The over/under on the North Pole

Bob is a wonderful individual who I have had the priviledge to know for several years now. He is one of the most kind and gererous people I know.

Bob iwll come back and give us a detailed account of his adventures, like he always does!! Great Guy, full of .... esprit-de'corp!

Bob is a great individual who loves the outdoors. He enjoys climbing and racing. He would diffently be interesting to follow on the Blog as he is very articulate and would make it very exciting to see where he is and what he is doing. He should be picked as one to participate.

Bob should definitely be on the A-list. I know him from our 5:30 AM Boulder Trail Runners outings, and he can always be counted on - no matter the weather. He's not only very well qualified to compete in this race, he'll certainly be a gregarious, positive, and enthusiastic participant who will be an excellent ambassador for the race afterwards.

I can't think of anyone who could tell the tale of this adventure better than Bob. I, for one, would be eagerly awaiting the next blog entry to see how he's faring and what his perspective is on the experience. His style -- of managing, communicating and his approach to life in general -- is very relatable and would inspire others. I hope he gets selected!

Not only is Bob the most qualified person I know to be involved in this experience, he's also the most likely to share the experience with others. His stories, pictures, and tales of excitement are the first thing I look forward to when Bob mentions his interest in pursuing his exciting and challeging trips! I am giddy with anticipation just at the thought of Bob bringing back stories of this run!
-Laurren

Bob is the most adventurous person I know! He has had lots of experience and keeps himself in excellent shape. You can tell he loves the outdoors and loves a challenge. He is very personable and I know he would readily share his experiences and give us detail that would make us almost feel we were there. He is definitely experienced and qualified for this adventure. I cast my vote for Bob!

Having been out with Bob on numerous Flatiron climbs/runs I have a hard time imagining anyone better fit for an adventure like this. His positive super funny animated attitude is what, most of the time, make me bring my sorry ass out of bed for some early morning fun. He will brighten up the most blank looking place, like the North Pole for example. Reading his blogg will probably be like Saturday Night live in the old days. Looking forward to it ! Anders

He's capable of leaving me in the dust, even on a short 5 mile run - but he never has. Bob is a great leader and friend who I would trust implicitly on any adventure. He's a very tough and driven individual, but especially concerned about the safety and well-being of the group. He thinks safety first. Count on him!

This is a nobrainer: He would be the first person to have done the north pole from *both* sides: above and below!

I can attest from first hand knowledge that Bob is eminently qualified to do the marathon and cope with whatever happens. He has run ultra-marathons and led high altitude climbs, so this should be a relative cakewalk. He also has good 'presence' for media purposes.

When I first heard that Bob was trying to get into a marathon at one of the poles, I figured it was going to be an all night dance contest! After reading more about it, I feel a great sense of relief and would be all about seeing Bob off to the North Pole – I hear his wife has been advising this for years! Because of his tremendous stamina, mental fortitude and many (and I mean many) years of experience out in the cold I have no doubt that his “performance on the pole” and red-when-cold nose will catch more than Santa’s eye! Good luck Bob!

Give you a buck if you lick the pole…

Bob rules, he gets my vote.
Kevin

Bob is one of those people that you meet and think "wow...what a great guy..." He is so down-to-earth, considerate and most importantly, humble. These characteristics combined with his love of the outdoors and his superior athletic abilities make him a clear choice for this contest. Go Bob Go! We'll be cheering you on! :)

Bob is not only an excellent travel journalist (having chronicaled his treks in Nepal), he his also a first-rate photographer. His whole life is driven by the pursuit of adventure...he is the kind of guy who would quit his day job to work as a Yosemite park ranger or if it interfered with plans to hike the Pacific Crest trail. I can't imagine a better choice for such a trip--best of luck, Bob!

Go Bob! I've been lucky to meet Bob through work 6 years back, and since then our families have enjoyed great times together, from backpacking (turtle pace for me) to social events & some great rock climbing on the Boulder Flatirons that have left my kids smiling for months at the reminiscence of the CU Boulder Stadium-lit exit at the top! Bob's got to do this pole marathon thing and he will I know motivate many to adventurously (and as safely as possible) lead their lives!

Guy

I was with Bob on Ama Dablam last year. Over the last 15 years, I've climbed all over the world, but this 22000-foot peak was my first big Himalayan climb, and Bob was a fantastic climbing partner and expedition leader for our team of six from Boulder. His humor, patience, optimism, thoroughness and determination were the keys in getting our unlikely six-pack of climbers and ultrarunners up this very big mountain. And those qualities didn't waver, either over the year of our advance training or during the six weeks we were in Nepal. Bob, you've got my vote!

Greg

I met Bob a long time ago - his spirit stays with a person. Bob has an energy within that is not spoken. He is motivated beyond the most motivated person you know. He is very competent and competitive. "Driven" is the word that comes to mind. If he were a Siberian Husky, I would want him to be my lead dog.

Bob is an incredble athlete as I prefer to call him "Bob 'the animal Man' thy". While training for the Pikes Peak ascent last summer, he led me up Long's Peak for my PR. His inspiration and encouragement had me moving faster at 14'000 feet than I ever dreamed was possible! He is a strong leader from his heart and attracts a lot of followers. I have never heard him say anything negative about anyone. He always looks at people and situations with an eye for strengths and learning and growing. He is also a gentle man with compassion for all of those he touches. He gets my vote!

Bob's supurb atheleticism, infectious enthusiasm and exemplary leadership skills make him an easy pick to go to the North Pole! Oh wait, is this a round trip?

All of us in Boulder look forward to another well documented, captivating report on a once in a life time adventure from Bob.

My wife and I met Bob in Nepal around 18,000' after he had finished his ascent. Had a great time talking about our travels. We witnessed a man collapse and die of altitude sickness right in front of us during dinner at the tea house. If Bob can stomach that then he deserves the right to do the North Pole Marathon!

Bob and I have run together for nearly 4 years now, including being my pacer for two years at Leadville 100. I also went with him to Ama Dablam. He is a great leader, is very inspirational, and is very driven when he has a goal. Of everyone I have run with, Bob is perfect to take on the North Pole Marathon. I know he will represent Boulder in the best way!

Can't wait to read about it...better you then me!

Bob, no one is cooler than you. You seek adventure in everyday life. Heck, if it wasn't for you, Rob and I wouldn't have had half of the social life that we did last year! You will do AWESOME at the North Pole. But you have to blog about it so we can all follow along. I'm a little worried that your blond head will disappear in the Arctic and we may never see you again. Please come back, though. We'll have a big party!

I've known Bob was destined for great winter endurance running since he first tried to kill me under the guise of teaching me how to cross country ski when we were in college. His letters and musings on his many compeitions, hikes and other amazing climbing experiences inspire me to follow his lead. Send him to the north pole and you can bet he'll send pictures and letters that'll inspire many many more. Go Bob!

You simply have to choose Bob as one of the participants - my wife is already planning the party! I've climbed, run, skied with Bob for a few years now. He is a great instigator...I mean leader...who never hesitates to go for it. He's one of the few who can get away with calling me at 11pm to say, "How about getting up at 3:30am tomorrow to go ice climbing when it's -10 deg outside? Doesn't that sound like a brilliant idea?" Of course it does!

Beyond the athletic aspect of the marathon, which won't be a problem for Bob, expect great stories about the adventure. His coverage of our trip to Ama Dablam last year was exceptional. Expect no less from him at the North Pole.

Pick Bob. You won't be wrong.

Bob is a Nike Footwear Tester...one of the best I might add. He always provides excellent feedback and wears the heck out of his shoes. I truly believe that he would be an excellent participant. He is passionate about all that he does and totally deserves the chance.

What can one say about Bob? I have known Bob for over 30 years, from our youth in junior high up through colleges, kids, marriages, life. He has always been passionate about whatever he did in life. Sorry all you runners, I never understood Bob's enthusiasm for running (I was a swimmer) but he has never waivered in his love for long runs, no matter what the weather. Running has always been his "drug" of choice and it does make him high! He could be a spokesman in any commercial that had anything to do with the sport! On a personal note, he has been a wonderful friend who always cares deeply about the people in his life. It has been a priviledge to know him and to call him a friend. He will do a fantastic job telling the details and entertaining everyone with his adventures. I most definitely think he is the best one to chose for your trip to the North Pole Marathon!

I’ve known Bob 14 years, through trekking in Nepal, hiking the Sonoran Desert, and running and climbing in Colorado. He is always positive, energetic, and an inspiration to his companions, through thick and thin. Bob has great compassion and humility, but also has tremendous drive and the endurance running experience to do this marathon very well. His writing is articulate, riveting, often funny, and very personal; his tales of this adventure will appeal to a wide audience. I give Bob five stars to pursue this adventure!

Bob is one of a kind. I've known him since 1988 when I was assigned to the same submarine as him. The only Naval officer in history who could get a way with having a Greenpeace sticker on his notebook. He has an knack to do amazing things and turn it all into a seemingly fun game while doing so. From somehow scoring a part as an extra next to Kevin Costner to running the Tucson marathon by mistake. Bob and I have shared a house, a submarine stateroom, a car on a cross country trip and a tent while climbing a number of peaks and hiking in Alaska. I can tell you there is no better person to have around to ensure monotony never sets in while providing the confidence through his outdoor skill that you will achieve your objective and live to tell about it. I'd highly recommend him for this adventure. One of the best teammates you could hope for.

I have known Bob for 3 years and have never known anyone more driven to adventure. I don't even try to keep up but continue to be amazed at what he is capable of. Bob should go to the pole!

Bob is one of the funnest people with whom I have ever run. A "regular" at the 5:30am group run (yes, right through the Rocky Mountain winter), when he occasionally arrives late, he just catches up with us! Besides all the adventures that others have described, Bob supports a family with 2 kids and volunteers at the local fire department. BOB DESERVES THIS! I only rated him 5 stars because that was the upper limit. Time to send Bob truly over the top!