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The Book All Serious Ultrarunners Should Read
This post highlights key take-aways from the book—several of which I appreciate because they articulate and support my views on some topics that have generated controversy in our sport.
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Running the Ridge in Ojai: A Long Trail Above and Beyond the Familiar
From my perspective as a child growing up in Ojai, the mountains that make up the Nordhoff Ridge always looked so big and far away. I could only reach them on horseback. On my last visit, I decided to step out of my comfort zone of running familiar streets and go up and along the […]
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Lake Sonoma 50 Race Report: Better With Age?
I was nervous, not so much about the competition—which was out of my league, attracting the country’s top ultrarunners—but about how I’d do compared to my younger self.
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Lake Sonoma 50M Preview: Insomnia-Fueled Thoughts on Life and Ultra Adventures
This can’t be good. I’m supposed to be sleeping well and tapering for a race next weekend that I care about. … But I’ve been through this kind of big transition before, the “what have we done, how are we gonna do this …” state of excitement mixed with anxiety.
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Review: The New Ultimate Direction Women’s Ultra Vesta and Adventure Vesta Hydration Systems
When Ultimate Direction came out with a new-and-improved version of the Ultra Vesta—and also launched a women’s version of the larger-capacity SJ Ultra Vest (which I use for longer, unsupported treks)—you bet I was excited to try them.
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Off to a Strong Start With the Sean O’Brien 50K
Doing “just” the 50K felt like pedaling behind the big kids with training wheels on my bike. Here’s my Sean O’Brien 50K race report, with bonus content at the end: “The Idiot’s Guide to Race Day Planning.”
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The “Some is Better Than None” Run
So much of my stress is tied to perfectionism, to wanting to get it just right or not do it at all. I overthink and underproduce.

Book Review: How Bad Do You Want It? Mental Fitness for Training & Racing
Matt Fitzgerald’s worthwhile new book can help you develop coping skills to push past self-sabotaging thoughts and emotions, and give all you can to your next race.
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A Yosemite 5-Day Guide: Run the Valley to the Peaks
After five days and some 60 miles on the trail, I felt far more fulfilled than fatigued, perhaps because, as John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
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3 Ways to Get Healthier and Happier in the New Year (Besides Running)
During 2015, I often felt worn out, moody, heavy or bloated, and alternately frazzled and unproductive. Here are three ways I’m trying to fix that.