Finally Qualified for the famous, Western States 100!

It's true!  On Saturday October 20, 2012  I ran the 2012 Palo Duro 50 Mile Ultra outside of Amarillo, Texas in 10:55:47.  Running this time qualified me to run the world renowned Western States 100 Mile run!  I'm so thrilled that I made this time in a specific "qualifying" race.  The tough thing now is to actually get picked to run in its "lottery" held every year.  Hopefully I'll get picked one of these years to run!

Palo Duro was a great trail run.  Held in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, temperatures hovered near 100 degrees so all the runners drank plenty of fluids during the day.  I immensely enjoyed the ice poured down my back at most of the aid stations during the hot parts of the day!  The canyon is the second largest canyon in the U.S.!  There are a lot of great, colorful rock formations on most of the walls of the canyon, and a lot of trails to explore, so there's a lot to see and do!

I had the pleasure of meeting some real nice people, runners and spectators alike!  One runner I met during the race has completed over 400 Ultra's in his life so far!  This is an incredible feat!  I came home to a celebratory bottle of champagne and a fantastic home made greeting sign from my wife Lori!  Life couldn't be better!

#7 Ultra done!  Here are some pictures!  Thanks for all of your support!

Donated:  $100.00  10/22/12

False Alzheimer's Diagnosis!

The article written in the Wall Street Journal on August 28th, 2012 states that there have been many false diagnosis of Alzheimer's in patients suffering from confusion, memory loss and personality changes!

Please read the article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444327204577615353048888094.html

New studies have also shown that symptoms similar to Alzheimer's can be side effects from commonly used drugs such as antihistimatines, sleeping pills, painkillers, and others!  Exposures to high levels of iron, lead and copper can also cause symptoms related to Alzheimer's.

To really be tested properly, a new form of PET scan can confirm "amyloid buildup" in the brain.  This test can be done on the living as well.  A negative PET scan can rule out Alzheimer's so doctors can search for other explanations of patients suffering from similar Alzheimer's symptoms.  This is good news.