This past Saturday I ran 18.2 miles through the hills and dales of central Pennsylvania, the furthest I’ve ever run in my life! This is how my coach described it in his weekly email to the team.

15 hardy souls appeared at the covered bridge on the campus of Messiah College this Saturday AM. The weather was crystal clear and crisp with temps in the low 20’s. The course was the infamous Moore’s Mountain/Round Top Insanity. The Disney and Arizonians did a very tough 18 miles on very hilly terrain. Although it was a difficult loop our TNT runners hung tough.

“Insanity” is right. One has to be a little crazy to run up and down hills for three and a half hours in sub-freezing temperatures. But it was perfect too. The sky was clear and blue and the scent of winter was in the air. We ran through forest and pastures, passed century-old farmhomes and estates, and over one-lane bridges. We were befriended by a herd of deer. We saw the hills ski resort still green as the workers were preparing the snow making equipment. We passed harvested fields, scenic vistas, apple orchards, and families cutting their Christmas trees. Every bend in the road seem to yield another hidden treasure. Unfortunately it was usually at the top of a hill. Insane. Perfect.

Five more week until the marathon. Your prayers for continued health and safe travels are appreciated. Also continue to remember Sam. He’s doing better but still has three and half more years of standard treatment ahead of him. We are still accepting donations if you would like to support our marathon and leukemia research.

That’s me on the standing on the far right.

As a side note, I must say that the truly insane moment of the day was thinking that going Christmas shopping at the mall after running 18.2 miles would be a good idea. What?!