As I write about my “508” experience it must be said that I cannot fully put into words the emotions and feelings that I had prior, during, and after this event. The 508 is the most amazing, overwhelming, and insane athletic event I have ever witnessed. All my preparation before the race did not prepare me emotionally for the wave of feelings that I experienced. I had watched Jeff prepare and knew that physically he could do the event. I also felt that Jeff's years of flying on the backside of the clock would be a huge asset both mentally and physically.

My build up to the race began during the time we loaded up the truck. Having “ergoed” the truck up I felt that this was like our bat mobile. It would be like the mothership tending to its child. As we got to the race hotel I was emotionally overtaken by the scope of this event. As a crewmember I didn’t want to show my emotions so as not to affect Jeff. Race day, 0500 wide-awake and revved up to go. My eyes welled up at the start of the race knowing that the journey ahead would be huge. From the start to the hourly feedings I was exhilarated at Jeff's progress. Dick and Jeff both knew the racecourse quite well. I on the other hand tried, but was totally naive as what laid ahead.

Here are many of my race thoughts in no specific order:
- Trona burritos
- White vest, no yellow jacket, no white vest (Jeff unable to decide which clothes to wear)
- Play track 21 (Jeff asking for song 21 of a 20 song CD)
- The look in Jeff's huge gapping microsleep eyes as we pulled up to him in the early hours of Sunday morning
- The breath taking beauty of the desert
- Talking about my rectal exams to keep Jeff awake with some laughter
- The cactus people (Jeff's hallucinations)
- Passing “recumbent boy” on Townes Pass
- Dick’s amazement at how “cool” the sand dunes looked
- The absolute feeling of fear as Jeff's stomach shut down
- Enjoying teasing Jeff about what the cactus people looked like

The time during the race that I truly felt it might be close to being over was when Jeff was having hallucinations, but little did I know that he would prove me wrong. I also felt horrible as we went through Amboy trying to find the correct way. I thought, "my God I can navigate airplanes across the world but I have gotten terribly screwed up on reading simple directions during my friend’s pinnacle event of his life." As we approached Sheephole I was in awe as the “possessed” Jeff powered through to the finish.

Although I didn’t cry during the race, my stomach was turning with angst and concern. It wasn’t until days latter watching Dick's video with Carole (my wife) did I shed tears. Carole knew that not only had it been a life event for Jeff…it had been for me too. As Jeff crossed the finish line I was beaming because he had overcome all that was thrown his way. Emotions were in full force at the finish line and I intentionally tried to stay to the side allowing him to experience the event with his immediate family. In a way I wanted to be low key, as it was Jaguar's hour. I know the support team helped, but hey we were in the air conditioned/heated comfort of the truck. I was in complete amazement of the athletic feet completed and feel honored that Jeff was comfortable in our friendship to cry, yell, and be in complete pain in front of me. I only hope that I can reciprocate the unselfishness that he showed me. The drive back home the next day was very cathartic for me. I felt in a small way were we like warriors returning home from battle. That night as I lay in bed I felt blessed to have been a part of this event. Our friendship is stronger for it. Everyday I think about the 508. Life does not seem so tough anymore and even if it gets worse…it all can be overcome. I think about Dick and Joyce and the long hours of time that we had to work as a team and live like a family. It is November 3rd today and as I said it might take a while to fully put what I witnessed on paper. Thank you, Jeff, for having the confidence in me to be on your team. I will remember the “508” the rest of my life. It was that significant!