Last week I wrote about DNFs. A race I should have dropped out of but didn’t was the Del Mar a la Cima 80k in December of 2016. Following is a description of the worst race performance I have ever had (maybe) but one that produced the best stories and the most exotic experience.

After graduating college in 2016 I went to live in Quito, Ecuador for 4 months with Adrienne. What a time to be alive: I got to climb numerous gigantic volcanoes, explore the Amazon, swim in raging rivers pouring out of the Andes, hang out on paradisical beaches, eat delicious food, snorkel in the Galapagos, and get lost in the Ecuadorian culture. Because I have a drive to continue improving in running forever and rarely take a break until I’m injured, I was still training pretty hard throughout all my travels.

Chasing Sunlight & Second Place: My Big Alta Experience
What do a friendly rivalry, a nagging foot injury, and California’s spring trails have in common? They all collided at this year’s Big Alta 28k—where I chased podium dreams through the rolling green hills of Marin. Foggy ridgelines, steep descents, and surprise beach days with my dog Pike made it unforgettable. The race delivered more than a medal—it was pure trail magic. Tap in for the full story.

My experience before it was cool.

Be that as it may, I lined up at Black Canyon 100k 2025 in order to try for a podium and a Golden Ticket, because I am not immune to this ingenious marketing ploy by the Western States Board.