TACKLING THE BUFFALO RUN 50 MILER

Poor Keith didn't have any sleep the night before the race. He had spent all day traveling from New Orleans after a long week of training, only to have his truck die on the side of the highway that night. He was there almost 3 hours.  Somehow my phone was on silent that night and didn't hear his calls.  Yes I will never hear the end of this until the day I die. :o) When Keith got home, he quickly packed up their bags and headed for Antelope Island.

Lota was super excited. He amazes me everyday.  What 8 year old kid is excited about running a 50 mile run? A kid name Lotatoa that is.  It now make sense why I felt strongly to name him Lotatoa, meaning Our Warrior in the Samoan language. I was torn between Lototoa (meaning brave heart) and Lotatoa but somehow Lotatoa was the perfect fit for him.

With his Dad and our good friend Julie Chappelle by his side, Lota without any doubt started the longest trail run of his life.  Julie Chappelle was also running for a dear cousin who is fighting brain cancer. Heidi, Julie's sister had assembled their whole family and had a big cheering squad out on the island.  I was in Salt Lake that morning for an appointment and by the time I met up with Keith and Lota, Lota was coming up to mile 28.  He was in great spirit but I can tell his little feet were hurting so bad.

Our good friend Matt who just happened to hear about Lota's race the night before decided to show up with his whole family at mile 20 to help pace Lota.  That was a great relief for Keith given he hasn't had any sleep in the last 24 hours. The poor guy was running on 5hr energy drinks and love for his boy.

As Lota was making his way to mile marker 28, about 20 to 30 people were there cheering him on. It was a wonderful feeling to see so many people there for him. I helped changed his socks, get him some food and sent him on his way. Lota kept telling us he wants to finish the race.  Keith and I both knew, that mentally Lota can do it, but physically his little feet were just too sore and we had to make a decision.  Keith paced him all the way to the Garr Ranch where we told him, he had done absolutely amazing. So many people can't even go that far and he has.  Lota was a little sad but also very happy that we are all very happy for him.


Check out the news coverage on Lota from that incredible day.

We are deeply grateful for Lota and his positive attitude about life and his struggles. It is his strength that carries us through when we feel like we can't take one more step forward.