For me, the hardest part of racing has always been leaving the family behind as I trip off somewhere to run through the woods with my crazy AR buddies. There's a little guilt, but mostly I just want to share one of favorite things with my biggest fans and supporters -- my wife and young son. I figure there couldn't be a better spirit lifter than running into a transition area then seeing your family there cheering you on.

Honestly, a few years ago at the Adventure Racing World Championship in Newfoundland, Canada, I was so homesick for my family before the race began I was ready to jump back on a plane for Atlanta before the start gun even went off.

So, my wife, Lisa, and I decided to make my next expedition race a family affair. She and my 6-year-old son, Henry, will be joining Team Checkpoint Zero on the support crew at this month's Michigan Coast to Coast. I'm already looking forward to seeing them around the race course.

Lisa's a support crew veteran, having lifted and hauled my gear and tired, beat-up fanny during a race before. Henry's not exactly a rookie at seeing his old man race. He's somewhat of a regular at local events in the Southeast ... but he always gets to jump back in the minivan and drive back home with mama just about the time he gets bored. I just hopes he enjoys seeing me in Michigan as much as I will seeing him. I'll let you know how it goes.

Paul Cox -- team motivator, crooner and aspiring World Class Dad