Tyler Rauch

     OK, as much as I’d like to say that I haven’t posted since September because I’m “too busy”, that’s unfortunately not the case. Granted, with the ending of race season, the ramping up of a 2nd shift at work and the holidays things have been pretty hectic, but I may or may not have forgotten for a few weeks

     Needless to say, we’ve got some catching up to do! For starters, my last post was titled “summertime when the livin’s easy” which brings me to my first piece of news and current blog title. We had our first measurable snowfall today and should continue to get it over the next 5 days. Not a tremendous amount (yet), but it’s coming slowly which is FINE by a Florida boy like me. I must admit, I’m getting way better at this cold thing! Also, as previously mentioned we have offically ramped up production at Chicago Assembly for a 2nd production shift to make our 2011 Explorer. November 1st was “job 1″ as we call it and has been filling our production lines ever since.  It’s great to see this whole thing unfold, but man has it made this place a zoo. It’s like doing your job but times 2 now. Better to be busy and gainfully employed than bored and broke right?!

     As far as racing is concerned, I have some great news there as well. On 10-10-10 I finished a successful 2010 race campaign with the Chicago Marathon. I didn’t finish in my goal time, but for my 1st marathon I wasn’t too too disappointed. I managed a time of 3:54, but had a blast. I was lucky enough to run it with my Leadville running partner and home town friend from Lake Mary, FL. Within about a month of finishing I had already set my sights on 2011 and after penciling in 3 or 4 more races (including a 100k/62 mi race through Oregon on the Pacific Trail and a Relay Ultra across the state of Florida..) I quickly found myself setting sights on something bigger. The biggest actually. What most racers won’t ever attempt, but the few that do will have for the rest of their lives. The Ironman.

     Yes, the Ironman. The real deal, the “big one”, the most coveted ultra event in sports and perhaps the biggest challenge of my life. 140.6 Miles of the best leg/heart pounding swimming, biking and running of my life. The Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 (marathon) run ONE AFTER THE OTHER! Mind you my first Triathlon was the Chicago Tri which went well, but I was only ready because of my training for the Leadville 50. This is different. This course will eat you alive and break you down. What better opportunity to test myself ? And the kicker? I’m doing everything in my power to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. This year will be my best shot to gain the sought after spots to the big stage to compete against the absolute best. The professionals!

     I have cancelled every single race in 2011 between Jan1-Sep 10 so I can race the Ironman Wisconsin in Madison, WI on Sept 11th, 2011. Between now and Sept 10th I’ll be a guy in training, but on Sept 12th, I’ll be an Ironman who may very well be going to Hawaii for the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. With that being said, I have decided to dedicate 9 months strictly to Ironman training. 4 am workouts 21 days at a time which is just the morning workout. Don’t forget about the afternoon. I’ll give up my weekends, my favorite snacks and any life I may have had, but for one worthy cause. An investment into my life, my health and an opportunity to satisfy my competitive spirit. Tough to say no when you think of it that way, right?

     Anyway, I’m in my “offseason” until Dec 31st where I get to sleep in and skip a workout here and there. The last thing I want is to get burnt out before training starts. This is my time to overendulge at Thanksgiving/Christmas and it’s very very nice. We’ll see if I can tear myself away come Jan 1!  This past weekend my girlfriend and I went home to Lake Mary to spend Thanksgiving with my family. What an awesome time. Not only was the weather nice, but we had so much fun just eating and sitting in the spa. Nice change of pace if you ask me CAN’T WAIT for Christmas vacation! I hope everybody had as wonderful and safe  of a holiday as I did.

     Before I go, I think it’s worth giving a quick shout out to the QU Men’s Lacrosse Team who is pre-season #9 in the country. Always feels good having the boys see the fruits of their labor and what a little hardwork can do for the future of the program. Nice job gentleman! While on the topic of Queens, I’d also like to say how excited I am to get back for Homecoming this year! I don’t manage to get back but once a year and it’s gonig to be nice seeing my business professors and friends again. Every time I go back, it still feels like home The weather is also way warmer which is a plus…

     I must be getting back to work, but until next time please stay warm and  have a very happy rest of the holiday season. GO ROYALS!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had quite the time here as summer comes to a close. When I wasn’t enjoying yet another healthy start to the University of Florida football season, I was busy running my first Triathlon and the Chicago Half Marathon. Unfortunately, blogging for the McColl School of Business wasn’t on that list so I’ll do my very best to catch you up with the abridged version (feel free to laugh at the chances of any of this being “abridged”). At any rate, I’ve been enjoying myself to say the least.

As of late, I’ve been busy rounding out a successful race season as well as a successful summer for the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant. We’ve enjoyed several months of good fortune and some pretty decent weather. When I wasn’t traveling I was running and when I wasn’t running I was planning my next race. I’ve had visits from family and friends, watched the president deliver a speech to the plant and had the opportunity to test drive several of Ford’s finest vehicles. Regardless of whether Chicago actually has more than two seasons, I’ve made the best of the two or three months we call summer. I’ve been a part of the exciting changes here in Chicago, taken on-board tours of the only U-Boat every captured by the U.S., watched Transformers III getting filmed and continued to scope out tickets to the next Blackhawks game (another successful Stanley Cup campaign???). The Bears are 2-0 (yes, that’s not a typo) the Cubs had yet another losing season and somehow I managed to see some of the best shows in Chicago. What’s not to love?

Needless to say, this city has continued to blow my mind and steal a little more of my heart. Now, as much as I’d love to sit here and make every effort to convince you all to move and/or visit, I should get back to business. Work is well and continues to be exciting as ever. After a successful launch of our flagship Ford Taurus we’ve unveiled our 2011 Ford Explorer, added 1,200 jobs, a second shift AND just announced our new 2011 Police Cruisers. Quite the time to be working at such a great location. Outside of all the wonderful things happening around the plant, we’ve also been rotating our job responsibilities within our Controller’s Office. I’m currently transitioning into bigger and better assignments which just means analyzing bigger dollars and more exposure.  What’s not to love? There isn’t  a day where I show up to work and expect to see the same thing twice. I’m never let down with a lack of excitement and always have something to learn. This is as much of an exciting time for me as it is for Ford.

Outside of work, I’ve continued to build my race resume and plan for the 2011 race season. To date, I’ve got the Trek 100, Leadville 50 mile silver rush, Chicago Triathlon, Chicago Half Marathon and by 10-10-10 I’ll have the Chicago Marathon. It’s a good foundation for a hobby that should have me hobbling around by age…35? We’ll see. Nonetheless, I’ve got a little experience under my belt. As for 2011 I’m looking at one 100k run on the Pacific Trail about 70 miles outside of Eugene, Oregon and a coast to coast relay race in Florida (180 miles) next March. Hopefully I’ll squeeze a marathon and at least one Tri in there. With limited time, money and vacation time it’ll be no easy task. I still only really have one running buddy crazy enough to do these with me, but I am slowly winning over the hearts of all you doubters who think we’re crazy. I’ve got a little work to do on Mom, but she’ll come around.

I’m anxiously looking forward to my trip this weekend to the mountains of NC for some hiking and trail running followed by a trip to the University of Kansas Homecoming a little later in the month. Before I know it, I’ll be escaping the cold for a few days to hit the sun at home in Florida. It’s going to be a busy next few months, but with another nephew due in October, my brothers return from his third tour overseas and Christmas in Florida, how can I be anything but thrilled?! Life is good folks and just like always, I’d have to describe my life as “living the dream”.

For those of you who are experiencing the start of another chilly few months, I feel your pain. For those of you enjoying sunshine and warm temps for the next few months…Well…I’ll keep my comments to myself Either way, I hope this blog finds you all well and enjoying the end of what I hope was a safe and enjoyable summer. Until next time, Go Royals

     To no one’s surprise, this past weekend was yet again very exciting here in Chicago. My folks were in town, the Air and Water Show was impressive (as usual), I saw the La Nouba Shanghai at Navy Pier and the sun was shining despite predictions calling for rain. Does it get much better? As a matter of fact yes it does.

     Ford has also decided to let me take part in a quality initiative where I’m allowed to drive home different styles of our vehicles each night followed by an extensive and very comprehensive review of the vehicle. There are very strict rules and limits on the amount of miles put on each vehicle, but it gives Ford a chance to see what the customer might notice about a vehicle on any given day. With such high quality standards, this is an extremely important piece of the puzzle that allows someone who doesn’t work on the line to inspect each vehicle with a new set of eyes. So far I’ve driven home the new Lincoln MKS EcoBoost and the swanky Ford Taurus SHO I love this job!

     Now, back to this swanky weekend of mine. My parents arrived on Friday afternoon and by Friday night we were enjoying a nice dinner after a long week for the 3 of us. I don’t care whether you’re in college or a working professional, getting treated to dinner by Mom and Dad will NEVER get old. Saturday morning we had brunch and headed to Lake Michigan for the Air and Water Show. Unfortunately, we missed the only 2 planes I wanted to see! We left about 3 minutes too early for the Blue Angels and were under tree cover for the B-1′s (my brother’s plane)! Both jets are so impressive and despite hearing them, I’m very disappointed we didn’t get to see it

     By Saturday evening (after a nice nap) we were back on our feet headed to the Trump Tower for some food and spirits. The weather was still nearly perfect and we had just been upgraded to the La Nouba Shanghai show at Navy Pier. We went from middle of the pack to front row for no extra charge. Never a bad upgrade The show as amazing. You can never discount how strong and talented these people are to swing through the air like they have wings. I suppose it’s all relative what you consider crazy. They would more than likely consider ultra’s crazy while I think what they do is clinically insane.

     We finished up at the hotel for a late dinner and then called it a night. No matter how “Florida Boy” I still consider myself, that sun will take it out of you. It’s a shame to think that it’ll go away in just a few months

     The weekend itself was great. Always a pleasure seeing the folks and it never hurts to have a little sunshine.  I’m looking forward to trivia tonight and some nice long runs to get my final prep in place for the Triathlon. It’s certainly a different kind of training, but overall it’s a lot of the same preparation.  Hopefully I fare well like I did for Leadville and I can write another blog about finishing better than my goal.  I’m not getting my hopes up, but I think I’ll be ok.

     Last, I found my next ultra. This one is a lot like Leadville in degree of difficulty and terrain, but it’s longer and slightly lower elevation. It’s called the Canadian Death Race and it’s a North face Endurance Challenge. This race takes place in the Canadian Rockies and is 125 km (roughly 77 miles) over 3 mountain passes and one river (yes, literally). I figure it’ll be interesting to run a new race in Canada with such beautiful surroundings. It should be good prep for the 100 miler and I have a full year to train. Don’t tell my mom though ok? I think she’s still recovering from the news that I ran Leadville

     Until next time, have a great week and enjoy the rest of summer!

     Well, I did it. I finished the Leadville 50 Ultra marathon in 11 hours and 14 minutes. 1 hour and 45 minutes better than my goal of 13 hours. Can you believe it? Just think, a few months ago I was training to run consistent half marathons and aiming at doing a marathon one day or maybe even a Tri. Fast forward a few weeks and I find myself training for a race that I knew very little about with hopes to test myself and find some ultimate humbling experience.

     Now, I (along with many of you) am still asking, “why?” I had hopes of maybe finding that answer somewhere along my 11 hour trek through the mountains and hills of Leadville, but like usual, I’ve got nothing. Maybe that’s why I like this so much? Maybe it’s not so much the test or the preparation, but the fact that there is always that question hanging over each of our heads. My family would say it’s because of this big ole’ chip on my shoulder, my friends would tell you that I’m just too stubborn and too crazy while my coaches would tell you that it’s because I just like showing up ready to work. Regardless, this race was far more than a chip on my shoulder or a work ethic, but a chance to prove to myself that I am good enough to accomplish WHATEVER I put my mind to.

     Running the Leadville 50 is a neat experience for everybody involved (except Mom…she might use stressful rather than “neat”). It’s the kind of event that takes support from your family, friends and co-workers while giving up a large chunk of your life to healthier eating, more sleep, longer runs and more nights in the gym or the pool. You can’t prepare overnight and you can’t step into the ring with that course thinking you’re bigger or better. Mentally and physically Leadville will put whatever you’ve got to the test.

     Leadville, however, was also a neat experience for me. With a 6am shotgun start (literally), almost 200 + runners took off up a steep sledding hill to complete 50 miles of leg burning, heart pounding Colorado trails. Leadville is the highest city in North America so you’re already at 10,200 ft when the race starts and you only go up. There are 8 aid stations ranging from 6-8 miles apart and depending on the weather you might see every season. Thankfully, it was in the high 30′s for the start and got into the upper 90′s for the better part of the race. Every runner has their own style and own strategy for running. While I knew I had trained hard, I was still planning to do a combo of running and walking. On the course, there were portions of uphill (and down) that were too rocky or too steep to run so we’d walk. When trail conditions were right, we’d run again. It all goes back to a saying, “run when you can, walk if you have to.”

     Going into the turn (aid station at mile 25), I was running with a gentleman from Iowa who ran the 400 in college, but has been coaching track since. He had run to the top of Pikes Peak 3 times and had some previous training at altitude. Despite being far more experienced in many aspects of the running game, he and I were both novice ultra runners. When we left the turn we were at 5:08 which was far faster than either one of us “first-timer’s” had ever imagined. That, however, was perfect for us because we knew if we were going to face any challenges ahead, we had some leeway on the back half.

     Well, we needed every bit of that leeway on the back half. Although starting faster out of the gate on the 2nd 25 miles, we hit some serious climbs which slowed us down dramatically. Thankfully, the weather held out and roughly 6 hours later we had split by a short distance and were heading into the last stretch towards the finish line. Not knowing how far we had to go or what time we were at, we just dug deep and ran hard. Long story short, we each finished before 11:15 with smiles on our faces.

    Clearly, finishing was my ultimate goal, but there was so much more behind it. Leadville taught me more about accountability, drive and finding a way to keep going. Over the course of 11 hours and 14 minutes I found myself at extremely high points (near the finish) and extremely low points (mile 35ish). With every mile completed, I learned a little more about myself and came one step closer to the finish.

     I’ve been back since Monday and I still can’t believe this whole thing is over. Then again, it’s never really “over”. Running my first ultra against several odds is sort of like a drug. I’ve just started something that has already changed my life in such a short time span and I don’t intend on stopping.

     Last, I need to thank every body for all the support over the last couple of months. Family, friends, co-workers, faculty, staff, etc… Every single one of you played a huge part in this for me. From well wishes to prayers and the occasional e-mail or facebook post, I never felt doubted for a second. Also, I’d like to thank the volunteers in Leadville. They may have saved my life on several occasions and I can’t thank them enough for the job they did.

In closing I suppose the only real question left to ask is, “what’s next?”

     OK, so it’s cheesy using the name of the book I’m currently reading as my blog title, however, I can’t help but find it extremely fitting these days. With my departure for Leadville right around the corner (Wednesday morning to be exact), I can’t seem to keep my mind off what the next seven days might hold. From the time I touch down in Denver on Wednesday to the time I touch down in Chicago Monday night, I will more than likely go through several extreme highs and lows (and no, I don’t mean my trip from sea level to 10,000+ ft and back down).

     To be completely honest, I feel like it’s the week before I left for Queens or before I moved to Chicago and started with Ford. I’m getting a lot of the same crazy looks that I got when I said I would go away for school to play lacrosse and the same nervous feeling about doing something that I knew was going to come, but couldn’t believe was so close! In fact, many of these feelings are very much the same.  Nervous (check), excited (check), prepared (check)… You get the point.

     But like starting with Ford or attending Queens, they all worked out for the best. I spent four years having the time of my life in Charlotte and have spent the last year thriving in a company that avoided bankruptcy, won the hearts of the American people and became a textbook example of how to become a leaner, greener more vital part of the auto industry and our nation’s economy. However, for the first time in its long prosperous existence, Ford became the underdog. Didn’t we all?

     Now more than ever I’m voluntarily putting myself in the underdog position. I’m preparing to take on the daunting task of running 50 miles under 14 hours in unfamiliar territory, at unfamiliar heights with no one but myself to take control. Well, Ford learned how to survive with it’s back against the wall, why can’t I? Only time will tell, but with opportunity knockin’, I guess we’ll find out! Hopefully next time I post, I’ll have a nice photo of me with my new race hardware and a smile on my face.  Wish me luck

     Outside of Leadville (yes, I do have a life), I just signed a new lease on another high rise downtown and look forward to moving in sometime after Leadville, but before the end of the month (provided I can walk). It’s a bit of a step up from where I am now and I can’t wait for this summer’s visitors! The weather this summer has been warm. Not necessarily sunny, but warm nonetheless. I’ll take it! We’ve had some really gorgeous days, but nothing that compares to those Florida or Charlotte summers.

     In the sports world the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup and threw one heck of a party!!! What a special thing to be a part of! 49 years without sports’ most respected trophy and we won it shortly after my first year in Chicago. I’ll tell ya what, it’s amazing how a city will come together to support something like a run at the Stanley Cup. GO HAWKS!! 

     At work, we just finished our two week summer shutdown where maintenance crews and engineers essentially take apart the plant to re-tool and fix it up for the newest vehicle we’re preparing to launch. Later this fall we’ll start making the new Explorer which will be very exciting. To be at a plant where we launch the new Explorer and Taurus  all in one rotation is amazing! I’m truly lucky to have been placed where I am. The relocation gods were more than on my side for this one

     Other than that I’m just taking things one day at a time and trying to stay out of trouble when I can O:-)   Say a little prayer for me in Leadville and have a wonderful work week.

    Til next time…

     In the past few years, I’ve had plenty of life altering events that have proven to be mere stepping stones in the course of my development as a person.  Moving to college, my first collegiate lacrosse game, graduation, my first full-time job and living on my own for the very first time are just a few. Each of these events made me dig deep and figure out a little more about who I was, but also happened over several years with lots and lots of support.

     Well, the time has come to add yet another couple of “stepping stones” to that list. The difference, however, is that I won’t be moving along the normal life events like graduation, moving away, finding your first job, etc… Now, as I’ve mentioned before, I am voluntarily going to push my mind and body further than they’ve ever been pushed. I’m going to see what I’m really made of at the end of the day. The truth is, it all started with a bookmark…

     Years ago when I was only in middle school, my mom bought me a dolphin bookmark in an effort to get me to read a little more. Despite strongly disliking books, I did enjoy the bottom half of that bookmark. What my mom hoped would inspire me to read as I worked through school only fueled a fire to push myself to beat any odds that came my way. That bookmark simply read “You never know how far you can go until you try”. Years later, I am still trying to find out how far I can go and it all starts this summer!

     On July 14th I will fly to Leadville, CO to start my five night journey into the mountains of our country’s highest city at an altitude over 10,000 ft.  After several days of training at high altitudes, a good friend and I will run the Leadville 50 trail race on July 18th. The Leadville 50 is an ultramarathon that takes place in one of our country’s oldest mining cities. Historic Leadville is one of the prettiest places to visit and is home to some of the toughest bike and foot races. With just under a month until race day, I feel prepared to take on such a tough endeavor. After months of training, a strict diet, 2 pairs of running shoes and the insanity that comes with signing up for a race like Leadville, I am anxious to get this thing started. I suppose the irony in a race like this is that no matter how much you train, you rarely push your body or mind past its limits like you do during an ultramarathon. On race day (like a football or hockey team in the playoffs), you never really know who will show up. Will Tyler with a chip on his shoulder show up or calm, relaxed “ready to work” Tyler come to run?

     The best part about Leadville is you never know what you’ll get. Maybe downpours, scorching heat or even a little snow. There aren’t crowds of supporters, big sponsors or music to keep you going. You won’t find many people to your left or right and chances are you’ll start and finish the race in the dark. What better way to find out who you are than to rely on you and only you for such a significant period of time in such difficult terrain. When all is said and done, I’ll be able to give some more truth to the quote on that bookmark.

     Thought I was finished? HA! Within one month after Leadville, I will be racing my first Triathlon. The Chicago Tri will take place August 29th and I can’t wait. I’ve been doing so much cross training for Leadville that I feel fully prepared for the Triathlon. Within a month of the Triathlon I will race the Chicago Half-Marathon followed by the Chicago Marathon on October 1oth and the Men’s Health Urbanathlon after that. In four months I will have completed several of the toughest forms of racing out there including every competitive race that Chicago has to offer.

     Most of you might be asking, “WHY?!” Great question, but in every case I only find the answer “Why not?” appropriate. Just like the bookmark (that never got me reading…) I will never know how far I can go until I try. By the end of summer I hope to have survived a season of firsts and learned a little more about how far Tyler can go when he’s pushed. And to think, it’s all because of a bookmark…

     Does it get much better these days in the Chi? Clearly, it’s one thing to have your favorite professional Chicago sports team make the Finals, but to have consistent sunshine is just icing on the cake. That might sound crazy to readers in Charlotte or Florida (essentially anywhere not in the Midwest), but sun, warmth and championships are not three things that come to Chicago very often.

     Winter lasts forever and even when it warms up you still have the foggy, cloudy, rainy and just overall gloomy days to keep you cooped up inside. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love this city and if it weren’t for all the sporting events, nightlife, food, people and Ford, I might have gone crazy these past few months. Luckily, I survived and made the best out of it. Now, these warm days are better than ever. It’s truly amazing how much you appreciate sunlight or anything above 65 degrees when it’s so absent for so long!

     Anyway, I didn’t get on to rant about the weather, but I had to make some mention of it because this past weekend was Memorial Day. Some friends and I went to a lake house in Wisconsin just over the boarder from Illinois and it was amazing. The weather was gorgeous, the company was awesome and the lake couldn’t have felt better. Honestly, it was exactly what I needed heading into our month-end here at Ford. Anybody who is an accountant knows exactly how much fun month-end is and sympathizes with me

     In addition to the sunshine and Memorial Day, we also got to watch our Chicago Blackhawks take Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Orlando Magic waited until I was long removed from Orlando to become really good, but the Hawks timed it perfectly. With a 2-0 lead in an absolutely brutal series, the boys have done a heck of a job holding off Philly this far. However, heading into Philly for Games 3 and 4 will be a huge test.

     If there are two things Chicago does well is NOT dwelling on having sub par professional sports and supporting the heck out of their teams no matter what! Needless to say, this place is Blackhawks crazy andI love it. The energy, the support, the marketing and everything in between has made it just awesome during the playoffs. Provided the Hawks can pull off the next two on the road, they will be crowned Stanley Cup Champs. Crazy huh? It’s been a long time, but we’re ready! If they can bring the cup home, the parade will be Sunday and I will 100% be in the crowd! What an experience!!!!

     With all that being said, work is going well and the first day back from a long weekend on the lake wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Nothing you don’t expect after relaxing for 4 days right? Hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and is looking forward to the Hawks game tomorrow night as much as I am! Until next time, be safe and have a great week!

Well hello again! It’s been quite some time since I blogged for Queens and despite a few small changes, I’d say things are right where they should be. By small, of course, I mean I graduated from the McColl School of Business, accepted my position with Ford Motor Company, moved to Chicago, took up ultra marathon running and experienced my first (real) winter all at the ripe old age of 22

     Let me back up a second. It wouldn’t be a Tyler Rauch blog without starting this all off by saying how glad I am to be back online for this wonderful university. After my year and a half of blogging for the Admissions department I am absolutely thrilled to have an opportunity to blog for the McColl School of Business.

     Now, back to the good stuff. Life has been fast moving, chilly (ok, freezing) and full of surprises, but nothing that I wasn’t prepared for. Then again, how do you prepare for something like moving on three days notice to the country’s 3rd largest city where you’ll start your first job with a company fighting bankruptcy and in the current economic recession? Or how about living in the city, taking public transit, driving in the snow (don’t laugh…) and even figuring out how to solve problems that happen overnight in Ford’s oldest assembly plant?

    The beauty of it is that you don’t prepare. You can’t. I’ve been fortunate enough to learn first hand, at such a young age, that life is full of surprises. Not pop quiz kind of surprises, but “wait, I’m going to Chicago??” surprises. I’ve also learned that you don’t sit back and wait for things to make sense, but you jump in with both feet and make them make sense. That’s exactly what I did. I took my ability to use practical knowledge/skills (thanks McColl School!) combined with a little luck, some determination and an incredible amount of support to land me exactly where I should be. Gainfully employed in the Windy City.

     It’s been a wonderful adjustment as I prepare to celebrate my one year anniversary with the company and as you’ve all probably read or heard, Ford isn’t doing too shabby! I am still a Financial Analyst and work in Manufacturing Finance at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant. We currently make the new Taurus, Lincoln MKS and are preparing to launch the new Explorer. Can one guy get so lucky? It’s a very busy, but very exciting time here at the plant and I’m thankful to be apart of it all.

     I’ll elaborate more on the work aspect of my life in future blogs, but for the sake of catching you all up, I’ll stick to the basics for now. I live in a beautiful apartment downtown and just love the Chicago skyline.  When I’m not in my apartment staring out the window, I’m usually taking part in my new hobby – running. I know, the slowest kid on the team decided to take up the one sport he was worst at in college. Ironically enough, I don’t just run. I train for specific endurance races including the Leadville 50 ultra marathon, the Chicago Triathlon, the Chicago Marathon, etc… By no means do I think I’m normal or sane for doing this to my body, but then again, I stood in front of hurling lacrosse balls for four years so I really have no place proving my sanity.

     I suppose it’s been difficult not playing competitive team sports, but I needed the thrill of competition and what better way than to compete against your mind and body for 14 hours at a time? It’s the rush I needed to keep my focus in Chicago.  Hopefully I’ll be joining some ice hockey leagues or a summer lacrosse league, but until then, endurance running will have to do.

     In closing, it’s hard to put into words the last year I’ve been in Chicago. I’ve grown as a person, I’ve continued to learn as a student, I have met new people and tried new things. I’ve become better at things I never imagined, but most of all I’ve been able to use my experiences from Queens and the McColl School of Business to stay on track and gain ground on this rollercoaster they call life!

     With the support of my professors from Queens, a new hobby and a company that stuck it out when most of the country wrote them off, I am currently living my very own dream. I look forward to continuing on with my blog and keeping you up to date with Ford, my training and all that this wonderful city has to offer.

     I’m always available for questions so please don’t hesitate to post a comment or write me an e-mail at tyler.rauch@gmail.com . It’s good to be back