This is how I started out the year. It was a challenge, seeing that number on the scale. It's possible I've mentioned this once or thrice here. My first race of the season, Frozen Toe 10k, was a struggle. And not just because I'm a baby about cold. I was carrying at least 20 extra … Continue reading Progress and a Podium Stand
#Running
2023 Chaos Heavy Half
Hunger and exhaustion are having a legitimate war inside my body. Pain is trying to get in on the action, too. Today was our annual Chaos 50k. And because more than 50 people clicked "Going" on the event page, I opted to start at 5:40am. Before anyone else got there. Because I promise you, if … Continue reading 2023 Chaos Heavy Half
Peak Discomfort
4am wake up this morning. As I waited for Rogue to get to my house, I read a little. The only way to combat a comfort crisis is to get uncomfortable. And no one is better at planning uncomfortable than Beautiful Beastie. Rogue and I met up with BB and GJB in the Peaks of … Continue reading Peak Discomfort
Hellgate Recon (Glenwood Horse Trail)
I just had to remind Beautiful Beastie and Tiny Brazilian that it was 6 o’clock in the morning. On a Sunday. So they would stop making my phone make noises. There is no adventuring for me today. We did quite enough of that yesterday. We did some Hellgate recon yesterday morning. And all we were … Continue reading Hellgate Recon (Glenwood Horse Trail)
Trail Hazing
“Why every time we go somewhere with Beautiful Beastie does it feel like we’re being hazed?” Rogue’s not wrong. We went to Rock Castle Gorge with her last weekend. Where she and Tiny Brazilian quickly took off. At their beast pace. While Rogue and I followed behind. At our normal human pace. Where we traversed … Continue reading Trail Hazing
Glimmers of Hope
Thank you so much. I’ll miss you guys! “…ok…you…have a nice day…” Look. I’ve spent a lot of time with the DMV folks lately. And my socials are a little more awkward than usual. Because New Job. But the two hours I spent with them yesterday morning. Felt special. It started with rejection. Again. Because … Continue reading Glimmers of Hope
Real ID Take Two
Remember when I went to get my Real ID? And they told me my birth certificate wasn't proof of my actual birth? Or existence? Thank you so much. I’ll miss you guys! “…ok…you…have a nice day…” Look. I’ve spent a lot of time with the DMV folks lately. And my socials are a little more … Continue reading Real ID Take Two
Hanging Rock Re-Make
“How many miles are you feeling like this morning?” Oh, I don’t know. Maybe 7 or 8? I started with a 2 liter pack of water frozen solid. It was melted by mile two. Because those first two miles. Were straight up the side of a mountain. 800 stairs. Or maybe 5,000. My legs will … Continue reading Hanging Rock Re-Make
Natural Bear Repellant
Disclaimer: In case you’ve found this post by searching for “natural bear repellant” on the internet. I’m sorry. This is not that. This is satire. Well, actually it’s my life. But my life is basically satire. So… So, it’s freakishly beautiful in Virginia today. Cool. Clear. Lovely. And because every run I went on last … Continue reading Natural Bear Repellant
Still Not a Real Mountain Biker
I’ve been told you’re not a real mountain biker. Until you wreck. And despite my desperate need to be included. My every instinct. When mountain biking. Or lifing. Is to not wreck. So, I spent Sunday running Hay Rock. I didn’t want to. I didn’t not want to. I’ve spent all of break with this … Continue reading Still Not a Real Mountain Biker