The Massie's in the News--tommorrow JFK 50 miler race report

A local newspaper author from the Washington Examiner, Ben Giles recently contacted me because of this blog to see if we would be willing to be interviewed for an article. Although I consider it very normal to be 1/2 of a very active couple, perhaps our quest to live life to the fullest is a bit unusual.

The goal of the article was to spotlight Tristan because of his goal of peak bagging and me for my running. As you may know, Tristan has climbed extensively and sporadically I mention it. Most recently he tried twice within a 2 week span to summit Pikes Peak. Sadly 2-3 feet of snow above 13,000 feet prevented this. His first attempt was the same weekend as my unsuccessful JJ100 attempt (guess it was DNF's all around). Then veterans day he flew out for a quick redemption trip. Sadly this did not goes as planned but I think he has now decided to instead fill up his climbing calendar next year. This will include a winter ascent of Mt Washington, an expedition up Mt Adams (up the glaciated route) as well as possible a return to Mt. Shuksan. Tristan also is trying to arrange a trip for both of us to Pikes Peak in the middle of the summer in which he could hike and I could run (or at least try to run).

The article about me ended up focusing on my return to running after a pretty bad hit and run accident I was involved in as a pedestrian in 1995. I suppose my slow recovery contributed to the "why" of my running ultra-marathons. I think it also is the motivation for why I always ensure I have a good time running. I am so incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love as a hobby. And of course through ultra running I am so fortunate to have great friends, lots of inspirational role models and everyone is so nice and supportive.

You can read the articles here:

http://dev.www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Runner-aims-for-long-distances-years-after-accident-mangled-leg-8444786-70535077.html

and

http://dev.www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Glaciers_-cliffs-no-obstacle-for-peak-bagger-8495865-70531042.html

Just as a heads up there are a few minor errors in the articles.

For the article about me. I actually still have knee pain virtually every day, it just is manageable. After marathons and 50 milers I am in a bit of discomfort but I would not use the word pain. (and if you ever run into my dad...you must indicate this to him because virtually every phone call he expresses his worry that I am ruining my knee's/leg's)

For Tristan's article, he did summit Mt St Helens in 2008. It was smoking but was not spewing out school bus sized boulders as it was in 2006 or 2007 (when we also went to Mt St Helen's and hiked around but did not attempt to summit). Permits were being issued but they do have the death and dismemberment clause.