Iceland: Laugavegur Ultra

I'm convinced that correctly forecasting the weather in Iceland is pretty much not possible. We received an email from the race director 12 hours before the race with the latest weather forecast. No rain at the start, but rain about 1-2 hours in and then clear at the end.  Also: tailwind.

Actual: precipitation the whole time, mostly rain, some sleet, some snow. Mainly headwind.

But beautiful. Pictures should (maybe) appear when I return to the states.

Though I did take an iPod picture of the start area.

My tent is in there somewhere.

Iceland: Days 1 and 2

Cloudy over Hudson Bay.

Cloudy over Greenland.

Cloudy in Iceland. And windy. And rainy. And moderately cold (50 plus the wind). And beautiful.

No jetway into the terminal. Had to walk down steps outside and then make my way to the airport. Got a good taste of the cold windy (November?) rain.

Keflavik airport smells nice.

(apologies on photo quality... I can only attach photos taken from my iPod)

Initial views from the bus:

But then it started to 'clear up' as we approached Reykjavik:

There's a lot more (words not photos) but I need to sleep. Tomorrow I have a bus ride to the start of the race and I'll be camping there. Plus 2 more days of camping at the finish.

The race director just sent along this recent photo of the highest point on the course:

Iceland: Day 0

I am only able to write from by electronic bird book (also known as my iPod).   So unless I go back later and type more in detail, this will probably be just a few sentences for each happening.

Getting Ready

Doc keeps counting down the hours I have until I'm on the plane. He's putting pressure on me to pack except I already was mostly packed. Hey Beloit College juniors - oh my goodness, you're already a junior? That means senior is next. What are you going to do? What will your life become? You better start thinking; you're a junior.

I ate lunch with my parents in Miesville at Kings. They have over 50 styles of hamburger. Quite good.

My dad was pulled over a few miles from the airport. 52 in a 35. Just a warning. The cop gave my dad directions to the airport. Dad started driving and immediately took a wrong turn.

Nico stared out the side window at me as I left the van for the airport. When my parents drove away she moved to the back window so she could keep staring. I miss her.

A computer wasn't working when I checked in my bags. My bike flew free.

A 16 year old autistic boy had difficulties at the airport. One of the many troubles: zipper broke on his suitcase. He dropped to the ground in the middle of where everyone walks. He pleaded for help. Arms raised, too. He was ignored. He would like it to be known that he's from Milwaukee but lives in Texas. And importantly: he hates rednecks.

MSP Terminal 2 - you remind me of MDW and HOU circa 1992.  Confusing, inefficient, and ugly.

I was the last to board the plane. Seat 11A.

As I stepped on board, I heard Sigur Ros. Icelandair was playing it over the plane's speakers. I had heard of finding elves, trolls, and fairies on my ride, but now, perhaps, banana slugs, too.

1000 Things To Do Before You Die: #75

#75: Watch a poem.

Accomplished: May 6, 2013. (or now if you're watching it.)

1000 Things To Do Before You Die: #74

#74: Let your dog off leash.

Accomplished: Yes.

Half-credit: Off leash in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Extra-credit: Fenton.

1000 Things To Do Before You Die: #73

#73: Run a 10k Steeplechase.

Accomplished: April 26, 2013.

Half-credit: No Eckburg.  (Or healthy footed Eckburg.)

Extra-credit: Sub 40.  (Well done Matty J.)

And thanks to Eckburg who decided I could skip the first barrier if I added one at the end so my first ever steeple barrier would be the water jump.

(Matty J gives a nice nod to Cardillo's prosthetic hand.)

(Not so healthy footed Eckburg means funny form to save his foot.)
(Plus beard.)

1000 Things To Do Before You Die: #72

#72: Tour the Dean Foods facility in Rockford, Illinois with Dale Eckburg.

Accomplished: Yes.  Thankfully.  (Dale will be missed.)

Extra-credit: Wear a hardhat and/or get gifted a Dean Foods touque.