Running Changes

 

It has been nearly a decade since I was regularly posting on this Blog. As expected, there have been innumerable changes to how I run, why I run, whom I run with and my goals for running.

 

Running from demons. 

I used to say that this was a reason for running so far, remote and in challenging terrain. That is not the case anymore. The key has been to understand and believe that where I am right now is precisely where God wants me to be. And that wherever that happens to be, is what is best for me. Regardless of what or where that is. 

So, not as much striving for what I think I deserve .

 

Running with friends.

This has not changed.  I run my best when I'm with others. I have DNFd some big races simply because I was lonely. I have finished some big races even though I was alone and lonely (so I've figured out how to overcome that). But I'm not going to take foolish chances:

 

 Superior 100 this year - it only worked and was a PR because of Kyle, Restad and Chris R.

Kodiak 50 - did it alone only because it was short. 

If I attempt TDS again - only with a friend or son, or both.

If we get into Eiger 250 -  only with a friend or son, or both.

CCC - I'd try that one alone. 

2026 R2R2R - only with a friend or two.

 

2025 included many incredible runs with:

Lindsey Button

Max & Abi

Kyle, of course!

 

Running with a Dog.

Kyle and I used to run with June. Great dog. Then she passed.

Penny was their new dog. Also a great runner. 

In February, we got Laurén. She has become a great runner - even with only one lung.

Yes, one lung. She came from AZ and brought with her Valley Fever. By the time we figured it out, her right lung was full of fungi. But little by little, she has grown into an ultra-trail runner. 

 

Running with Incline.

My training and running/racing has evolved to primarily training for climbing. Climbing is not fast, but it is taking me to places I would never have imagined.  This has dovetailed nicely with my growing interest in the "crazy" things found in Scripture. Mountain tops with rock formations that are literally "other worldly". Geological formations that even an infinite amount of time and evolution could not have created. The result: a deepening sense of awe at what I have been saved from and to.