Mount Wilson, July 18, 2021

Sometimes I think I’ve got a run locked in and running teams up with the sun and tells me, “On your knees, right now, and think about who we are for a minute. Actually, no, six and a half hours. Plus a minute. Enjoy!”

I didn’t summit, missed my mileage goal, and ran out of water.

And I smile and look at how I am blessed and lucky to take on a challenging experience in a beautiful place, went over 20 miles (jury’s out on how much vert, but it felt like plenty), didn’t fall, and all my gratitude goes to yet another trail angel who replenished my water: my new friend Joaquin is the man, and as has happened many, many times now, my faith in humanity is lifted by people who love trails like I do.

Also, I absolutely loved my new Mafate Speed 3s on their first day out. I had the first model after one of the best runners I’ve ever met insisted I get them, and it was a ruthless beast on all the trails and conditions I took them through. They could have gone longer but I wanted another work horse in this category (they’ll be donated among a bunch of my other retired bois), and the newest version crushes and then some with a wider base to help defend against rolling, grip like nails dipped in glue, poppy but super comfy cushioning, and one of my favorite color ways ever.

I’m proud of what I put together today, but it sits with me when I don’t make a goal. I expect a lot from myself, and bouncing back from misses is a strength that I value above most. It’s given me everything I love about my life now, it consistently keeps giving me more, and I aim to make it stronger at every opportunity that comes my way.

I hope everyone is having an amazing and empowering Sunday as well, stay safe, take twice as much water as you think you need on an adventure, and be kind and well, everybody!