Last night I broke a habit

skipped my usual small glass of red wine. 🍷 Nothing wrong with having one every day, but sometimes it’s good to break a habit and see how you feel.

I woke up fresh, had my coffee, fruit and oats with added protein, then headed to Mongo. 🏃‍♂️

It was hotter than yesterday, so I wore long sleeves and a hat. But today I barely looked at my watch. I ran by feel.

I relaxed into every footstep and felt that connection between myself and the ground. On the way up I didn’t slow down, and on the way down I didn’t push.

Just an easy, all-day effort.

I listened to some early episodes of The Ultra Runner Podcast, including Tim Tweitmeyer and Michael Wardian. Fascinating to hear those early episodes with all the co-hosts together.

Speedgoat 7s again, with the lace-locking system for the descents. I’m really enjoying the cushioning and snug fit.

As I ran towards Mongo, I drifted into that place of contentment and flow.

I wasn’t pushing.
I wasn’t holding back.
I was just running.

With Doi Chang by UTMB in Thailand coming up on December 5th, this will be my first 100-mile race since 2020.

Six years.

I’ve been busy with the Appalachian Trail, which I still think about every day. There have been times I didn’t finish, but there have also been times I did. And when I did, I was still the second-fastest northbound and southbound, behind Karl Sabbe and Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy.

I’m proud of that.

I never set the record, but second-fastest on an iconic trail is still worth celebrating. 🏔️

Back home: sea bass salad, mango smoothie, lunch with my girlfriend and a 45-minute sleep with the fan above me.

Easy running, good food and recovery.

I also have a few spaces available for ultra-running coaching if you’re looking for guidance towards your next big goal.