When asking someone on a first date to a coffee shop, it's best to ask if they drink coffee first. What was a small mistep turned into talks of gaming and camping, leading to date number two and turning a dog lover into a cat lover.

Robin and I had been dating for about a month when she expressed her interest for an ultra-race in Iceland. Then just a month later in December she asked if she could count on me as a travel partner in June. We had no idea if we were capable of sharing a living space yet, let alone cram ourselves into a camper van for a week long tour of an entire country! So I gave the only rational response. A full week of camping, playing in water falls, dorking out over geology, and seeing both active and dormant volcanoes. Oh, and Robin got to run across the hostile landscape for her race too. Best decision I made, and our life together was clear to me.

I was not an ultra runner. I had only participated in unsupported or strictly race supported events. So I had no idea what was involved when Robin asked me to crew here for the Loup Garou 100 mile race. Turns out it's lots of waiting broken up by frantically trying to find or prepare anything she might need when she stops for 10 minutes at the tent. Need soup? I got it. Change of clothes? Blister kit? All right here. What about some mashed potatoes? Warm mashed potatoes, with some cream would be great for a middle of the night pick me up. Creamer is the same thing as cream, right? After three years Robin got to return the favor. She crewed and paced me for my first 100 mile race. I wouldn't have done it or even considered doing it if not for her.