Follow me at IMTUF 2017: https://share.garmin.com/HelenJavier
The phrase “seeing the elephant” was widely used in late 1800s America throughout the Civil War, Gold Rush, and Westward Expansion in reference to gaining experience of the world at a significant cost.
We are now advanced on our trip about 200 miles and in all this trip I have not seen the ‘Elephant.’ I am told, however, that he is ahead, and if I live, I am determined to see him.
“To see the elephant” became the expression for suffering a severe ordeal, facing one’s worst expectations, overcoming the meanest realities; in a word, knowing the Truth.
This weekend I will return to race the IMTUF 100+ mile race north of McCall, Idaho. Last year I ran the clockwise version of the course – it alternates each year. That day I felt “good, but not great,” and barely managed a podium finish.
This is a trying time to the men and horses. I have just been to get grass, and got up to my ‘tother end’ in mud..First glimpse of the Elephant. ~George Bonniwel
I am seeking the elephant. I want to better my performance and push in a way that I haven’t since my Wasatch 100 finish in 2015.
If you’d like to follow along, I will carry a satellite tracker. Race starts Saturday morning, September 16 2017, at 6am MDT. Estimated times and aid stations are on the map.
https://share.garmin.com/HelenJavier
Now methinks I see the elephant with unclouded eyes. ~Joseph Wood
Jack Meyer says
We will see the elephant, and then you will slay it.
Helen says
Thanks, Jack! I ate that elephant the only way possible… one bite at a time.
Stacie says
You are so inspiring me to show up at one of your races in an elephant costume! 😀
Helen says
Stacie – And I hope it’s pink! 😀
Jeremy Greene says
Helen awesome job at IMTUF! I also ran IMTUF this year and unfortunately I didn’t get to meet you. My father was there helping crew me in my first Hundo attempt and learned a lot about organization and headlamps from your husband. He can not remember what brand and model your husband recommended (He’s 64 and I think he was quite sleep deprived at the time) so I was wondering if you would be willing to share that info with me?
Helen says
Hi, Jeremy – I’m glad you found me here! I hope the light info that Javier emailed works out for you.
-H
JEREMY Greene says
I’m glad I found you here too, love you blog by the way. Javier is the man! His knowledge and expertise on light color was spot on, I went with the armytek headlamp and it’s color is so easy on the eye’s and I can’t believe how conformable it is! Thank you both!!
Jeremy