“If you are going to face a real challenge, it has to be a REAL challenge. You can’t accomplish anything without the possibility of failure.” Laz, the race director of the world’s toughest race, the Barkley Marathons, told me this once. It just feels so unreal looking at this beautiful view of Queen Charlotte Sound in the South Island of New Zealand along Te Araroa, but it’s even more unreal and humbling that I have already tramped about 1753km in 43 days. The possibility of failure is huge, even as I’m pushing body and mind to the limits, but it’s been a real challenge and I’m giving my 100%. Special thanks to my friend Dan for his continued support.