This story begins when I started running in 1977. I read every book and article I could find of the sport.I was fascinated by the marathoners and was amazed to read about Ted Corbitt and others actually running 50 miler and 100milers.Mind boggling stuff. But I told myself one day I too will do that.

 Fast forward to 1984, I had run one marathon and heard about this Mt Masochist thing in the Blue Ridge Mountains and I knew I had to do it. I sent off for an entry but a personal crises the month before prevented me from making it. And as so often happens life got in the way and many years passed and thoughts of an ultra faded.

  Move up in time to 1998. I was doing just a little running, no training and a lot of working but was playing in an over 40 soccer league when "POP", I blow out my left acl.  Suddenly I was faced with not ever being able to run normally again. I prayed mightily " Lord I can do without a lot of things, forget soccer but If you will please just let me be able to do what you know I love more than anything" Well my prayers were more than answered.

  Fast Forward to 2002. I am training to run the 20 miler at Uwharrie but it is not held that year. So I decide then would be a good time and go ahead and run an ultra and Horton's Holiday Lake 50k was only a week later. I ran and had a great time but as I finished I told my brother who was crewing for me " I can't comprehend running another 19 miles right now.

  Well here it is Oct 18th 2003 and I'm standing at the starting line of The Mountain Masochist .Finally. This couldn't have been a more perfect day. Wonderful weather, beautiful course , great organization, friendly volunteers and 245 of the best people a person could have the pleasure of running with.

  I felt great all day, with no problems at all. I was especially inspired by the Bible verses set at a couple of the aid stations. One in particular spoke to me, Psalms 121 vs. 1 'I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes  from the Lord who made heaven and earth. I know I am truly blessed to have the health and ability to do these things.

  I spent the whole day just making the cut-offs at each aid station but I never doubted that I would make it to the finish, but I am still amazed that I could feel so good at the end. It only took me 20 years to get there.

Joey Anderson