Toby Guillette

This weekend I attended the Endurance Sports Awards, which were held at Sea World here in San Diego. Being surrounded by all the people I read about, write about, and am inspired by, was truly an honor and a privilege. The entire evening was a treat, and a highlight for me was congratulating Dean Karnazes after he won the Ultra Runner of the Year Award.

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I have been a fan of Dean’s ever since January 2006 when I read his first book, +Ultramarathon Man, Confessions of an All Night Runner.+ My brother lent me his copy of the book to read on my flight back to San Diego from the East Coast that year. I read the whole thing before my flight landed and ran 12 miles the next day. I had never run more than 5 before then. Two weeks later, I ran my first official half marathon. Needless to say, I haven’t stopped running and growing my love for the sport. And neither has Dean.

The award he received was for his 2008 performance as an ultra runner, in which he successfully completed 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. His incredible feat was turned into a documentary film by JB Benna and then a second book, co-written by Dean with Active Expert Matt Fitzgerald. Among his other accomplishments last year, Dean became the first person to ever run all of the 4-Desert Series races in one year. Dean has truly inspired me to never stop exploring my own limits. And by his international success, it's safe to say he has inspired people all over the globe.

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The night of the awards went late, but I was up before sunrise the next morning to volunteer at the Xterra Mission Gorge 15K trail run. I had such a good time helping at the aid station on the Mt. Fortuna saddle (we could see the ocean!). A bunch of pros who were in town for the ESAs showed up to race. Check out a local endurance blogger's experience finishing between two former Ironman World Champions in her post, Ironman Sandwich.

The folks at Generic Events were super cool to work with and they put on a great event. Riding in a Search and Rescue vehicle up the steep trails that I usually run was a cool change but seeing the race from the other side was a helpful reminder of why I am so passionate about this lifestyle. The weather was picture perfect, and the aid station I helped work was at the top of one of the steepest climbs on the course. It was inspiring to watch participants' faces as they reached the top and came to us for water—from the front runner to the very last participant. I strongly encourage you to volunteer at a race this season. It’s a great way to give back and is truly a rewarding experience.