I began to think I was in a time machine in which I aged a year with each mile, and the miles mirrored my imaginary age, so as we approached 70 I was morphing into an arthritic septuagenarian who needed to nap a lot.

I began to think I was in a time machine in which I aged a year with each mile, and the miles mirrored my imaginary age, so as we approached 70 I was morphing into an arthritic septuagenarian who needed to nap a lot.
This Oct. 9 – 12 I’ll be in Rocksprings, Texas, with Liza Howard and several other top-level trail runners for the Team RW&B Trail Running Camp. Find out what it’s all about and consider joining us.
Living near Telluride during July humbled and inspired me. Here are some memories from Hardrock, Kendall Mountain and more.
Could I go for 24 hours without stopping (except to change clothes, eat and go to the bathroom)? How would I do as an ultrarunner when the variables of terrain and elevation are taken away and it’s just about running?
The Ultra Mindset by Travis Macy helps us transfer and apply the positive traits and feelings we gain while running to all aspects of life, to help in areas that really matter, like relationships, parenting and work.
I decided, while racing a 13.5-miler on Mount Diablo, that I love the mix of hill climbing, fast descents and steady running on the rollers that a course like this offers. It’s a reminder that longer isn’t always better. Every distance presents its own challenges.
If you approach a hard ultra ambivalent and less than prepared as I did, thinking, “Whatever, I’ll wing it!” then you’re setting yourself up for a painful race and a high likelihood of quitting. And that’s not fun, no matter how good the hot shower and beer feel post-DNF.
Training and race-day execution can make the difference between those who stiffly struggle and those who smoothly speed up toward the finish.
Two days before the race, I felt heavy-legged and thought, “I am not ready for this terrain.” But the dense, fecund forest of crown ferns and towering beech trees, which are garnished with clumpy moss, tangled vines, Frisbee-sized mushrooms and dripping moisture, enchanted me.
I’m eager to get the word out about ways I’m helping others—maybe YOU?—learn about, prepare for and reach the finish line of the next Grand to Grand Ultra.