Wolfpack Runners @ No Shortcuts Time Trial - Venice to Palm Springs 10.24.25

Completing the 130-mile No Shortcuts Time Trial relay between #venicebeach & #palmsprings w/ Wolfpack Runners was not my 1st rodeo, but definitely felt like the hardest, & is for sure among my proudest challenges completed, & an honor to share w/ @Cezamee @photos_natalie @stayshady @mrjohnnyalex @efrenreyes @itzzzvaldez @emm_nicoleee @ladyleigh55 & everyone who showed up for this team and every team on a hell of a Friday.

We went in w/ the strategy of our 8-runner team taking on 1-mile increments at a time, w/ 2 3-ish mile segments towards the end that 2 runners would have to take on unsupported. My hand went right up for the 2nd-to-last unsupported segment, but before that point, the day was one I’ll never forget.

As an exercise, 13 x 1-mile-ish intervals capped w/ a 2.7 run trail-flavored segment in the dark, spread over 18+ hours, is a remarkably unique & demanding challenge to take on. Different parts of the day required a variety of energy levels, from refinding pace like cement poured in a frame, or a very-enthusiastic wolf cut from a leash. To be sure, the process was exhausting, & wins can’t come without finding these places of maxing out & meeting temptations that feel valid, then answering them w/ humility, good humor, teamwork, & creative solutions to keep going & growing. We did our best to fire back on our competitors, eased up when conserving energy was wise, & always encouraged each other & our fellow runners. 

The cycle of positivity in the running community is among the best parts of our sport, & we couldn’t have finished the mission w/out giving & receiving the vibe in abundance. We got to the finish line at 11:22 p.m., marking 18 hours & 22 minutes unlike any other I’ve experienced, & has contributed wonderful things to my character, fitness, & deep appreciation to everyone who made this event the exceptional win that it was.

The recovery ride has been excellent, & w/ Run Catalina #catalinahalfmarathon in 9 days I feel sharper & more prepared than ever to throw everything I have into a very different sort of challenge soon.  I hope everyone is in as healthy & positive a place as possible, stay mindful & flirt w/ limits & happy Friday-eve, everybody.