Frenchieland.

It's been a long day here in Chamonix and we are quickly approaching the business end of this trip.  The race starts tomorrow at 6:30 pm which is 12:30 pm eastern time, and 10:30 am for you Montanans.  I think that I have some live application that shoots my status at aid stations to my facebook page.

 I have much to tell, but will save my breath (or fingertips for that matter) and instead just leave you with some photos enhanced by moderately witty captions below them.  But first I will shamelessy sandwich a plug to my Montana Sponsors so that you must learn about them before laying your eyes on said photos below.

Grateful (and shameless) sponsor plug!

John Fiore at Sapphire Physical Therapy has been extremely generous to me this summer by helping me get on top of a Hip Flexor injury through June and July so that I could prep for UTMB.  John is a strong athlete himself and gets what it takes to keep people healthy so they may stay active.  If you have issues and want to get some help, go to Sapphire PT!  Thanks again John!

I also have been lucky enough to receive the generosity of my good friends Charrise and Scott Duchart who own Whitefish style.  They are the designers and printers of the Team Foote UTMB shirts. They also designed and printed the 11 Miles to paradise T-shirts as well!  They have burned the candle at both ends multiple nights getting the UTMB shirts ready on time for everyone and gave them to me at a great price so that I can turn around and gouge everyone else shamelessly!  Click on their logo on the right side of the page and check out their cool stuff!  Thanks you two!

Last but not Least.  Thank you Runners Edge for putting up with me and supporting me without question through all of these adventures (and letting me shower upstairs on a daily basis).    You're like the family who supports their kid even though he is out of college and should have his feet under him at this point.  Thank you for your continued support, grace, and patience!

And onto a random assortment of photos from the day......

Mike Wolfe racing a photo of himself!  no matter what he tells you when he gets back to Montana, he is totally a celebrity over here.

Kelly trying to look chic and pulling it off well (considering the competition...)

Photos of the Aguille du Midi deck. The aguille is a tram you take up 9000 ft from the valley floor to a severely dramatic rock outcropping with a tram terminal, walkways, and 2 restaraunts.  It's a must-do according to everyone here.

Mountaineers leaving the aguille on their way to summit Mont blanc.  It's great to take a photo like this and be able to drink espresso at the same time.  only in Chamonix!

The aguille from below

Caffeine at 13,500 ft

Race registration and check in...and dope control. (Shouldn't she be wearing gloves? just sayin...)

P.S.- I passed.

One of the many highlights of the day.  The kids only mini-UTMB.  all of their race bibs said number 1 on them and there were 500 kids over all in all the different events. The kid on the middle it about to eat it.  But those of you who are concerned, he got back up and finished strong. :)

Race Start

Not a bad background

Getting my toenails painted by my friend Krissy.  She's the current Womens course record holder for this race, so I'll consider it good luck. 

Wolfe wearing westernwear and spandex.  Montana meets frenchieland!

Time for sleep.....