Posted on 06/29/08 12:40 PM| by team-admin
Just a quick note to say the team is doing AWESOME! We are awaiting their arrival from this latest 24+ hour trek through the Bridger Mountains. They are due in anytime now. Other teams that they are racing consistently with say they looked good on the trail - we’re hoping they got in a few hours sleep.
Your latest blog comments are printed and awaiting them. Thank you Paul for your guidance and words of wisdom. The words quit and can’t do it have not even been mentioned and we will not allow it. Spirits are high and they realize they are really in the big push of the race now.
Yesterday when they came into the TA after the all-night bike ride, they were about as exhausted as we’ve seen yet. All said the “sleep demons” are starting to play tricks on them. Mark crashed immediately for a couple hours and the others tried to nod off as well. They refueuled and set off on this trek.
Feet are all looking really good. I think the initial trek and blistering was needed to rough them up enough for the remaining treks… Erich’s heel is feeling really good and he has it wrapped up tight.
So far, they have not seen any big wildlife such as bears or moose…and neither have we. Just a lot of prairie dogs and really loud annoying birds (I think mocking birds). Thank goodness for ear plugs!
More later!
-Teresa & Kristen
June 29th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
SUE!!!!!!!!! You are kicking b#tt just like I knew you would. Seems like that secret weapon Ginko Biloba worked for your altitude acclimation as you seem to be breezing through the high alpine course. The Lake Tahoe Death Ride is going to feel like a Sunday bike stroll after this adventure. It will be an honor to ride with you as you already know I am your second biggest fan. Hang tough and sending my good energy your way.
TEAM XTREME COUTURE ROCKSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!
June 29th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Keep up the good work everyone! Including the support group. You guys are doing great, we were watching you onlune until about midnight last night and first thing this morning we are tracking you again. Keep up the good work! I cant believe how great you are doing! WOW!!!!! TTYL
Katrina & Curt
June 29th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Test
June 29th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Thanks for the update girls! I am so excited for you all! From what I can tell it looks like you are in the home stretch…..even if the “home stretch” in an 8 day race is kinda long, it looks like you are there! Keep kicking ass!
June 29th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Teresa and Kristen,
You girls are kicking ass. I wish to meet you some time.
Let the team know know I just got off the lake and a 3 hour paddleboard and 90 minute bike ride,…..115 degrees here.
SOO wish I was in Montana.
On a serious note, it’s predicted, i’m hearing that 15 will make the full course…maybe.
There are about 6 teams in front of them that will come to a SNAILS pace in the coming day or two.
It will pay TRUCKLOADS of dividends if they really really move effiient and have good transitions now.
Not to focus on other teams, but it will create immense energy to gain on them, and even pass.
NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER even think about quitting.
What ever pain and suffering you are in, there are 100 people that have it the same or worse than you guys.
WORK TOGETHER, love eachother, and enjoy this time.
You guys are living life as large as anybody else right now.
I barely know ya but we are proud as hell
GO FAST TAKE CHANCE
Paul Romero
Team SOLE
June 29th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
wow, nice route on the bikes there… you just gained huge ground against team 8, keep it up
June 29th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Erich, you’re doing great! Chris is beside himself watching your progress. What will we do for entertainment when you’re all done? I might be able to find a pie around here for you when you get back - see you soon
June 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
PUPSTER & TEAM-
Can’t help but checking the computer for “tracking” every hour or so. Your team is such an inspiration I even logged a 1 1/2 mile jog yesterday (25 mins.) and actually swam about 5 laps in the pool today (while kids weren’t jumping off my shoulders). Keep it going!!!! I’m so pumped on you and the squad! Tuesday finish?? DO IT!
HAWK
June 29th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
hey suzyyyy! sending positive energy to you and the team.
go go GO!
love & kisses 2 u.
mare~
June 30th, 2008 at 12:54 am
Hey Dad,
Bet you never thought you would hear from me. I figured since the spoiled blk/wht goof and psycho calvin wrote in, it was my turn to cheer you on. I promise to never bite you or scratch you again if you and your team finish in the top 20. I know we have had our differneces, but I am very proud to let you live in the same house as me.
Keep the paws blister free!
Baby Chaos
June 30th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Thanks for the update. From what I could tell from the tracking screen, Team 44 was absolutely flying on the bikes out of Bozeman. You guys are awesome - the athletes and the support crew! I’ve been spotting you all over You Tube and the photo gallery and you’re making it look easy (usually.) Hope you are getting some good sleep so you can enjoy that final push - looks like some good stuff ahead. Have fun! We’re all sending positive energy, Mary~
June 30th, 2008 at 11:31 am
We are soooooo proud of you guys! Pup your feet look horrible! I will forever have nightmares of your feet. We are working hard here in Costa Rica. we have been eating and sleeping for you guys!
good luck and we are so proud of you guys. keep on truckn
June 30th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Well, it’s Monday now, and I haven’t heard your results from your trusty Sherpas, but I know it’s been an impressive performance by the whole team and great experience for everyone. CONGRATULATIONS to you all!! An awesome job by an awesome team!! Yeah Team XC!!
June 30th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Not sure if this will get to you guys since my last message is “still awaiting moderation” but I have to try b/c I am so excited for you all! You are soooo close and in 15th place! Amazing! I could not be more proud. Keep after it.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Way to go everyone - you are on the downhill stretch now!!! Almost there!!! Keep going, and pushing - you are in our thoughts and prayers and will be up to the end and beyond. Mark, dad is keeping track every day but doesn’t know how to send a message - so he told me to tell you that he is VERY proud of you and of what you are doing!!! We can’t wait to talk to you after you get home. Teresa - and support team, ya’ll are doing an incredible job - keep up the great work. You are all an inspiration to me!!! KEEP GOING!!!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Keep it up, XC! We are cheering for you to keep up your strength and working together for the last few legs of your journey. Erich, i count on a full account eventually
Believe it or not, Helen is as interested and keen on the details as the rest of us! I’m to phone her as soon as we know that you’re all done with the course. Take care of each other, and enjoy the last miles.
cheryl
June 30th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Hey Uncle Mark Jackson!!! Just wanted to write and tell you that I am very proud of you! Looks like the team is kicking butt. Keep up the good work and let’s have a strong finish!!!!!!
Love you,
Kristen
July 1st, 2008 at 11:48 am
Go go go Erich!!! So excited that you are almost done. I hope you get this before you start your final stretch on the bikes, but if not “Well done,” tons of cheering, xoxo’s, and “I am so proud of you.”
So Heidi says what will they do for entertainment around there when you are done… she suggests a pie… I suggest a pie in the face. I see that as much more entertaining than simply watching one eat it. Don’t you? I thought you would agree.
Talk to ya soon, rest up Luv,
xoxoxo Chelle Belle xoxoxo
July 1st, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Just got to the computer at home and spent time reviewing all you guys have been through. We are so proud. You are doing an awesome job! The pics and videos of all the teams really tell the story. Hang in Mark, we are keeping you in our thoughts. You caaannnn doooooo it! Go Team XC - Go Mark!
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:19 am
Team XC is awesome!! Your efforts are very inspiring!We’ve had you in our thoughts the entire time and I wish John and I could have helped with the support. Top 20! Wow!!! I’m so proud of Mark J. I know he worked very hard to get to the race. He’s an animal!! We love you Mark and Terri. Can’t wait to hear all about it.