Photo by Giorgio Zanetti

My friend Howard Cohen, one of the few people to complete the 70 mile Backbone Trail in a day, is off to North Africa next month to take part in the Libyan Challenge. Running 120 miles across the desert, unsupported, he's part of the first American team ever to enter the race.

I like to think I'm fairly fit, but Howard and the other ultra-runners are in a class of their own. It's awe-inducing to see how far they can stretch a human body, and the mental toughness they need to get through their ordeals is amazing. It takes some inspired insanity to tackle challenges like these.

Stop by Howard's site and wish him the best, and keep an eye on the offical website if you want to follow their progress starting February 24th.