I was amazed at what a 2 1/2-hour nap would do for me. It changed everything for me at the very end; it was almost unbelievable, and I am thankful to be able to share with someone what the human body is capable of. Joel Colbert and I enjoyed parts of the last 18 miles as if we were doing a Sunday run on our home trails. There was no way to explain the pain I felt as I approached the Spooner aid station, but I thought sleeping would hurt my overall placement and finishing time in the race. This thought was crushing for me, but this low point would change. After I woke up, I knew things were about to get better.

As I woke up with Colbert’s help, I grabbed my pack, which I’d resupplied earlier. I noticed the pain in my quads had eased a little, but my left foot was still hurting badly from the blister and a possible stone bruise on the bottom. We started the climb out of Spooner, which is 5 miles and the last long grinder of the race. After the race, Colbert mentioned he noticed I felt different climbing out of Spooner, even though I was still power-hiking with my poles. We hit a few small downhills that I tried to run slowly, and I could feel things were different. Even though I was still in a lot of pain, my mind was able to work through it a little better.

After we finished the big climb out, we leveled off on the TRT in a big meadow I know as the Bench section. This is a very rocky section of the trail, and I stepped wrong on my left foot, sending pain through my foot and up my leg that stopped me dead in my tracks. I sat down for Colbert to check the bottom of my foot, but it looked no worse than before, so we covered the blister with some tape and marched on through the last of the rocky section.

Now comes the fun part, an 8-mile mostly downhill section I will force myself to run, though how fast is unknown to us. With about 10 miles to go, we pass the first runner of the day. While I was sleeping at Spooner, five or six runners went through without my knowing, and I decided that with this first runner, I would leave them no hope. I picked up the pace to a near-sprint on the downhill, passing them. Even though I would audibly grunt a little as my left foot hit the ground from time to time, I noticed I could run very fast. Then we came up onto three runners packed together on a good downhill section, and I jokingly said to Colbert, “Let’s crush their souls and give them no hope.” We blew their doors off, sprinting past at about a 9-minute mile pace that carried us for some distance. After this, I felt energized enough to run most of the way to the finish line, except for the last 2 miles uphill near the finish. Another reason it’s good to have a pacer, their brain is working better than yours. I kind of forgot that everyone was watching my tracker, which shows the estimated time to the next checkpoint. It had me finishing around 11:30-12:00, but we are going fast enough to shave about 3 hours off that, so Colbert texted everyone that we are coming in hot.

As we approached Kingsbury Highway, we came down a sketchy switchback that dumps you right onto the road, and it made Colbert laugh as I literally stone-cold ran across the road haphazardly. As we closed in on the finish, I started to come back to life. As we crossed the final creek with about 3 miles to go and 2 miles of uphill, my pace picked up considerably.

As we approached our final turn off the TRT and down to the finish line, I stopped to thank and hug Colbert and said something like, “Thanks for sharing this moment; now let’s run this thing in” for the last half mile. That is exactly what I did, and Colbert couldn’t keep up as I sprinted it in. As we approached the final quarter-mile, we caught up to another runner I had run with on and off since mile 55, the no-trail, tree-hopping, bushwacking, water-crossing nightmare of the first night, Elle Jones. Elle and her pacer damn near jumped out of their trail shoes as Colbert and I came crashing down the very loose, rocky, downhill switchback section of the trail to the finish. I beat Elle by 1 minute 47 seconds, making up for all the ground I lost during my 2 1/2-hour nap at Spooner, and then some. I still can’t explain why the last mile of this race was probably my fastest, but I can say that for the last 4 minutes, as I ran down the hill to the finish, all the pain disappeared. But this would be short-lived, as you will see from the pictures below. As I crossed the finish line, it all came back almost instantly.

All that pain would be short-lived, as I saw everyone at the finish line, waiting to see me cross.

At 8:36 AM Monday morning, I finished in 71 hours, 33 minutes, and 43 seconds, placing 34th with an average pace of 21.5 minutes per mile, with 3 changes of clothes, 6 pairs of shoes, 4 hours of sleep, one running pack, and a shit ton of memories.

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Barker Pass to Stephen Jones Memorial

As I reach the Barker aid station, I’m starting to feel the sleep deprivation kick in, and my legs are pretty much shot. I know what’s coming next: a very steep downhill section. My quads are going to hurt. As you can see in the elevation graph above, it’s all downhill for 7 miles. I chill at the aid station for about 15 minutes, eat my new favorite, instant mashed potatoes in broth, and put on a new pair of shoes because of the water crossings from the previous section. The good news is that the water crossings are over now, so the wet-feet problems should be gone for the rest of the race. As I start the huge downhill, I have to psych myself up for the pain that will come. Some more relief spray and gravity are my only friends for the next 7 miles to Stephen Jones.

Stephen Jones Memorial to Tahoe City

I tried to lie down at Stephen Jones after eating a little food and resupplying my running pack from my drop bag. But sleep didn’t come because of many factors. Trying to sleep during the day, next to the lake, along a highway, and with the noise of an aid station was too much for me. After about 10 minutes of trying, I got up and continued walking toward Tahoe City. About 2 miles in, I was back into a steep climb with more frustrating downed trees to negotiate. As the sun started to set, I had so much trouble staying awake that I tried to take a short trail nap. With the mosquitoes out, I wiped myself down with repellent to try to get some rest. But the buzzing was so annoying that it was futile to sleep at all. After the huge climb up, a very runnable downhill came, but my body and mind were so worn out that I couldn’t make myself run at all. More trail sabotage came in the last 6 miles until I reached Tahoe City, and the hallucinations started as sleep deprivation kicked in full effect. The shadows from my waist light were the biggest problem, but as I hit a two-track gravel section, my mind thought the small gravel I was walking on was field mice scurrying around. This went on for a few miles, with what looked like the ground constantly moving with mice under my feet as I walked along. I also ran into a mountain biker on this section around midnight, which I didn’t register as unusual at the time, but later I thought about it and figured out who might have taken the course markers. About 1 mile left to Tahoe City, I found a fellow runner who was in bad shape with stomach issues, and he couldn’t walk because his cramps were so intense. So I tried to run to the aid station to get him some help.

Tahoe City to Brockway Summit

I came into Tahoe City in good spirits despite sleep deprivation, and I was joking around a little even though my body was pretty much done. It was a crewed aid station, so I got to see Michelle, JD, and Colbert for the second time in the race. We decided a nap was needed before I continued, but I only lay down for 30 minutes. The sleep was weird, as it felt like I was given anesthesia or something, and my brain shut off completely. JD was going to tag along with me until Village Green, which is 34 miles away, and is going to be a grind because my nap did nothing to repair my legs for running, with my quads still at a 10 on the pain scale. We left Tahoe City around 2:00 AM with our waist lights illuminating the trail until the sun came up. It was a peaceful hike to the Brockway aid station, with the sun eventually coming up and the weird forest coming alive the way it does in the morning, with all the birds waking up. This section was another power-hike section for me with JD, and I small-talked all the way to Brockway Summit.

Brockway Summit to Village Green

At Brockway, I told JD I needed another nap because I was crashing again, but I didn’t get much sleep because it was daytime now, and the typical noise of an aid station. So off we went, and back to just power hiking with me relying more and more on my trekking poles. There was more climbing in this section than I expected, with the infamous pole line downhill towards the end. I never really stopped going forward, but I was true to my Instagram handle, the mountain snail. It was a grind up until the pole line with the famous 1,000 feet down in a mile, which is more of a controlled slide through manzanita brush. As we entered Incline Village, we caught up to a runner on the bike path into Village Green aid station, whom we chatted with as we all walked it in. There was a highlight at the aid station when a friend, Ken Flurry, paid a visit just to say hello. With Ken and the rest of my crew there, which will be the last time I see them all together until the finish, it did lift my spirits up one very small notch. Here, Colbert will be taking over pacer duties until the finish line. At this point, with less than an hour of sleep in 55 hours, I am at a level of struggle I have never felt before. But we march on.

Village Green to Spooner Summit

I pick up Colbert to finish the race with him as my pacer at Village Green. With me knowing a 7-mile grind up to Marlette campground is coming, my spirits are low. Colbert keeps the mood light and funny all the way to the campground because he knows that I am physically and mentally crushed at this point. I take two 10-15 minute naps while climbing up to Marlette campground because my body just quits working at times. I can’t really explain the feeling, but it is like my body is sending signals to my muscles out of order. If you had seen me, you would have thought I was a little tipsy. The one thing, though, through all the sleep deprivation, my mind’s decision-making was never affected to the point of worry. I was a whiny baby at this point, and saying sorry to Colbert for being slow so many times that it had to be annoying. We reached Snow Valley Peak just after sunset, with a 6-mile downhill to Spooner Summit aid station, and I’m so depressed that I can’t run one inch at this point. It is crushing not to be able to run my favorite section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. During this time, Colbert talks to me about his younger self growing up and all the stupid things that he did in his earlier life. He does this because he knows I am at the point of huddling up to sleep and never waking up again. As we get closer to Spooner, I just stare at Colbert’s feet, walking forward to numb some of the pain. When we finally make it to the aid station, Colbert and I discuss something drastic: to sleep for a couple of hours. It is not ideal to be 17-18 miles from the finish and fall even further behind in the race, but I can’t continue without trying a new strategy.

I am saving the finishing miles of the race because something happens that is incredible. It is amazing what the human body is capable of, and if I didn’t have a witness with me, you would never believe it happened. Sorry for the long post, but this should be the last one.

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First, I want to thank Michelle, JD, and Colbert for all their sacrifices in helping me reach the finish line. During the race, they supported me and were a positive voice as I struggled through the low moments. Without them, I would have struggled and quite possibly never finished. Below, I will break the race into sections with my thoughts, focusing mostly on the struggles I had to overcome.

This will be too long to read in your email, so you’ll have to read it online or in the Substack app instead.

Starting Loop

The race starts with a 1.25-mile loop, followed by a 7-mile out-and-back. My first mistake happened right at the start, though I probably would have made it anyway, given what I know now. I started fast on the first 9 miles, staying with the top 10 the entire way. My body felt good so far, but I should have held back. Since my last month of training, I have had to adjust and do less due to a hamstring issue. It will not pop up until the next section, but it eventually does.

Heavenly to Armstrong Pass

This section features the races’ first obstacle: snow. I pushed hard at the start, a step-ladder climb of about 1,500 feet up to Star Lake. This is when I first noticed my hamstring pain returning and persisting throughout the entire race. When I reached Star Lake, I ran into Mike McKnight, who was filtering water. We talked for a brief minute about his leg situation after the Cocodona 250 while we enjoyed some cold Alpine lake water. Soon after Star Lake, the snow hits. It is only a couple of miles of patchy snow on a good downhill slant, with very loose footing in the mushy 2-3-foot snow. As I reached the bottom of Freels Peak and the final snow field, it would be a 5-mile downhill to the Armstrong aid station. I kept a decent pace through this section, but I did notice a slowdown as a few other runners passed me. Toward the end, I noticed my quads were giving me problems. It might be because they were trying to compensate for my right hamstring, I’m guessing.

Armstrong Pass to Housewife Hill

Now comes the longest downhill of the entire race. I did change my socks at Armstrong because of the snow earlier, and I had a feeling that the snow reported last week would have already melted by now, as we advance. The climb out of Armstrong seems like forever, and near the top, another runner passed me, whom I would follow all the way to Sierra at Tahoe. The downhill was very flowy and fun, but it was adding considerably to my quad pain. I stopped at Big Meadow to filter some more cool mountain water, since the last few hours had been in the heat of the day. You have to remember I have 1.5 liters on my back and two 500 ml bottles on the front, all at room temperature. Plus, the two bottles are carb-loaded, which only seems to make you thirstier. My only fall came about 2 miles before the aid station because, up to this point, the trails were very smooth, but 4 miles before Housewife, they started to change to the much rockier sections ahead.

Housewife Hill to Sierra at Tahoe

I took a second longer at the housewife aid station to try to regroup as the quad pain was starting to worsen. Plus, I have only peed once before the start of the race, which is not ideal 8 hours in. So my thoughts are a little on the worrying side, being just 43 miles into the race. But I continue with this section, which is one of the shortest, with only 9 miles to the Sierra at the Tahoe ski resort. The climb out is really the only hard part, with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain in a 2-mile death march up to Echo Summit. There is a good-sized waterfall to negotiate through, but I did manage to stay dry. As I approached Sierra at Tahoe, the sunset was setting on the first part of the Caldor burn scar that I would have to run through. I must say, it made a fellow runner and me stop in our tracks to watch it hit the trees, which looked like matchsticks sticking out of the ground on fire. As I came into Sierra at Tahoe, I got a little boost as I saw one of my friends, Joel Colbert, there to help me out at this aid station.

Sierra at Tahoe to Wrights Lake

This is the beginning of sections that involve bushwhacking, tree-hopping, and parts of the trail that haven’t been used in years since the Caldor fire. Also in this section is the first instance of trail sabotage, when someone takes down the course markings. Thankfully, I have to go slowly through this section, as my legs are not with me anymore. Being in the dark and having to move forward with only my waste light on an ill-defined trail is very time-consuming. My phone’s map is pretty much the only way I navigate the first 9 miles towards Wrights Lake Road on this section. I lose the trail so many times going forward that it ups my frustration level, because now I also start cutting up my legs, since I have to do so much bushwacking to get back on the trail. During this 18-mile stretch, I have to rely more on my poles to ease the pain in my legs a little, so running becomes minimal; just marching forward seems to be most of my effort. After exiting Wrights Lake Road, I encounter the next obstacle: blowdowns. The trail no longer existed, so I tried to use my watch’s navigation to help me through, but it froze up immediately and quit working. I saw a couple of headlamps coming my way and decided to wait for my fellow runners to team up and negotiate this section, since we are really relying on stacked rocks as course markers at this point, but they are hard to locate in the dark now that it is close to 100 am. When I finally make it to Wright’s aid station, my first low point hits me hard because I know that, going forward, it doesn’t get easier.

Wrights Lake to Loon Lake

After a quick shoe change at Wright’s aid station, the route started with just an uphill, bouldery jeep road, a brief reprieve from what was to come. It was nice to have a defined path for a while, but it was short-lived. Back into the bushwhacking, log hopping, and the many water crossings as I marched forward. Even to run this section, I had to stop every 100 yards to get around an obstacle. One good thing was that the sun was starting to rise through this section, so the trail was much easier to stay on, but now the mosquitoes were starting to show up. I was closing in on the 24-hour mark as I inched toward the Loon Lake aid station. As I entered the aid station, my whole crew was there (Michelle, JD, and Joel), and I was at the lowest point of the race, with such a rough night on the trail. My legs were pretty battered, and I was holding back tears when I met them. This must have been the hardest part, even for them, for someone they know, a durable person, to look so broken. All around the aid station, there were many runners looking like me, and after the race, I learned that as my crew was leaving, an ambulance was coming towards Loon Lake. Plus, there were so many DNF’s at Loon Lake that didn’t help with the situation.

Loon Lake to Barker Pass

Leaving Loon Lake aid station, I kept a power-hike pace all the way to Barker Pass aid station. I grabbed my leg spray from the car to relieve the pain. I had been looking forward to it to help a little with my quads. It wasn’t much relief, but it was something. I knew what was coming, as the route for the race follows the Rubicon Jeep Trail almost all the way to Barker Pass. It’s a slippery, boulder-hopping, rocky, hot section, full of crawlers wheeling on the trail for many of the 15 miles to Barker Pass. Hitting the 24-hour mark without sleep, with my body starting to break down, it felt like a death march for these 15 miles, and it’s not my favorite part of the race because it’s also very exposed, with few trees. There are a few water crossings in this section as well, but luckily, they are near the Barker Pass aid station, where I have some dry shoes waiting. I spend a little time at Barker to regroup, since I know the next section of the race is mostly downhill to Lake Tahoe, and my legs will be getting abused all the way down.

103 miles with +16,600 -16,357 of elevation so far.

To be continued…

280 runners will cross the starting line on Friday morning, representing all walks of life and skill levels. For me and many others, this will be their first 200-mile race. I decided a couple of years ago, when I turned 50, that I would do something big to show that getting older doesn’t have to be something most people say. I don’t want to inspire anyone to do something difficult; I want to show people that limiting yourself is a foolish way of thinking. My view on limits is to have none, but to believe they aren’t there to be imposed when you challenge yourself.

With all that said, I’m sitting here the day before, nervous and scared of what’s to come in the next few days. What is funny,, though, is that the people around me seem more nervous than I am. All I have to do is keep stepping forward through the highs and lows that are for sure going to come. I have goals for this race, but as it gets closer, doubts keep coming up. There’s a 60-mile stretch of wet feet, a mile-long snow patch on a mountainside, stomach issues, blisters on my feet, falling, rolled ankles, sleep deprivation, and the list goes on. This is the main reason I and others do this: problem-solving to keep moving forward. It helps you handle everyday problems in life a little more easily.

I’ll have help from friends who will be struggling right beside me. That’s what motivates me most, but I’ll also use other mental tricks and what I call cookies to keep going. People think that when pain starts hitting, it’s time to quit, but in reality, it’s your mind protecting itself from the growth and making you think limits exist. I’m heading into the race with some foot issues and a hamstring that will slow me down, but they won’t stop me. Most runners, if not all, will start with similar problems due to their prior training.

Crossing the finish line is the goal, but just showing up at the start counts for more than most would even consider trying. You can watch paint dry as I go for the Tahoe 200 on their live tracking site and look for number 169.

Remember: limits don’t exist; you learn from your failures and try again.

This race features several distances—20-miler, 53K, 50-miler, and 100K—that use the same course but have different turnaround points and staggered start times. Runners can also start an hour early if they believe they cannot finish before the cutoff, though this disqualifies them from podium placement. These options can be confusing for runners trying to identify who’s leading and which distance they are pacing for.

I started the race in 8th place, staying away from the leaders early on to gauge their abilities. I quickly noticed that five of the seven leaders were running faster than they should have early on, allowing me to catch the second-place runner around mile 2 and hold that position for the first six miles. At the first aid station, I refilled my water bottles and moved into second place. The jeep road we’d been running on was mostly flat with some rolling hills, but little climbing overall. Exiting the aid station, I continued on what I call douce grade for another 12 miles up a jeep road. Feeling good, I maintained a solid pace with the first-place runner, who was about a mile ahead. Around mile 8, the leaders of the 20-mile race caught me, pushing a very fast pace. After they passed, I increased my effort slightly on the long, runnable climb to stay with them until they turned back towards the finish. At about 12 miles, I faced my first unexpected problem: a cramp in my right hamstring. I noticed that stopping immediately relieved the cramp. Though a small strain I’d have to deal with for the rest of the race, it never worsened—just lingered, forcing me to slow down a little. Just before the 53K turnaround, I passed Carter Williams, an early starter I met while volunteering at Tahoe 200 last year. He’s 68 but looks much younger. We chatted for a few minutes before I headed up the hill to the first aid station, where I picked up a drop bag since I was running with a small pack. I resupplied with carb drinks and gels, then continued climbing into the Sierras toward the out-and-back section. At mile 20, after the out-and-back, I faced my first significant downhill, which bothered my hamstring. The next 15 miles comprised the second out-and-back, with a couple of aid stations, mostly climbing then descending. The hamstring pain came in waves, but I kept running for most of it despite some discomfort. Ben Tedore, the leader, was about two miles ahead for the entire race. As I turned back, the longest downhill began—roughly 20 miles, mostly downhill or flat. The increasing heat made running more difficult. Around mile 36, I tripped on a pine cone with my injured right leg, falling onto my left knee. Luckily, after walking for a while, I saw the wound wasn’t as bad as it looked. Most runners heading uphill were power hiking, so catching up was unlikely. My focus shifted to catching first place, but Ben’s strength and my hamstring’s limitations made that difficult. At mile 48, I reached the last aid station, less than three miles from the finish. The 100K route included another out-and-back section, which I hadn’t anticipated. This 12-mile stretch was steep both up and down, with no flat terrain, and had some of the race’s toughest climbs. As I descended toward the finish, I encountered the 3rd-5th place runners, who looked exhausted. With third place about four miles behind and less than 10 miles remaining, I entered cruise mode. At the final aid station, less than three miles from the finish, I met Todd, a Tahoe 200 volunteer, and his dog Elvis. Since winning was no longer possible, I spent ten minutes chatting with Todd about the upcoming Tahoe 200. The finish for these small local races is usually quiet—just a few volunteers clapping you over the line—and this race was no exception.

During a race, I never sit down because I tend to stiffen up and pay the price. After finishing, I got into my truck to head back to my hotel, ready to enjoy what always follows. There’s no real way to explain what happens once you stop running and become idle, but let’s just say it’s not enjoyable. Even stepping onto a sidewalk curb becomes a challenge, as I have to decide if I can do it. No amount of stretching or recovery tools can ease the pain that arrives over the next few days. Despite that, I felt pretty good overall, except for my hamstring, and I learned some lessons that will be useful for Tahoe. For this race, I relied solely on gels for fueling—the longest distance I’ve tried doing that—and I experienced some stomach issues, though they were manageable. Finishing second exceeded my expectations, and I’m glad I made it through.

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This is typically how I feel, and I get the jitters before anything competitive, which leaves me uncomfortable for hours on end. The day before Bishop 100K (63 miles), I drove from Reno to Bishop, thinking about how I could minimize the struggles everyone faces in these races. The body aches, stomach issues, cramping up, and did I forget something stupid like my shoes? I had planned to keep my pace slow to practice more for the Tahoe race in a month and to survive on just gels longer than I ever have before.

The day before, there was a race meeting to go over the course and answer any questions from the runners. I will say one of the funnier questions asked was, “Where can the pacers enter the race at?” This caught me by surprise because, generally, a race this short wouldn’t allow this. But this race is set up more as a comfortable way for runners to dip their toes into endurance racing. It is one of the reasons I signed up for it because they allow drop bags about every 7-8 miles, with plenty of aid stations to help us along. It is very well organized for such a small race, and this also helps take some of the anxiety out of worrying about things going badly.

I never sleep well the night before a race, and once again this held true. I went to bed around 9 pm, my mind busy working through the what-ifs. I planned to wake up at 330 am for the 5 am start time, and of course, at 230 am I woke up ready to go. Not ideal, but I went with it and started my usual stretching and bodyweight movements. I did a quick half-mile run along 395 to activate the legs a little. I did not feel like eating anything, but I did drink my usual water and electrolytes, which is typical for me before my runs. In my experience, I usually do what I feel like doing before a race, not what others tell me to do, but what my body is telling me.

During the dark drive to the race starting line, the calm starts to set in. This is hard for me to explain, but it is what happens as the start of a race gets closer. The feelings of anxiety start to lessen, and my mind starts to shift to problem-solving. I know now that anything I didn’t prepare for doesn’t matter at this point, and what matters most is to start listening to my body, as it will go through discomfort, no matter what.

As I get up closer to the front of the pack, a minute before the start, the calmness sets in, and I actually feel deeply relaxed. 3, 2, 1, and here we go.

• Step Count for the week: 238,887
• Miles: 123 miles
• Time: 23hrs 39min
• Elevation: 19,367ft

Sunday, May 3, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 11.25 mi
Moving Time 1:47:09
Pace 9:31 /mi
Elevation 1,844 ft
Avg Heart Rate 134 bpm

Monday, May 4, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 21.27 mi
Moving Time 3:52:45
Pace 10:57 /mi
Elevation 4,150 ft
Avg Heart Rate 136 bpm

Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 21.00 mi
Moving Time 3:21:17
Pace 9:35 /mi
Elevation 2,372 ft
Avg Heart Rate 133 bpm

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 22.25 mi
Moving Time 3:44:59
Pace 10:07 /mi
Elevation 4,134 ft
Avg Heart Rate 142 bpm

Thursday, May 7, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 22.73 mi
Moving Time 3:31:10
Pace 9:17 /mi
Elevation 3,232 ft
Avg Heart Rate 145 bpm

Friday, May 8, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 24.75 mi
Moving Time 4:27:24
Pace 10:48 /mi
Elevation 3,635 ft
Avg Heart Rate 134 bpm

Saturday, May 9, 2026
Off

I only shared about my tough week of training because the following week was a boring taper leading up to my first race of the year in Bishop. On Saturday, May 16, I participated in the Bishop High Sierra 100K and finished second overall. I ran conservatively to mainly test my new fueling strategy, but I also maintained a good pace since it was still a race. The course is exposed with few trees, mostly gentle grades, and climbs that were mostly runnable. I met a few volunteers for the Tahoe 200 during the race and spent some time chatting with them. One of my weak spots in races is spending too long talking to volunteers at aid stations. I struggled through some parts of the course, but overall, I experienced more positives than negatives. After this 100K, just less than four weeks before the Tahoe 200, I feel more confident about my fueling, though I need to improve my electrolyte intake. The race is small but well-organized, making it a good first race for anyone trying different distances. Aid stations are spaced every 3-7 miles, with drop bags available at four stations if needed. Everyone is very friendly, and athletes of all levels participate. Surprisingly, I was on the larger side for the 100K at 6’2” and 180 lbs. Who would have thought? I’ll share later about some common challenges I face before, during, and after endurance events, which are part of what I enjoy about them.

You never know where or who will teach you life’s lessons.

• Step Count for the week: 204,692
• Miles: 61 miles
• Time: 9hrs 47min
• Elevation: 9,510ft

Sunday, April 19, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 9.00 mi
Moving Time 1:30:32
Pace 10:03 /mi
Elevation 1,880 ft
Avg Heart Rate 134 bpm

Monday, April 20, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 17.76 mi
Moving Time 2:35:43
Pace 8:46 /mi
Elevation 1,995 ft
Avg Heart Rate 144 bpm

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Off

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 11.01 mi
Moving Time 1:53:20
Pace 10:18 /mi
Elevation 2,172 ft
Avg Heart Rate 133 bpm

Thursday, April 23, 2026
Off

Friday, April 24, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 11.29 mi
Moving Time 1:49:02
Pace 9:39 /mi
Elevation 1,739 ft
Avg Heart Rate 134 bpm

Saturday, April 25, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 11.40 mi
Moving Time 1:42:03
Pace 8:57 /mi
Elevation 1,722 ft
Avg Heart Rate 144 bpm

Not much to report this week due to life’s events, but I wanted to share one of my favorite animals I miss spending time with. He is simply called Pud’n in the donkey community. Among all the donkeys I've known, he’s one of the few who almost seem human in many ways. He enjoys just being with you and will even lean in for a kiss when you approach. There’s not an ounce of meanness in him, and he would never abandon you. A gentle giant, he can throw a tantrum if he doesn’t get his way, like a child. Now retired, he mostly relaxes at home, but sometimes he works with young donkeys to teach them better ways, and in doing so, he’s helped me become a better person.

You never know where or who will teach you life’s lessons.

Lifted super heavy at the gym on Sunday and felt very sore until almost Thursday. Battling low energy later in the week, but still got some quick runs in. Kept my runs closer to race pace for the week, with strong paces at the end of each run. My new fueling strategy seems to be helping keep my legs from getting as sore or fatigued on longer runs. Going to keep about the same for next week’s distances, with the following week being what runners call a shock week.

• Step Count for the week: 207,912
• Miles: 62 miles
• Time: 10hrs 08min
• Elevation: 7,297ft

Sunday, April 19, 2026
• Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
• Dumbbell Goblet Squat
• Dumbbell Lunge
• Hack Squat
• Leg Extension
• Machine Abduction
• Machine Adduction
• Machine Leg Press
• Plate-Loaded Hip Thrust Belt Supported
• Seated Leg Curl

Monday, April 20, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 16.97 mi
Moving Time 2:46:06
Pace 9:47 /mi
Elevation 1,801 ft
Avg Heart Rate 136 bpm

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Off

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 16.96 mi
Moving Time 2:36:44
Pace 9:14 /mi
Elevation 1,821 ft
Avg Heart Rate 132 bpm

Thursday, April 23, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 9.83 mi
Moving Time 1:39:37
Pace 10:08 /mi
Elevation 1,647 ft
Avg Heart Rate 126 bpm

Friday, April 24, 2026
Off

Saturday, April 25, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 18.28 mi
Moving Time 2:52:45
Pace 9:28 /mi
Elevation 2,028 ft
Avg Heart Rate 139 bpm

I have a friend, my age, who struggled with alcohol but has been improving over the past three years. It’s inspiring to see the positive changes he’s making on his sobriety journey. Recently, I asked what he’s doing this weekend. It’s great to know he’s spending time with his granddaughter, visiting a local farm to feed animals like baby goats and pigs. Watching him talk about these moments and the happiness they bring is uplifting. He becomes a bit emotional when discussing time with her and seeing the other young ones enjoy life as they should. Had he still been drinking, he might have missed all this.

It’s never too late to change for the better. You could be missing out on enjoying the moment.

Day late and a dollar short. Busy weekend with life things, so posting this on Monday after a longish run. The problem with the right foot is improving, and overall I took it easy this week, but I am going to start ramping up again, fingers crossed. Did my last super-heavy-weight leg day at the gym yesterday, with my first race in less than a month away. Hoping to start turning up the volume again if the feet can hold up.

• Step Count for the week: 202,540
• Miles: 46 miles
• Time: 7hrs 59min
• Elevation: 7,526ft

Sunday, April 12, 2026
Off

Monday, April 13, 2026
• Assisted Dip
• Assisted Wide Grip Pull Up
• Barbell Row
• Cable Rope Tricep Extension
• EZ Bar Curl
• Incline Hammer Curl
• Leg Extension
• Machine Abduction
• Machine Adduction
• Machine Seated Crunch
• Seated Leg Curl
• V Bar Pulldown

Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 5.12 mi
Moving Time 52:52
Pace 10:19 /mi
Elevation 807 ft
Avg Heart Rate 126 bpm

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 13.36 mi
Moving Time 2:21:35
Pace 10:36 /mi
Elevation 2,260 ft
Avg Heart Rate 130 bpm

Thursday, April 16, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 12.17 mi
Moving Time 1:58:15
Pace 9:43 /mi
Elevation 1,686 ft
Avg Heart Rate 130 bpm

Friday, April 17, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 8.20 mi
Moving Time 1:25:07
Pace 10:22 /mi
Elevation 1,365 ft
Avg Heart Rate 125 bpm

Saturday, April 18, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 6.92 mi
Moving Time 1:10:16
Pace 10:09 /mi
Elevation 1,407 ft
Avg Heart Rate 129 bpm

This week, something at work has been on my mind since it happened. I've been bothered by people’s actions, which I see as driven by greed. I was asked a simple question about someone, and my honest answer was used against them in a way that caused harm, seemingly for financial gain. Even though the person who asked still got what they wanted, they continue to pursue discrediting someone who had no stake and deserved nothing. As a result, the friendship has suffered over money issues. This is difficult for me to understand because I am not greedy—I believe in living within my means. If I help someone financially and get burned, I see it as a lesson learned. If I know someone who wins the lottery, I wouldn’t ask them for money or hold it against them.

Watch out for greed; it can damage your reputation and core values over time.

Right foot mayhem this week, with Achilles tendinitis that flared up. This is an overuse injury common among runners, and the healing process requires a pretty full shutdown from running. 😔

• Step Count for the week: 189,650
• Miles: 42 miles
• Time: 7hrs 32min
• Elevation: 7,759ft

Sunday, April 5, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 5.50 mi
Moving Time 1:08:50
Pace 12:31 /mi
Elevation 1,161 ft
Avg Heart Rate 117bpm

Trail Run
Distance 10.85 mi
Moving Time 1:52:21
Pace 10:21 /mi
Elevation 2,454 ft
Avg Heart Rate 145bpm

Monday, April 6, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 13.36 mi
Moving Time 2:12:36
Pace 9:55 /mi
Elevation 2,175 ft
Avg Heart Rate 132bpm

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 12.28 mi
Moving Time 2:06:04
Pace 10:16 /mi
Elevation 1,969 ft
Avg Heart Rate 126bpm

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Off

Thursday, April 9, 2026
Off

Friday, April 10, 2026
• Assisted Dip
• Assisted Wide Grip Pull Up
• Barbell Row
• Cable Rope Tricep Extension
• EZ Bar Curl
• Incline Hammer Curl
• Leg Extension
• Machine Abduction
• Machine Adduction
• Machine Seated Crunch
• Seated Leg Curl
• V Bar Pulldown

Saturday, April 11, 2026
• Dumbbell Lateral Raise
• Machine Chest Fly
• Machine Reverse Fly
• Plate-Loaded Hip Thrust Belt Supported
• Plate-Loaded Low Row

This week is one of those when you start to doubt yourself, with the right foot banged up. With my first race about 5 weeks away and having to shut down completely from running, it really messes with your mind. With almost 500 miles on my feet in the last month, there is no doubt what the cause was. Pushing my body these last few months finally took its toll, and it is an absolutely devastating feeling that I might have to pull out of my 100k race in a month. I am trying a few tricks to recover quickly, but who knows, with my job that requires quite a bit of walking 5 days a week, whether I will be able to get this fixed in time.

This is the side of doing hard things that most people do not talk about. They tend to share only the fun parts, not the downsides of pushing your body to its limits. But the problem-solving you have to work through to be ready for the hard things is the most work. This is one of those times when you just hope for the best, know that it is not the end, and instead use it as a building block for the future.

Don’t be discouraged because of a setback.

Fueled By Pain at Amazon

• Step Count for the week: 198,070
• Miles: 50 miles
• Time: 8hrs 17min
• Elevation: 8,392ft

Sunday, March 29, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 18.93 mi
Moving Time 3:09:49
Pace 10:01 /mi
Elevation 3,245 ft
Avg Heart Rate 140bpm

Monday, March 30, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 6.62 mi
Moving Time 53:43
Pace 8:07 /mi
Elevation 984 ft
Avg Heart Rate 151bpm

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Gym

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Gym

Thursday, April 2, 2026
Off

Friday, April 3, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 10.87 mi
Moving Time 1:46:12
Pace 9:46 /mi
Elevation 1,900 ft
Avg Heart Rate 133bpm

Saturday, April 4, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 13.18 mi
Moving Time 2:15:58
Pace 10:19 /mi
Elevation 2,264 ft
Avg Heart Rate 130bpm

This is another book review, and the last one for now, as I switch to more fiction books to diversify my reading.

I met Patrick last year while volunteering at the Tahoe race, and I immediately liked him—something most people do when they first meet him. He has a compelling story: growing up with dysfunctional parents, being teased and beaten as a kid, then becoming a bully himself, developing a drinking and drug habit in his teens, and joining gangs in Denmark. He also lost his sister in his twenties and had run-ins with the justice system due to his substance abuse and fights. Despite numerous attempts to turn his life around and some successes, he kept falling back into that tough-guy persona.

Today, you’d never guess his background because his decision to change has truly lasted this time. He’s always smiling and joking when he’s in his element, inspiring others to improve. He works hard, like many who genuinely turn toward recovery and away from fear. In his early thirties, with much life ahead, he acts as a motivator and teacher to those struggling like him, seeking the right path.

Recently, he completed over 150 miles of the Arizona Monster Endurance Race but had to stop halfway because of a bulging disc in his spine. I was hoping to race with him in Tahoe this June for an unforgettable experience, and I also wanted him to sign my book. However, he’s staying home to recover. Maybe next year, my Danish friend.

I strongly recommend his book to anyone wanting to become a better, happier person.

Fueled By Pain at Amazon

The picture above is from my Sunday 21-mile run, which mimics the typical aid-station segment I'll be doing in June for my Tahoe endurance race. It really puts things into perspective for the faint of heart: I will have to do this 10 times during the race, and even I question if this old man can do it all in a timely manner. Next week, the weather is changing, so I will be doing more weightlifting and less running. This will also give me a little deload time for my body.

• Step Count for the week: 250,589
• Miles: 81 miles
• Time: 14hrs 10min
• Elevation: 14,488ft

Sunday, March 22, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 20.78 mi
Moving Time 3:45:10
Pace 10:50 /mi
Elevation 4,528 ft
Avg Heart Rate 136bpm

Monday, March 23, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 10.58 mi
Moving Time 1:49:30
Pace 10:21 /mi
Elevation 1,716 ft
Avg Heart Rate 127bpm

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 15.73 mi
Moving Time 2:41:02
Pace 10:14 /mi
Elevation 2,369 ft
Avg Heart Rate 127bpm

Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Off

Thursday, March 26, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 11.02 mi
Moving Time 1:47:03
Pace 9:42 /mi
Elevation 2,133 ft
Avg Heart Rate 137bpm

Friday, March 27, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 8.42 mi
Moving Time 1:19:31
Pace 9:26 /mi
Elevation 1,486 ft
Avg Heart Rate 136bpm

Saturday, March 28, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 14.12 mi
Moving Time 2:19:14
Pace 9:51 /mi
Elevation 2,257 ft
Avg Heart Rate 138bpm

I usually don't give much advice to people on how or what to do when running. But on Saturday, I had one of my good crashes and burns during a run that I haven’t experienced in a while. I have different levels of crashes, and this one checked off three of those boxes: clearing a good section of the trail of debris, shooting the water bottles out of the vest, and getting up, slowing down, and assessing the damage. I was able to save my hands, but I scraped my arm and shoulder, gave my knee something to think about, and my hip and glute took a good smack—I’m saving you all a hair-butt picture.

So, here’s the advice when something like this happens during a run or hike: it could be a twist of the ankle or just stepping wrong and taking a fall that leaves you a little banged up. Unless something is broken or severely injured, it’s usually best to keep moving. I fell around mile 10 of my run, but continued for four more miles at a surprisingly good pace. You might ask why you’d do that. Believe it or not, most of the pain from the initial crash will be gone within about 20 minutes, and after you finish the activity, it will feel much better than if you completely stop moving. If the pain persists longer than 30 minutes, you probably broke or bruised something that needs support to prevent further damage.

By the time this goes out on Sunday, I’ll be doing a longer run to make sure everything is okay after yesterday's crash. Trust me, I’ll most likely be 100% on this run. It's funny how the body can recover and push through.

I had a funny moment on Thursday while running when I tripped and fell. I was just starting my run, and about a quarter mile in, I ran over a small boulder field and saw a snake. I changed my step midair and hit a rock, causing me to fall onto my right side with a pretty good shoulder hit. I then tried to scramble back to my feet because when you're running and see a snake that quickly, you can’t tell if it's a rattler or a bull snake. Luckily for me, it was a bull snake because my legs were just inches from it. I only wish I had a photographer with me because it must have been hilarious to see me in full panic mode.

• Step Count for the week: 232,681
• Miles: 72 miles
• Time: 12hrs 18min
• Elevation: 12,241ft

Sunday, March 15, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 21.33 mi
Moving Time 3:35:39
Pace 10:07 /mi
Elevation 3,159 ft
Avg Heart Rate 137bpm

Monday, March 16, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 10.72 mi
Moving Time 1:37:15
Pace 9:04 /mi
Elevation 1,680 ft
Avg Heart Rate 139bpm

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Off

Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 11.72 mi
Moving Time 1:51:45
Pace 9:32 /mi
Elevation 1,956 ft
Avg Heart Rate 142bpm

Thursday, March 19, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 13.80 mi
Moving Time 2:27:08
Pace 10:40 /mi
Elevation 2,411 ft
Avg Heart Rate 134bpm

Friday, March 20, 2026
Off

Saturday, March 21, 2026
Trail Run
Distance 14.52 mi
Moving Time 2:29:59
Pace 10:19 /mi
Elevation 3,025 ft
Avg Heart Rate 140bpm

I met Josh Coleman while volunteering at the Tahoe 200 last year, when he was running the race. He is tall and lanky, kind of like me, and very unassuming in general, but you could tell he was built differently. He mentioned he had a book he wrote coming out in a few months, and it sounded like an interesting read.

If you've ever struggled with losing your life partner or someone you hold closer than most, I can say his book will help you understand that loss a little better. He writes about losing his wife (Erin) in a tragic car accident and how he dealt with his sudden loss. He details his mood swings, anger towards people who thought they were helping him grieve, the crushing feelings of memories from things he used to do with Erin, and feeling overall broken when she's gone. Later in the book, Josh shares what has helped him, how he still has bad days, and how Erin’s love continues to surround him.

I highly recommend his book because of the emotions he conveys, how he handles them daily, how he found endurance running as an outlet for grief, the common ground he shares with many of his running friends, and how they work through their emotions together.

Get the book Moving Forward

I have been feeling somewhat fatigued this week; however, I dedicated myself to some extended efforts. My legs generally felt strong and not overly exhausted, although my energy levels were somewhat in the toilet. Vacation is over :(

• Step Count for the week: 242,423
• Miles: 77 miles
• Time: 13hrs 36min
• Elevation: 12,274ft

Sunday, March 8, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 21.11 mi
Moving Time 3:49:22
Pace 10:52 /mi
Elevation 2,251 ft
Avg Heart Rate 136bpm

Monday, March 9, 2026
Chest, Back, Biceps, Shoulders, Quads, Hamstrings

Exercises:
• Back Squat
• Barbell Row
• Cable Face Pull
• Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
• Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift
• EZ Bar Curl
• Seated Cable Fly

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 11.25 mi
Moving Time 1:53:32
Pace 10:05 /mi
Elevation 1,969 ft
Avg Heart Rate 137bpm

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 13.24 mi
Moving Time 2:27:22
Pace 11:08 /mi
Elevation 2,346 ft
Avg Heart Rate 127bpm

Thursday, March 12, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 10.60 mi
Moving Time 1:51:09
Pace 10:29 /mi
Elevation 1,749 ft
Avg Heart Rate 128bpm

Friday, March 13, 2026
• Trail Run/Hill Repeat
Distance 6.43 mi
Moving Time 58:52
Pace 9:09 /mi
Elevation 1,050 ft
Avg Heart Rate 139bpm

Saturday, March 14, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 14.39 mi
Moving Time 2:28:05
Pace 10:17 /mi
Elevation 2,910 ft
Avg Heart Rate 140bpm

I’m sitting here right after my run on Saturday, feeling mentally tired, but I know I need to start pushing myself more in the coming months, so I’ll figure it out. On this run, I revisited my old trails that I don’t get to visit often because of time constraints. It gave me some energy, as I truly love these trails on the eastern slope of the Sierras that offer tough, humbling climbs for miles and plenty of technical downhills to enjoy and let loose a little.

Sometimes, I struggle during weeks like these when I push my body to uncomfortable limits between work and running. But I know I am building toward something that will change me forever in a few months. It scares me a little about what’s coming, but I hope to be prepared for the challenge and to grow from it.

While I was running today, I thought about how I might be inspiring those around me without even realizing it. This idea kind of creeps me out a bit because some people consider what I do extreme, but I truly enjoy pushing my body to the limit. There’s a feeling I get when my body is sore and tired at the end of the day that I can’t quite explain, but it feels good to me.

Sometimes I surprise myself with what I can push through, mentally and physically.

Not naming names, but someone might have or might not have gotten me sick on vacation. It’s just a little upper lung congestion and a mysterious, random cough, but it didn’t affect my run along the cliffs of Kauai. It just made me go slower and stop frequently to take it all in. I did some hiking for a couple of days and kayaked one day; it was mainly a relaxing float on a calm river. Back to work next week for my enjoyment.

• Step Count for the week: 140,239
• Miles: 37 miles
• Time: 6hrs 28min
• Elevation: 3,350ft

Sunday, March 1, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 7.30 mi
Moving Time 1:10:46
Pace 9:41 /mi
Elevation 554 ft
Avg Heart Rate 131bpm

Monday, March 2, 2026
•Trail Run
Distance 8.00 mi
Moving Time 1:18:39
Pace 9:50 /mi
Elevation 502 ft
Avg Heart Rate 127bpm

Tuesday, March 3, 2026
• Off

Wednesday, March 4, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 6.76 mi
Moving Time 1:07:32
Pace 9:59 /mi
Elevation 551 ft
Avg Heart Rate 127bpm

Thursday, March 5, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 7.56 mi
Moving Time 1:12:19
Pace 9:34 /mi
Elevation 554 ft
Avg Heart Rate 131bpm

Friday, March 6, 2026
• Travel

Saturday, March 7, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 7.22 mi
Moving Time 1:09:30
Pace 9:37 /mi
Elevation 1,188 ft
Avg Heart Rate 143bpm

Random gallery of photos from my enjoyable week in Kauai and my first visit to the island. It is the smallest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands and one of the oldest. It’s famous for filming Jurassic Park (Waimea Canyon) and is also one of the wettest places on Earth. I didn’t get to explore the Na Pali Coast much because of time, mostly, but I did experience a good mix of everything else on the “Garden Island.”

A whole bunch of traveling this week, with getting back from Merced, CA, and going to Kauai for a little vacation. The old problem leg is feeling good to go after a long time away from the gym. I went on Tuesday and paid the price for doing my typical leg day. The day after was a reminder of a good leg day at the gym with that good old pain of building new muscle. I will be in Hawaii next week and hope to report back on some cool trail running and hiking in my next post. Pictures coming soon.

• Step Count for the week: 166,699
• Miles: 42 miles
• Time: 6hrs 53min
• Elevation: 4,846ft

Sunday, February 22, 2026
• Travel

Monday, February 23, 2026
• Road Run
Distance 15.53 mi
Moving Time 2:19:18
Pace 8:58 /mi
Elevation 1,882 ft
Avg Heart Rate 139bpm

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
• Abs, Glutes, Quads, Hamstrings, Calves, Abductors, Adductors
Exercises:
• Back Squat
• Calf Press on Leg Press
• Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
• Leg Extension
• Leg Press
• Machine Abduction
• Machine Adduction
• Machine Seated Crunch
• Plate-Loaded Hip Thrust Belt Supported
• Seated Leg Curl

Wednesday, February 25, 2026
• Road Run
Distance 13.25 mi
Moving Time 2:07:31
Pace 9.37 /mi
Elevation 1,582 ft
Avg Heart Rate 129bpm

Thursday, February 26, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 8.07 mi
Moving Time 1:12:46
Pace 9:01 /mi
Elevation 82 ft
Avg Heart Rate 118bpm

Friday, February 27, 2026
• Travel

Saturday, February 28, 2026
• Trail Run
Distance 5.56 mi
Moving Time 1:03:24
Pace11:24 /mi
Elevation 482 ft
Avg Heart Rate 123bpm

I’m in Kauai right now, on the southern side of the island in Poipu at Shipwreck Beach, looking out over the Pacific Ocean. Sitting here late on a Saturday night, watching people enjoy themselves felt like my own little moment of joy. Let me tell you what I saw because it was pretty amazing. In the distance, cliff jumpers were leaping into a rough ocean. My older self worried about their safety, but my younger self wanted to run up and check it out. Nearby, a small group of surfers were riding 4-5 foot waves that kept pushing them back onto the beach. They seemed less risky than the jumpers, for sure. Michelle was standing ankle-deep in the water, staring out at what she called the “edge of the world.” A professional photographer was taking glamour shots of a young couple, and another was capturing a family with a toddler, using the endless ocean and the famous cliff as their backdrop. I also noticed two people wandering around the beach near one of the photographers, completely unaware they were photo bombing the scene. There were still many beachgoers doing their thing, but it wasn’t overcrowded. Up on another cliff, the condominiums held more people like me, enjoying everything happening in that small slice of the world.
It’s great to just sit quietly, take in the world around you, and enjoy the moment.

Another week of easy running as I work on healing my leg. The weather was tough, with the most snow we’ve had this season, but I enjoy the challenge of running in snow. It also makes me slow down on the rocky terrain. I’ll be out of town from Friday to Sunday, so I’ll need to find creative ways to fit in a few miles.

• Step Count for the week: 172,240

• Miles: 43 miles

• Time: 7hrs 18min

• Elevation: 5,243ft

Sunday, February 15, 2026

• Trail Run

  Distance 17.93 mi

  Moving Time 2:59:39

  Pace 10:01 /mi

  Elevation 2,315 ft

  Avg Heart Rate 140bpm

Monday, February 16, 2026

• Trail Run

  Distance 11.25 mi

  Moving Time 1:44:01

  Pace 9:14 /mi

  Elevation 1,441 ft

  Avg Heart Rate 145bpm

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

• Off
  

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

• Trail Run

  Distance 5.82 mi

  Moving Time 1:07:59

  Pace 11:40 /mi

  Elevation 1,040 ft

  Avg Heart Rate 130bpm

Thursday, February 19, 2026

• Off

Friday, February 20, 2026

• Off

Saturday, February 21, 2026

• Road Run
  Distance 8.07 mi
  Moving Time 1:12:46
  Pace 9:01 /mi
  Elevation 82 ft
  Avg Heart Rate 118bpm

Running on snowy, rocky terrain isn't for everyone, but it's one of my favorite activities. It feels especially peaceful on familiar trails, and it forces me to slow down and focus, knowing there are rocks hidden beneath the snow. Many wonder why anyone would enjoy or endure this, but surprisingly, it's not as difficult as it appears. My familiar trails seem new again, providing a brief sense of novelty and increasing the challenge. This activity helps build resilience, reminding me that when things go wrong, I've faced similar situations before and shouldn't worry because it's just not going my way.

Build up that callus to withstand tougher times.

Sorry for the brief post this week; I just wasn’t really feeling up to it.

Not much to report this week regarding my progress, except that my left leg is improving and feels about 70% normal. I can confirm that using the Tiger Balm patches for 16 hours each day has helped significantly in restoring my leg's strength. Fingers crossed. I might avoid the gym for a while and instead use light girly dumbbells at home for some gentle leg workouts, rather than lifting heavy weights. I took the first part of the week off and did some faster, shorter runs at the end of the week because I felt like moving more quickly for some reason.

• Step Count for the week: 168,457

• Miles: 31 miles

• Time: 4hrs 42min

• Elevation: 4,193ft

Sunday, February 8, 2026

• Off

Monday, February 9, 2026

• Off

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

• Off
  

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

• Off

Thursday, February 12, 2026

• Road Run
  Distance 7.50 mi
  Moving Time 59:33
  Pace 7:56 /mi
  Elevation 761 ft
  Avg Heart Rate 145bpm

Friday, February 13, 2026

• Road Run
  Distance 9.75 mi
  Moving Time 1:28:24
  Pace 9:04 /mi
  Elevation 1,143 ft
  Avg Heart Rate 131bpm

Saturday, February 14, 2026

• Trail Run
  Distance 13.32 mi
  Moving Time 2:12:00
  Pace 9:54 /mi
  Elevation 2,392 ft
  Avg Heart Rate 145bpm

With Valentine's Day yesterday, I wanted to share something that shows my love, even though I tend to be on the stoic side and rarely show my emotions to others, including those I truly care about. We all have someone in the world who is our true love, but we have to seek them out. Some of us lose that love, and others have it taken away. Yet, I am one of those who was given a second chance in life to find love again. Even though Michelle and I may seem like opposites on the surface—me being stoic and reserved, and her showing more emotion than I ever could—our differences work because they balance each other. She often says she loves me or compliments me on what I do or how I look, while I struggle to express how I feel about her or to give her the praise she deserves. I’m not completely terrible at it, because I do hold Michelle in my heart in ways she knows my love for her, and I listen to her input. Still, I find it hard to always act on that input for her. Our differences are actually key to how we get along and grow, especially given that we didn’t even know each other existed in this world at first. Being together these past few years has changed us for the better. I bring my discipline and calmness in difficult situations, while Michelle offers her opinions on areas where I could improve. It’s funny sometimes to see her reaction when she hears stories from my past—about my days as a binge drinker and how I was sometimes mean to others before she knew me. She looks at me differently now because I’ve worked on becoming a better person, compared to my younger self who hadn’t figured things out yet—like all of us. I’m not saying I’m perfect now, but it’s definitely easier to be around me these days. Michelle and I are still a work in progress, but we each day grow closer rather than grow apart, as so many relationships do when they follow a path that doesn’t nurture love.

Always strive for a second chance, even if you feel you don’t deserve it.

My left leg swelled up this week from an overuse injury I noticed last week. I was planning to run closer to 100 miles this week since I had time off from work, but my left lower leg had other plans. I ran 19 miles both days last weekend and experienced about a 3 on the pain scale, but it didn’t get worse. On Monday, I did a speed workout in the hills that was my fastest on one of my usual loops, and I still felt pretty good, with some soreness. I went to the gym and ran around the Marina on Tuesday, but I noticed my leg pain had increased to about a 5 on the scale. When I woke up very early Wednesday, that pain became intense—approaching an 8-9—and I noticed a noticeable bulge on my left shin. It was a crushing realization that I would need time off to heal, even though I wanted to keep pushing towards my weekly goal. I took the following three days off and went for a run on Saturday. During my slow run on Saturday, the pain came in waves as I ran just under 14 miles with my heavy pack, which carried extra water, food, a beacon, and my sticks in case things went wrong. I’m still deciding whether to take a week off from running to heal, since I walk 60-70 miles a week for work, which is more than most.

• Step Count for the week: 124,838

• Miles: 56 miles

• Time: 10hrs 06min

• Elevation: 8,301ft

Sunday, February 1, 2026

• Trail Run
  Distance 19.03 mi
  Moving Time 3:53:36
  Pace 12:16 /mi
  Elevation 3,668 ft
  Avg Heart Rate 133bpm

Monday, February 2, 2026

• Trail Run - Speed

  Distance 11.16 mi

  Moving Time 1:40:18

  Pace 8:59 /mi

  Elevation 1,942 ft

  Avg Heart Rate 147bpm

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Abs, Glutes, Quads, Hamstrings, Abductors, Adductors

• Exercises:

  • Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
  • Machine Abduction
  • Machine Adduction
  • Machine Leg Press
  • Machine Seated Crunch
  • Plate-Loaded Hip Thrust Belt Supported
  • Seated Leg Curl
  • Smith Machine Squat

• Road Run
  Distance 12.06 mi
  Moving Time 1:41:52
  Pace 8:27 /mi
  Elevation 233 ft
  Avg Heart Rate 135bpm
  

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

• Off

Thursday, February 5, 2026

• Off

Friday, February 6, 2026

• Off

Saturday, February 7, 2026

• Trail Run
  Distance 13.85 mi
  Moving Time 2:40:58
  Pace 11:37 /mi
  Elevation 2,457 ft
  Avg Heart Rate 138bpm

I received a speeding ticket on Sunday that I fully deserved. I was on the Vista Blvd onramp heading westbound on I-80 and saw that the interstate traffic was tightly packed, with cars following each other about 10-15 feet apart. A car was merging in front of me at around 50-55 mph. As I tried to merge, no one was giving way, so I sped past the slow-moving car in front of me, acting like a NASCAR driver. That’s when I noticed a Highway Patrol car while going fairly fast. He pulled me over and asked the usual, “You know why I pulled you over.” I responded honestly, “I know what I did, and I was driving like a fucking idiot to merge onto the freeway when no one was letting me in.” My move was probably reckless enough to warrant a ride in his backseat. However, since I owned up to my actions instead of blaming others, he let me go with only a 1-10 mph over the speed limit ticket, which was a relief.

It’s positive to recognize my frustration with others, which is something I constantly struggle with. Even though I understand, I frustrate those around me in the same way. Being humbled by my poor actions.

However, there's a second part to this story. While I was frustrated about the speeding ticket, I shrugged it off as just a minor citation. As I exited the off-ramp for McCarran Blvd and received my ticket from the NHP officer, I noticed a woman dressed in revealing clothes frantically waving her arms, trying to stop cars, shouting, and picking up trash along the highway. She seemed to have some mental health issues, but she was dangerously close to the fast-moving traffic, risking her safety. Once the officer finished issuing my ticket, he needed to attend to that situation next.

I looked back at this, thinking, what if that moment hadn’t happened with me getting a speeding ticket—does that lady get run over and killed?

Things happen for a reason, sometimes even if they don’t go your way.