Running in 2025
Running in 2025 started out badly, but I hung in there, rode my bike and chugged on the elliptical machine when I couldn't run, did a lot of physical therapy, and finally got into good enough shape that I could plausibly try the Bear 100 mile race again.
Aspen, fir, and spruce trees bordering the Sinks area at the top of Logan Canyon. September, 2025.
I had little margin for error at the Bear, and misplayed my hand. I went out too fast and suffered for it after mile 35. I did manage to battle on for another 18 hours and 40 miles, and reached a new personal distance best. The best part of the whole event was the road trip with Ruthie, my crew chief, and staying with my aunt in Cache Valley before and after the run. And the fall colors. There were a lot of good parts. Crossing the finish line, sadly, was not one of them.
I did finally finish an ultra-distance run in November, a 32 mile trip from my home to the summit of Horsetooth Mountain, around the reservoir, and back. My house is behind my crazy hair in the photo below.
Horsetooth Mountain from Herrington Trail. November, 2025.
Self portrait on the summit of Horsetooth Mountain. November, 2025.
In July I got to spend a weekend with my friends David and Marin at Never Summer, a great time. After the Bear I ran regularly with my local friend Dana as he was ramping up his running, and paced him during his DIY marathon. I did a day of trail work with local runners in May, and volunteering at Black Squirrel and Blue Sky Trail Marathon in September and October. I train alone, mostly, but I really do like to spend time outside with other runners.
My running numbers for the year:
965 miles
144,864 ft D+
231 hours
That's less than two-thirds of my running volume for a good year. Things are looking up, however. I've been running and biking consistently after the Bear and am in good shape. I'm eager to get the 2026 season started. More about that soon.