When I crossed the finish line at the recent Destin 50 Ultra Marathon (Feb. 2015), I felt strong, determined and exhilarated. It was my first ultra marathon of 50 miles and I crushed it. However, the rush of feelings that I was experiencing had very little to do with completing my first 50 mile race. When they put the medal around my neck and I put the thumbs up, it was an affirmation of a greater goal that I made for myself three months before. A goal that meant life and death...