A Decade of Ultras: Reflections on a DNF

In 2010, I participated in my very first 100-mile foot race. Over the next 15 years, I have participated in 19 additional events of 100 miles or more. Out of these, I successfully finished 15, which is a 75% completion rate. My achievements include 9 finishes at Leadville, 2 at Moab 240, 1 at Cocodona 250, a Big Horn 100, an Ouray 100 finish, and 1 finish at Run Rabbit Run 100. However, I also faced 5 DNFs (did not finish): 2 at Leadville (in 2011 and 2014), 1 at Run Rabbit Run (2017), 1 at Big Horn (2013), and my most recent at Moab 240 in 2024.

This latest DNF is particularly painful. In this sport, nothing is guaranteed, and every finish comes with its own set of challenges. I entered this year's event feeling relatively fit. Reflecting on my Strava data, I remember completing the Badwater Virtual 267 in January. In March, I enjoyed a 37-mile loop in Moab from Pot Ash to Shaffer Trail to Longs Canyon. In April, I swept 20k of the UTMB Desert Rats 100k course overnight. May saw me finish the Cocodona 250, which offered a fantastic tour of Arizona. June brought my 74th summit of Mt Sopris (12,953 ft), while July was filled with high country summits, including Oxford, Belford, Massive, and two at Elbert. I also course-marked 75 miles of the new Summit 200 and participated as a group pacer at the Aspen Valley Half Marathon. In August, I returned to Leadville to claim my ninth 100-mile run buckle. September had me pacing 50 miles at the Run Rabbit Run event in Steamboat. Finally, on October 11th, I stood at the start of the Moab 240. While this year seems busy, it mirrors the past decade in my athletic journey, showcasing a rich blend of events, challenges, volunteering, and supporting this passionate community.

During Leadville, I experienced Achilles issues that nearly prevented me from finishing, but I managed to push through and completed it with just 38 minutes to spare. A bone spur on the back of my right heel has been causing pain in my Achilles tendon. I took time to rest, stretch, and bike to minimize impact, but I never returned to full function. In hindsight, I recall my wife noticing me favoring my leg while walking around the house, friends at the UESCA Coaches Conference inquiring about my limp, and a fellow runner commenting on the "hitch in my step" just days before the start. We are a determined group, and I thought I could power through. Unfortunately, that strategy didn’t work out. I managed to cover 67 miles in 22 hours before my limp intensified, putting stress on my left foot to compensate for my right. It’s always a tough decision to stop, but I’m trying to accept that it was the right one. It’s challenging when your body feels fine, except for your Achilles, and you crave the experience. I plan to address my Achilles issue and resolve it.

I've gained valuable insights about this sport and myself during this journey. I work full-time running my coaching company, where I guide athletes of all abilities in endurance sports. Additionally, I produce and host a podcast about the sport and create content for my brand and fellow athletes. I truly love what I do and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

With that said, I’m already contemplating the upcoming season and what it may hold. Only time will reveal the answers...