Last year in 2025, I was running at Arizona Camp frustrated with myself feeling fat, out of shape, and running with pain. Ironically, it was on the same trail that 10 years ago it was the best I ever felt running. That's back when I won the Javelina 100K, beating Arnulfo Quimare – the legendary Tarahumara, famously featured in Christopher McDougals book Born to Run as the runner who defeated Ultrarunning star Scott Jurek in 2006 race that originally inspired the book.
I was left thinking to myself, "How can I go from feeling like I was floating with endless youth and fitness to this?" I made a promise that day that when I returned to AZ camp in 2026 I was going to feel better about my running!
First step, I needed to be able to run pain free.
I went from not being injured for years to tearing my hamstring in Pilates class, yeah I know hahaha hilarious. Give me a break... I was trying to do the right thing.
The torn hamstring led to a series of other aches and pains from changing my gain to interfering with my consistent run schedule. I began seeing a Physical Therapist weekly, a combination of exercises addressing lack of mobility and dry needling.
Then next step was following a plan.
Due to the pain and frustration in running I was more focused on cycling and would intermittently run when I felt like it or out of convenience. This led to no progress.
I needed to follow a thoughtful progressive plan, so I began the “Base Builder Plan" through Boundless Base. It had more frequent runs, but shorter duration, with some focus on intensity, guided by proper heart rate zones and duration not mileage.
Having a plan stresses the body in the appropriate ways, allows for adaptation, and takes you out of your poor habits. I also think the shorter runs allowed me to run without my form deteriorating. I began feeling more fluid from my foot and ankle mobility exercises prescribed by my PT and I feel like with my new plush feet running wasn’t sending shock up to my hips!
By week 7 of my plan and seeing my PT, I had a progression run along the Hudson River in NY over Thanksgiving. It was part the surplus of oxygen and part the beautiful backdrop of golden leaves and classic NE run venue something featured in the Rave Run in Runners World Magazine. That feeling of running that I had been missing for years came back to me that day along the Hudson!
With 9 weeks until the 5th Annual AZ Trail Running Camp, I am feeling pretty good about 2026 and getting back to decent running shape.
Lessons learned over the last few years:
- Seek expert guidance. Sometimes you are your worst enemy, and your experience can get in the way of your own progress.
- Follow a plan. Staying true to a plan with a big picture and slow methodical progression.
- Set a date or event goal. Having a time constrained goal gives a sense of urgency and action.
- Although I know I won’t be winning any races anytime soon, I still love the process – the process of setting goals, creating a plan and executing. Floating down a trail feeling effortless is just the reward.