a great teacher and mentor to me.  I still talk to him often, what a gift!

25. One more….Chicago Cub’s, next year is now! Come on already!

If you like this blog post, I would love to hear about it.  Please comment or share it on Google+, Facebook, Linked in, Twitter, etc.  If you are looking for a dentist in the Denver area, we are always looking for new patients.  Please visit our website http://www.tcdodenver.com/ or like our facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/TCDOdenver.  Or you can do it the old fashion way - call us at 303-321-4445.

Thanks for reading!  BK

Life's Platitudes

“Life’s” Platitudes

Don't you hate those wise, thought provoking quotes? I usually do too, but in recent events, a few of these rang true for me.  This blog entry is dedicated to my friend Mike.

Platitude #1 - Life is Short….

My friend Mike passed away a few weeks ago.  He died of complications of the flu.  This aggressive strain quickly moved into pneumonia, which led to acute respiratory distress. This forced the doctors to insert a breathing tube to help him get oxygen into his blood stream and he was placed into a medical coma.  After ten days, his heart went into full cardiac arrest and he was unable to be revived. He was 49 years old. 

“Crazy,” I thought. “Healthy people don’t die of the flu!  How could this happen?  Why!?!?!”

The night before he died I gave a presentation on leadership.  This talk was to alumni of a drug and alcohol treatment center.  I spoke about concepts that I am passionate about help me to live my life with some level of significance.  The concepts include: Love my family and friends unconditionally; help others; live courageously, humbly and with integrity. I do a lot of prayer and meditation - especially when I exercise.  And my mindset is usually pretty good. Sometimes I'm better at it than others.  But for the most part, these daily affirmations really help me stay focus so I can be effective.

I knew my friend was in a coma but I didn’t think he was going to die.  I shared my worries with the audience, “You never know when your time will be up.  Better live every day to the fullest extent without regret.”  I know - platitudes....But they aren't relevant, until something like this happens.  

I proceeded to tell the group that my friend was in the hospital and his circumstances were grim.

He died too soon for my liking.   It is human nature to ask why did this happen.  With any of life’s challenges, there is a lesson. (another platitude...)

After a lot of praying, meditating and consulting with friends, I have learned that life is short - get my affairs in order, love my family, friends and work, live each day to the fullest.  

Platitude #2 - Life’s a Bitch….

Initially I was sad.  He isn’t here anymore.  He was a friend that, although I didn’t see him that often, when we got together we could talk heart to heart. 

He had a great dental practice. He was universally loved.  He really knew me, I really knew him – so I thought. 

A few days after he passed, I went to his office to help finish some work on a few of his patients that needed follow up care.  After spending time with his office staff about the tragedy, I was given a glimpse into his life over the past few months.  He had been struggling.  My interpretation was that he was lonely, he was stuck in a rut – possibly even depressed.  His practice was struggling financially.  He might have been struggling financially as well. 

Even under this stress, he still marched forward -helping friends, patients, etc.  Maybe he helped so he wouldn’t have to face his challenges.  Perhaps he was stuck and the only way he knew how to get out of his rut was to help others. 

On his desk was a photograph of Mike, myself and another mutual friend.  The picture was at his open house for his business.  The office space was unique, bold and comfortable.  At the time the picture was taken, life for him was so full of possibilities. 

What changed?   What happened?  Why didn’t he ask for help?  Any of his friends would have dropped whatever they were doing to help.  All he had to do was ask.

Lesson – Outside appearances are not always reflective of what is going on in the inside.  Ask for help when struggling.

Platitude #3 - Life is Beautiful…..

I received many phone calls from disbelieving friends and colleagues. I recited the facts of the situation that I knew.  I gave out the info on his funeral. 

At his funeral, hundreds of people showed up. It was a beautiful celebration.  Friends and family from different parts of his life all shared stories.  We laughed, we cried, we consoled each other.

I shared a story on how I met him.

He was an alcoholic.  Almost 11 years ago, I organized an intervention to help him get his life turned around.  At the time, he didn’t want my help.  He was obstinate, stubborn and arrogant. He was in denial and he thought he could beat the problem on his own. 

I too am a recovering alcoholic.  My trajectory turned around in 1998 when life got really bad.  For whatever reason,  I was graced with the willingness to do whatever it took to treat my problem.  A responsibility that helps me maintain my recovery is to share my story. Another key component of my recovery is helping other lost souls like my friend.

A few days after the intervention, he surrendered his will and reluctantly went to treatment for his problem.  He returned a few months later a changed man.  I had been involved in many of these interventions.  When they return from treatment, some want to thank me and some want to hit me.

Fortunately, he thanked me.  In fact, he credits me for saving his life.  I never felt comfortable with that fact.  I was just giving to him what was freely given to me - The gift of hope.  Someone was there for me when I was ready. I owed it to that person (and myself) to pay it forward.

This is why we had such a unique friendship.  We both had suffered greatly and we had overcome our struggles.

As I got over the anger of his death, I entered into the mindset of gratitude.  I am grateful that we had marched together in recovery for almost 11 years of our lives.

I recall a personal story from the book “Alcoholics Anonymous”.  The story tells of a lady’s personal struggles and how she overcame her struggles while building a new life.  The end of the story says, “In exchange for a bottle and a hangover, I have been given the Keys to the Kingdom.”

My friend and I both have been given the “Keys to the Kingdom." 

When I first met my friend, he was close to death from alcohol poisoning.  Jaundice overtook his body as his liver was failing.  After treatment, Grace offered him a second chance at life.  He took advantage of this opportunity and made a life for himself filled with significant relationships and events.  He helped hundreds of other people in the same manner that he claims I helped him. 

He struggled too – but that is life.  I still feel cheated that he was taken away from this world way too soon.  It was his time to turn in his set of “Keys”.

I don’t think he would have traded his life for anything.  Neither would I....

Lesson learned – You never know who is listening, what they hear that touched them with significance, or when they hear it  - so share my experience with the world. 

Be grateful for what I have. 

Find a lesson in every challenge that life throws at me.

If you like this blog post, I would love to hear about it.  Please comment or share it on Google+, Facebook, Linked in, Twitter, etc.  If you are looking for a dentist in the Denver area, we are always looking for new patients.  Please visit our website http://www.tcdodenver.com/ or like our facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/TCDOdenver.  Or you can do it the old fashion way - call us at 303-321-4445.

Thanks for reading!  BK

Grand Canyon - R2R2R

"The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step" Lao Tzu - Tao Te Ching

The "before" shot - denial firmly set in...."This is crazy!"

While I'm convalescing on the couch, I decided to pass my time by recounting my recently completed run.

Last September, a group of friends and I went to the Grand Canyon to attempt a Rim to Rim to Rim run.  (R2R2R).  We started on the North Rim and bailed out at the South Rim.  A number of excuses - It was too hot, we had stomach issues, got too far behind our time goal, etc.  Even though we didn't accomplish our goal, I considered it the most amazing run - until now

We set out with a new plan, with some new players and armed with the experience of knowing the trail landmarks. We decided to do it in November - when the weather would be much cooler.  The heat really got to us last year.  We decided to start at the South Rim this time.  The North Rim lodging was closed and there were no support opportunities there.

I liken this strategy to when the explorer Cortez burned his ships upon arrival in the new world. No turning back! We are fully in or do not attempt.  

My partners were Gary Benson, John Stevens, Steven Griffith and Dave Lindeman. John had a few friends join us from Michigan to do the run (Jeff and Jerry) as well.  Dave wanted to experience the canyon and had no interest in running the entire thing.  His goal was to run to the bottom, turn around and run back up to the South Rim.  The equivalent of doing a Rim-to-Rim.  A huge accomplishment in its own right. Originally, there were several others that had planned to come but were unable to make it.

We arrived at the South Rim around 8 pm.  We met for dinner and discussed the plan/strategy for the run.  I have been doing crazy endurance events with Gary for over 20 years and was looking forward to accomplishing this with him.  I've been running with John for about 13 years - he is much faster than Gary and I.  Steven has done several ultra's and offers hours of unsolicited entertainment. Steven also is much faster than Gary and I.

At dinner, I said to John - "We should stick together for the first half - then do whatever feels right."  He quickly responded with "I think everyone should do their own pace for the entire run."

So it seemed that John had a time goal...

This is a 46+ mile run.  I had no idea how my body, legs and brain would respond to the stress of the run.  Gary is really good at keeping me moving at a sustainable pace.  Steven and John both think I am much faster than I really am.  I keep telling them that I am tall, not fast!  My goal was to finish - period.  I have a history of starting out too fast.  I was not going get sucked into my interpretation of John's challenge.

So Gary and I would pair off - Dave would join us as well.  John would pair up with Steven. Hopefully whatever John was thinking for time, doesn't hurt him in the long run.

Jeff and Jerry from Michigan would pair off as well.

We predicted that this would take anywhere from 16-20 hours to complete.  We took our obligatory group photos in the dark that, of course,  didn't come out.  With no announcer to get us revved up, unceremoniously we were off.  We hit the trail Friday morning at 4:15am.  John, Steven, Jeff and Jerry were gone pretty quickly.  I hoped we would catch up at one of the campgrounds ahead.

We started our journey at 7,000 feet on the Bright Angel Trail.  The steep trail descends quickly along the south rim wall through many switchbacks.  I have never been on this trail in the light and cannot comment on the views other than from the top.

Elevation Profile

I spent the first hour or so trying to arrange and distribute the weight of my pack so it was as comfortable as it could be.  I chose to use the same pack as last year: a Go-Light Rush pack that held a 3 liter hydration bladder with an add on Salomon front pack for easy access to food, camera and other necessities.  I used super-light hiking poles to help assuage both the the uphill pulls and the downhill crashes on my knees and hips.

One thing that I have experienced with these long events, is that I also must manage the distribution of gas, liquid and solids in terms of bodily functions both upward and downward. Mis-management of any of the aforementioned factors can make for a really great or a really bad day!  This includes transit times of both liquid and solid fuel (by fuel, I mean food).  The goal with the gasses is to minimize the production of them at all costs as they can lead to problems with the other 2.  Some of us do better with this than others.

I tried to super hydrate on the drive from Denver and not get caught eating food that I know would come back to haunt me the next day during the run. The best laid plans....

All I can say is thank goodness there were several bathrooms the first 5 miles.  I think I visited at least half of them.  Still not satisfied.  My stomach wasn't unbearable, but it wasn't fully comfortable either. It didn't stop me from running so I marched onward with the hope that time would resolve my issues.

The sun started to come up at around 6 am.  The contrasting views illustrated by the changing light, shadows and textures of the landscape throughout the day were spectacular.

Sunrise at the bottom of Devil's Corkscrew

Downhill is the evil seduction of false hope. We were cruising along happy and steady.  My mind was feeling confident that today would be no problem.  As we approached the Colorado River, I ran ahead to get some pictures of Gary and Dave and the river as the light of the morning sun spilled over the canyon.

We entered Phantom Ranch at around 7:00 am. This is about the 10 mile marker and the end of the wonderful downhill. My stomach was feeling better, but I wasn't hungry and had to really force the food and the water.  I distributed some cargo from the back pack to the front pack for easy access to food.  I was cursing that I brought pants and a jacket as it was perfect weather for running in shorts.  I try to be prepared for anything, and I was worried about it being really cold on the North Rim.  We filled up our water bladders and re-packed our packs.

Off we went onto the North Kaibab trail.  Next stop was the Pumphouse Ranger Station, approximately 10 miles of gradual uphill.

Dave was doing great.  I thought he might be tempted to go the distance with us but after about another hour of running with us, he turned around to head back.  He probably did 25 miles. A spectacular run Dave!

We entered into a slot canyon for the next 5 miles or so.  The trail follows Bright Angel Creek and has amazing views, several bridges to cross and a completely different light profile in the slot canyon.  This part of the trail is called the "Vishnu Schist".

Gary and Dave crossing one of the many bridges

Throughout this section and the next, we started to encounter other R2R2R's.  There were maybe 10 others on the trail that day with the same goal in mind.

Waterfall at Bright Angel Creek

As we exited the Vishnu, the trail started to increase its steepness grade.  We made it to the Pumphouse Ranger Station ahead of the time that Gary predicted.  We were moving fairly comfortably.  I visited the outhouse once again, and this time I left very satisfied as I dropped some serious solid waste out of my bowels - Finally!

This was the last opportunity for water until we get to the North Rim - a steep 5.4 mile climb from 4,600' to 8,241' and back.  All of the services were closed on the North Rim for the winter. While we were refueling, I decided to keep my pants and jacket just in case the weather is bad on top.  I decided to leave one of my food bags at the campground so I didn't have to carry the extra weight on the climb.  This proved to be a good calculation as I did not need all that food for this section.  I took what I needed and we pressed on.

We started to wonder when the others would pass us coming down.  I figured it would be soon.

This next section was a bear.  It was steep and technical.  It was hard to run any but a few sections of this section.  As a bonus and something to take our minds off of the slow trudge, a completely different set of views unfolded in front of us.

Exiting out of the Pumphouse Ranger Station

Half way up!

As we were making progress, we still hadn't seen the rest of the group.  Both Gary and I thought that something went wrong and they were planning to bail on the North Rim.  I was thinking, I could bail with them, but I left my food bag down at the Pumphouse Ranger Station - I wouldn't want to leave that!  I felt tired and ready for the climb to be over.  I knew that for the return trip, I would have to dig deep to see what I had left inside physically and emotionally.

We finally ran into them at one quarter mile from the top.  They looked strong, regardless of how they were feeling, they looked really strong.  It turns out that both Steven and John ran out of water and went looking for a refill on the top. This diversion cost them about 30 minutes.

Steven tried to talk us into turning around with them and joining up for the rest of the run. We declined as we have yet to make it to the top and didn't want to have any doubt that we did the entire thing.  Also, I needed a break!

2 switchbacks later, we made it to the North Rim at 12:45.  8.5 hours into the run.  

North Kaibab Trailhead sign.

It was beautiful weather on top - I was happy, but mad that I had to drag my jacket and wind pants up that climb for nothing...We sat, ate and got busy back down before we talked ourselves out of continuing forward.  We stopped for 15 minutes.

Selfie at Supai Tunnel

Supai Tunnel

As we descended, it was very steep and technical.  This was the most dangerous section of the day. We were tired and didn't want to trip, fall, stub a toe, etc.  So we descended carefully and purposely.  As the afternoon wore on, the sun laid new shadows and contrasts that were stunning.

Me at the Coconino point overlook

Gary at the Coconino point overlook

A view, I never want to forget...

We made it back down to the Pumphouse Ranger Station in about the same amount of time that it took us to climb to the top.  I spent more time taking it easy and documenting the landscape with my camera phone. Gary ran out of water on the way down so we shared what I had left until we could refill.

I proceeded to visit the outhouse again at the Pumphouse - I promise you that it earned its name pumphouse for a reason!  Again feeling very refreshed as my GI issues were gone, we laid out all of our food on a picnic table, and started eating and eating and eating.  

Up walked a runner dressed in a kilt and a rainbow hat with a propeller attached to it.  He looked pretty out of it.  I urged him to take some food from me.  After he initially refused, he finally took some.  I didn't want to carry the extra food anymore anyway.  We bid him good wishes and we pushed forward.

In my mind, it was a quick run to Phantom Ranch.  I forgot it was nearly 9 miles.  Gary led the way alternating running and speed walking.  (in fact, Gary led the way the entire day).  It was a perfect pace.  I mentioned to him how good I felt but didn't want to jinx anything...2 hours later I wasn't feeling so good! 

As were running through the Cottonwood campground, we were talking about if we were going to call this run our first 50.  I thought it was a great idea, but I'm not sure that I want to ever do another....A group of campers overheard our conversation and asked us if we were going to the "Tonto".  I stopped and asked what that was.  He explained that it was a two mile run between the Bright Angel and the South Kaibab trailheads on the South Rim.  That would give us the four miles that we needed to make it an official 50 mile run.   I said out loud that that wasn't going to happen.  The entire campsite erupted in laughter as we pressed on through.

The wheels are starting to come off....

The same waterfall at Bright Angel Creek

We were losing sunlight as we passed through Vishnu's and then into Phantom Ranch.  I was struggling to keep pace. The wheels were about to come off for me and Gary knew it.  As we entered the campground, Gary wouldn't let me sit down and made me eat and drink to refuel.  It was a good move on his part.  If I sat down, it would have been very hard to get going again.  

As we repacked our bags, the realization that we have about 10 miles to go - mostly uphill in the dark.  I got my headlight back on and started to move on.  Running with headlamps is an interesting phenomenon for me.  

It allows me to focus on just the spot of light in my focus.  When we were climbing the North Rim, it was mentally exhausting because I could see the top and it never seemed to get any closer. With the light, I am able to focus on just keeping moving forward.  (Dori from the movie Finding Nemo comes to mind - "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...")  I can't see the top or anything else.

Eventually, I will get there.  Gary predicted 5 more hours and we would be done. I thought that sounded longer than what it would take.  I kept that thought to myself as he is usually right on the money with his predictions.  I was feeling much better after refueling.  I had the remainder of my food in my front pack for easy access and I had enough water to get to the Indian Garden's campground.  About 5 miles.  

We power hiked the climb and ran any downhills and flats that we encountered.  Gary would get ahead and I would just keep pace.  My mind started to get into a meditative state.  I was reflecting on how much fun it would be to take a few days to do this with Gina and the kids - when the kids are older.  We could do it like most of the people that experience the Canyon - on Mules.  It would be an amazing experience.  I hope we can.  

I became very grateful that Gina allows me to explore this part of me and continues to support my peculiarities ( a big word for 'craziness').  I am so lucky to have such an amazing supportive family.  I was thinking how grateful I was to experience this day with such amazing friends in Gary, John, Steve and Dave.  I was thinking how great it was to be alive and living each day to the fullest extent.  I was thinking about how blessed I am with all of the gifts in my life.  

As I pressed on with full of emotion, the climb didn't seem so bad.  We entered Indian Garden at about 2 hours.  We refilled enough water to get us through the final push. 4.7 miles to go.  

The final climb was steep!  It was broken up into 3 mile and 1.5 mile rest areas.  We set our sights for these sections.  We started to see a few headlights in the distance up the side of the cliff.  Gary figured it out to be John and Steven.  We started communicating through yelling.   I couldn't believe that they were so close! It gave us both bursts of energy.  I was emptying the reservoir of what I had left - which was dwindling fast.  

Ominous Warning which I failed to heed....

There seemed to be hundreds of switchbacks.  Gary was about a full switchback ahead of me and as we passed each other, he explained that each switchback was a victory.  So as we passed we acknowledged each other with a victory salutation.  Every few switches, I stopped to stretch and rest.  The trudge ends with a long relatively flat section to the trailhead.  I always get emotional at the end of a challenge such as this.  I passed those last 100 yards wiping my eyes. Thank God it was over.  Steven was at the finish to catch us up with his experience and to walk us to our rooms.  They were just 15 minutes ahead of us. Final stats - 46 miles, 17 hours 45 minutes

Everyone finished strong.  I'm looking forward to talking with John yet to hear how his day and his buddy's day went. 

We had an Epic Day!  I need a massage....

I enjoyed my trip and I didn't get bit!