Livinglovingandexploring!

I’m a firm believer that every one of us has tons of courage. We may not know it until a specific time in our lives, or we may figure it out at a tender age. Regardless, we have it, and it’s up to us to use it as we see fit!

Meet Marshall Ulrich, if you haven’t already. The man, myth, and legend all in one, with the courage of Hercules! I have had the great pleasure of reading his most recent book, “Both Feet on the Ground: Reflections from the Outside,” and it’s incredible!

From the heat of Death Valley to the top of Mt. Everest, this gentleman has conquered so many feats that it’s hard to keep track of them all! An avid endurance athlete, and now author, it’s’ pretty intimidating taking in all of his accomplishments and amazing courage! Coming from the couch potato, I can be at times!

From the second I popped open his book, I was hooked and read it just like I would a page-turner! I am just fascinated with all of the things he’s done! Not to mention the places he’s seen! His story is heartbreaking at times, with struggles he’s needed the courage to overcome. The experiences he’s had in the end, I imagine, have made the struggles more acceptable.

This is a book you surely don’t want to miss! I highly recommend it! It is on Amazon, as well as Marshall’s website, and other fine book-sellers! If you do go out and purchase, please let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts too!

Thank you to Anna Lee Simpson with Ascot Media for getting in touch with me about this great read!

After I had read this book, I reached out to Marshall to see if he was willing to do a quick Q&A via email, which he was, thankfully! Here it is:

Me: You begin your second book with descriptions of farm life and how, nowadays, kids have no clue where their food comes from (or most of it, anyway). That got me wondering if there are any farms out there or places where food is MADE that would allow adults and kids, or parents and their children to come and see how things are done!? It would be an eye-opening experience, I’m sure!

Marshall: My suggestion would be to go to a farmers market first, and if there is an accessible farm to visit (go there), and thirdly there might just be a local community garden that you can go to and visit with the growers and maybe get your hands dirty.

Me: I have yet to read Aron Ralstons’ book, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place,” recounting the Utah event. You had met Aron before his harrowing experience. Do you still keep in touch with him now?

Marshall: Yes, I went up Denali with him before the accident, and yes, I still keep in contact with him. He is doing well, has two beautiful kids, although divorced. He is a rock and so levelheaded, but still likes to push his limits and is in terrific shape.

Me: You’ve led quite the exhilarating life so far!! Are you able to choose which one of your accomplishments you’re most proud of?

Marshall: The Seven summits (Everest) were the most technical, the Death Valley Circumnavigation the most dangerous and what I am most proud of and the most difficult was Running Across America 3063 miles in 52 days at the age of 57.

I don’t know about any of you reading this, but I’m 33 and couldn’t do what he’s done! LOL!

Me: Have you ever returned to the Rum Doodle Bar & Restaurant? Did you stay in Nepal/China long after reaching the summit of Everest?

Marshall: Yes, about 10 years after summiting Everest, I returned back to Katmandu and enjoyed a free lunch courtesy of the Rum Doddle by just showing my summit card. After summiting Everest, I spent a couple of days in Katmandu flying from there to Russia to summit Elbrus a couple of weeks later as that is the highest peak in Europe.

Me: What’s up next for you in terms of adventure? In your book, you state that you’ve slowed down to enjoy your family more lately, and I think that’s wonderful!

Marshall: Next up is an attempt to do my 30th crossing of Death Valley (one way or another) in 30 years later this month in August. My adventure racing team, Stray Dogs will apply for the upcoming Eco-Challenge adventure race.

Me: Before attempting to climb Everest, you mention that you attended a Puja ceremony. Are there other ceremonies or similar experiences you’ve had when doing other extreme events anywhere?

Marshall: Yes, the Himalayan run and trek had a wonderful welcome ceremony before we started. Before each Eco-Challenge (there have been 10 now all of which I have competed in), they normally always have a welcome with dignitaries, dance exhibitions, and music. Before the Australian Eco-Challenge, we had Steve Irwin, rest his soul, came on stage, and empty a gunny sake full of snakes to demonstrate how to handle them.

How amazing is that!! He has seen Mr. Irwin!

Me: You’ve traveled to many places over time; do you have anywhere that sticks out in your mind as being one of the most beautiful, intense, spiritual, or just amazing?

Marshall: I love New Zealand and Patagonia!

Me: You’ve had a few brushes with death throughout your career – was there one that you honestly thought, “this is it?” When you survived, what was the first thing you did?

Marshall: For the circumnavigation of Death Valley, I ran out of water and almost died. I was drifting in and out of consciousness and pushed through with the help of Dave Heckman, my partner, another 7 miles reaching our buried cache of water. We hurriedly dug the water up and drank our fill relieved that we made it.

Me: Are you planning on writing any more books about your experiences?

Marshall: No, the first book “Running on Empty” was a memoir and a tribute to my wife, a love story. Then people wanted me to write about more of my experiences, and so I wrote: “Both Feet on the Ground,” which ties my experiences in the outdoors, encouraging people to get outdoors taking a break from our electronic world so as to enjoy nature. This is especially important during these trying Corona Virus times.

Me: What made you get involved with the Teachers Filippini organization? Do you support any additional charities?

Marshall: Lisa Smith Batchen got me involved with the Teachers Filippini as a way to make a difference using my athletic events to raise money. Since that time, I have raised $850,000.00 for that and other charities. Recently during and after the Eco-Challenge in Fiji, Team Stray Dogs raised about 40% of the money needed to build a library in Lutu (a small village in Fiji) and Heather, and I have personally sponsored a veterinarian outreach to provide supplies and medical care for large and small animals in Lutu.

Not only does this man have courage, but he has such a fantastic heart as well!

I have yet to read his first book, but having finished his second, I’ll definitely be reading the first!! Added it to my evergrowing Goodreads list! For some real-life stories about the trucking industry, check out my review of A Trucker’s Tale. Or for random oddities and information, I just reviewed this great book a few days ago!

I’d love it if you’d drop me a comment or let me know what you think! I hope you’re having a fantastic day and a load or two of courage!

Love ya,

Kelly Ann