If you knew me years ago, you might have described me as someone built for endurance. I tended to lean into activities that took time and effort: graduate studies, yoga training, writing and long-distance running races.
Before I dig deeper into my Black Canyon Ultras weekend, I’ll say this: being an ultra trail runner doesn’t have to mean living out of a van or leaning into a dirtbag camping vibe. After years of accepting discomfort in races around the world, I decided to treat myself for once.
When Molly Seidel stepped onto the starting line at Black Canyon, many assumed her preparation required wholesale reinvention: more vertical gain, more mileage, more long trail days – more everything.
My eyes teared up as I crossed the start line of Florida’s Long Haul 100. I was unexpectedly emotional after years of wanting to attempt the distance but having been sidelined by injuries.
The 4 Fore 30 Backyard Ultra in Missouri has changed a lot over the last few years. In 2023, the event was held on a golf course, in 2024 it switched to a road out-and-back and in 2025 the race introduced its most beautiful and complex loop yet.
Overgrowth in the desert is not like overgrowth where I grew up on the East Coast, where you can just swing through it and maybe feel the sweat of the last runner. I think I may have left some skin and maybe a little blood behind.