Dragging Sand from Coast to Coast
MUSINGS ON RUCKING, TRAIL RUNNING, TRAINING, MENTALITY, AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT COMES TO MIND
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Every Mountain is Different Vol. 1: “I Belong Here”
Kathy thought she was coming to the gym to get stronger. What she really found was confidence. At 67, she learned to walk into a gym alone, trust her body again, and return to the pool after years away. Because sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t physical—it’s finally believing you belong.
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What Am I Really Training For?
We spend so much time training for the thing in front of us: the race, the goal, the milestone. But somewhere along the way, I realized I’m not training just to run 200 miles. I am training to become someone—to become more myself.
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The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been
The finish line is supposed to be the moment everything comes together. It’s the celebration after the suffering. But sometimes, after hours of pushing through doubt, pain, and uncertainty, it can feel surprisingly empty. This is the story of learning that endurance isn’t about crossing alone, but having someone help you land.
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The Heart’s Compass: Navigating from Comfort to Purpose
Recounting my journey from a monotonous job to discovering a passion for coaching after a transformative mountain race. I felt unfulfilled despite career success and ultimately decided to pursue coaching, finding joy in helping others grow. The piece emphasizes the importance of following one’s heart for personal fulfillment and growth.
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In the Shadows: The Work Behind the Wins
The content explores the varied roles in athletic achievements, emphasizing that success often overlooks those in the shadows who support. It discusses the pressure of visibility through personal experiences in races, the importance of teamwork, and how coaching involves trust over control. Each role contributes uniquely to collective success.
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Faith, Revisited: Not What I Thought It Was
The simple question, “How can you have faith in yourself if you don’t have faith in something bigger?” sent me on a journey I didn’t expect. This is what I’m learning about faith, doubt, and unconditional love.
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The Decision Point: Finding Strength in Letting Go
Last year’s Barkley Fall Classic was a test of grit and perseverance after previous failures. This year, with a changed mindset focused on grace, I embraced the challenge despite not finishing the 50K. Prioritizing intentions over outcomes reinforced personal growth, highlighting the balance between determination and self-compassion in the face of adversity.
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A Mug Full of Play: Shaping Joy, Process, and Becoming
From shaping clay to running trails, following your passions lets you slow down, savor the process, and find joy. Ordinary moments become extraordinary when you create for yourself.
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The Finish Line and the Feelings That Didn’t Come
My reflection on my first 100-mile race, the San Diego 100, and what I learned when the finish didn’t feel like I thought it would.
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