Well, the 2011 50 Mile Midnight Madness is now in the history books however it is history that we would like to forget.

We started off just great with our first (3) loops; 10.3 miles each; clicking along. One major difference from last year s that last year it rained the last (30) miles. This year, the temperatures during the day were hovering around 101 - 104 F (HOT, HOT, HOT!)

As the sun rose, it started to really heat up. Hydration was a must as well as keeping our electrolytes in balance.

All of this was done like clockwork however at the end of the day, Mother Nature won. Out on for our 4th loop, the heat got us & we decided to call it a day.

Good choice so as not to risk heat exhaustion.

Kudos to all of the runners who got in earlier & beat the scorching heat.

Our next endeavor is the Punkin Holler Hunnerd 100 MIle Trail Run in October.

The 2nd running of the 50 Mile Midnight Madness is scheduled for July 1st & Know No Boundaries will once again be running it. (Let's hop for a better time, eh?).

The Tulsa Area Trail & Ultra Runners (TATURs) are putting this on and it looks to be coming together well. It is (5) 10.1 mile loops alternating directions along the East and West sides of Riiverside Drive trail.

Last year, it poured rain for the last 30 miles (3 loops) which was our saving grace. Usually it is scorching in July so the rain was welcome. We can only pray for the same this year (or at least unseasonably cooler weather).

As we did last year, we are looking to get pledges per mile the donations of which will help us meet our first fundraising goal of bringing in a container of wheelchairs for the Tulsa community.

Come out & support us throughout the night. If you cannot make it, we would welcome your online donations.

Thank you & God Bless;

Ken

Ken Saveth of Know No Boundaries ran in the third of a 3-part series of 100 mile road races along historic Route 66 - hence the name "Mother Road".

The race started the morning of November 13th from Baxter Springs, Kansas and follow Route 66 through many small towns to end at the Catoosa High School stadium in Catoosa, Oklahoma on Sunday afternoon. The time limit is set at 30 hours and the race is limited to 250 runners.

Saturday morning was cold & cloudy but there where hopes of blue skies & sun later in the day. We were not dissapointed.

As the miles went on & on & on (& on), runners spread out for miles & miles along Route 66. Most of the time was running solo with an occasional runner passing or being passed. Once the sun was down, the real work began as night running in the middle of nowhere can be challenging mentially emotionally in addition to the physical part. Just past the half way point in White Oak, I picked up my first of (2) pacers to keep me sane throughout the wee hours of the night. Lori & Dave Veteto were true angels. In addition was the criticality of my crew - Cara Rodgers-Nance & Randy Nance at first as well as Earl Blewett later on who checked on me & ensured that I was properly fed & hydrated.  They promised not to let me quit unless there was bone or blood & they kept their promise.

Towards the end, sleep & a chance to rest my feet were about all that I could think of but breaking this "boundary" was important for many reasons.

Once the finish line was in sight, elation set in along with a few well deserved tears.

A finishing time of 29 hours, 36 minutes & 2 seconds brought me in about 20 minutes under tthe 30 hour cut-off.

Not only did I learn a lot about myself & my limits, but also a lot about my fellow man (& woman). Beforehand I may have  had the thought that most people are selfish & concerned about themselves & "what is in it for them" however this race changed my whole outlook. There were countless people out on the race course inthe dark, in the cold, handing out hot soup & snacks to people that they did not know & who would not likely remember their names.

The crew & pacers who helped me I could never repay in a thousand lifetimes. I to think that we were virtual stangers before the race yet they jumped right in anyway.

This was our final big fund raiser for the year. For those of you who made pledes, thank you very much. For those who would still like to make a donation, please do so under the "Donation" link at the top of the main web page.

Thank you for your prayers & support.

Stay tuned for our next event.

Thank you & God Bless.

Ken

Once again, KNB broke through another boundary by finishing the inaugural 50 Mile Midnight Madness in 13 hours and 41 minutes. The race was held July 2nd and finishing July 3rd here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The race was (5) 10 mile loops alternating direction starting at 41st Street & Riverside Drive, around to Turkey Mountain & then back to 41st Street & Riverside. The race course shocased great views of one of Tulsa's premier running spots along Riverside Trail as well as jaunt up to Turkey Mountain. It was a great course for friends & family who were out in support of us. Prior to the race start, we had heavy rains but this did not dampen our spirits. Although we had a dry start at midnight and a dry 30 miles, the rain returned around mile 30 and did not let up for the remainder of the race. It is amazing how God works. Most people would shu running in heavy rains however the cool rain and mild breeze provided a much cooler day than if it had been a typical Oklahoma summer day in the upper 90's.

A tremendous thanks goes out to Brian and Kathy Hoover of Runner's World Tulsa who graciously donated a portion of the race proceeds to Know No Boundaries. Check them out for any of your running needs as well as great advice and friendship from some seasoned ultra runners (http://www.runnersworldtulsa.com/).

Keep your eyes open for our next event and come out to support us. As always, donations are always a welcome blessing.

God Bless You

Ken