Jesse and Daniel were once again joined by Jesse McCann for the Las Vegas Marathon. Also joining them was Samantha, Katie, Jake, Melanie, Laura, and Ashley. Samantha, Melanie, and Laura completed the 5K on Saturday. Unfortunately, this year's Las Vegas Marathon trip was hit by some unplanned snags.  First, Jesse lost his running bib in Freemont, so he wasn't able to join the others for the race.  While initially running with McCann and Samantha, Daniel lost both of them in the large sea of runners.  Daniel thought to stop and wait near an aid station to see if he could find either McCann or Samantha.  After what seemed to be 30-40 minutes, Daniel decided to start running again, although, via the abridged 1/2 marathon route.  Samantha and McCann finished the full marathon, despite facing winds upwards of 30mph, dust storms, and the occasional downpour.  Even though the race deviated from the original plan, it was a great weekend with fun people!

Jesse and Daniel accomplished a longtime a goal of running a 100-mile race!  The Superior 100, also known as Sawtooth (named after the Sawtooth Mountains), is a very challenging, although breathtakingly beautiful course.  Both brothers had their lows.  Jesse's low was laying in a stream to cool off as several runners stopped to see if he was ok.  Daniel doesn't remember the last couple miles of one section, because his eyes felt like they were rolling around in his head.  There were even moments of hallucination due to the combination of sleep deprivation and running/hiking for 36 continuous hours!  Ultimately, the Minnesota Brothers finished the race with huge smiles!  The amazing support crew of Katie, Samantha, Mom, Dad, and Saraya lifted the brothers' spirits and gave them much-needed encouragement that helped them check-off another bucket list goal!

Saraya returned for her 4th Mudman and Samantha had her first mud run experience.  This year, they added another obstacle in the form of 95 degree weather!  Daniel cheered the girls on and Jesse was in Wisconsin cheering on the bands playing at Summer Set.

Next race: St. Paul Trail Marathon on August 22.

We conquered the "Hill from Hell" or, more aptly, walked up it cursing every step.  Either way, another state was checked off the list.  It was a beautiful day to run, especially since three days prior to the race we were running in -13 degree weather.  It was a change of almost 90 degrees!  It was a great road trip that had us accompanied by Samantha (second in her age group for the 10K) and chauffeured by dad.  Thanks dad for letting us get some much-needed rest!