The Vespa Everyday Athlete Series - Lance

Series Background

This is the final episode in my series highlighting those everyday athletes who are working smarter, not harder to accomplish their endurance goals. Vespa has been proven to be a game-changer for so many athletes like you and me that it's hard to refute the underlying benefits.

If you're serious about bringing balance to your endurance nutrition then why not give Vespa a shot? No GI distress. Faster recovery. Continuous mental clarity. These are all amazing benefits from leveraging your body's largest natural resource as fuel...FAT!

Please use my code (RunRovertRun15) if you're interested in trying out Vespa products!

A Few Words About Lance

Lance started showing up at our group runs a couple years ago and was immediately enthralled by the fact that there are people out there who are not satisfied with running half-marathons and marathons. These so-called ultra-marathoners completely blew his mind!!

He was (and still is!) a sponge for all things endurance, running and adventuring. He immediately wanted to become an ultra-marathoner and had no issue with FOMO taking control of his Ultra Signup impulses. Before we knew it, he was signed up for his first 50-miler (Ray Miller) and began training with Vespa as the cornerstone of his nutrition strategy.

Lance has been an ideal pupil when it comes to adjusting to OFM and putting Vespa to work for his endurance goals. He's conquered numerous ultra distances with the help of Vespa and continues to work towards bigger and bigger goals. Even better...Lance is now a 2025 Vespa ambassador himself and helps spread the good word about leveraging fat as fuel. Aspirations to ambassador! Awesome!

In His Own Words

Tell us a little bit about your personal and professional life

I still feel a little weird calling myself a runner, but my journey really took off in 2022 when I started training for my first half marathon at AZ48. That quickly escalated into a full marathon (Rock & Roll) and then a few 50Ks. Now, I’m chasing even crazier distances!

But running and I oddly go way back. I first laced up my shoes in 2001 after joining the Army following 9/11—though back then, I ran only because I had to. After leaving the Army in 2011, I spent nearly a decade laser-focused on my civilian career as a field engineer, avoiding fitness altogether (and easily was 350+ pounds). It wasn’t until 2020 that I truly started my fitness journey and since then there’s been no turning back.

What is your favorite running distance?

The half marathon is still my favorite distance, but with my current training, even 50 miles doesn’t seem as daunting as it once did.

What big goal(s) have you set for yourself?

Right now, my biggest goal is finishing Cocodona 250 in May 2025. After that, I have my sights set on WSER and maybe even UTMB. Once I check those off, I might finally dial back on the crazy distances…maybe 😉

How strictly do you follow OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) protocols in your daily life?

I’ve recently incorporated intermittent fasting into my routine and have been consistently using Vespa in all my races and most of my long runs.

Why did you start using Vespa?

My coach, Trevor Davenport, introduced me to Vespa early in my running journey. I had just completed my first 50K when I joined the San Tan Trail Running Club, and as I started working with a coach, Vespa became a key part of my training.

How do you see Vespa helping you reach your goal(s)?

Vespa has played a huge role in my running success. I’ve never truly bonked, never struggled with gut issues—something I hear about all the time—and I attribute that to having a great coach and adopting Vespa early on.

What are the top three benefits you’ve noticed while using Vespa?

1. No bonking, brain fog, or gut issues – I’ve never had to deal with any of these problems, which are common in endurance racing.
2. Simplicity & consistency – I set my watch to alert me every two hours, take my Vespa, and stay on top of hydration and electrolytes.
3. Faster recovery – I bounce back quickly after long runs, which has been a game-changer for my training.

Any advice for others looking to adopt OFM and/or Vespa into their endurance training?

Consistency is key! Set a watch alarm to remind yourself to take Vespa regularly. Also, I highly recommend intermittent fasting—it’s incredible how different you feel when you're more fat-adapted. One of the biggest surprises for me was running long distances without ever feeling hangry!

The Vespa Everyday Athlete Series - Joe & Caitlin

Series Background

As a Vespa ambassador for over 3 years now, I am constantly amazed at both the people and sports where they find success. You don't have to be an elite or world-class athlete to achieve the benefits of Vespa or an optimized fat metabolism (OFM) lifestyle.

This series is meant to highlight 'every day' athletes that have had success achieving their goals using Vespa. Meaning, you don't just have to take my word for it!

As a Vespa ambassador (and coach), I love sharing and living vicariously through the success of others! Please use my code (RunRovertRun15) if you're interested in trying out Vespa products!

Enjoy!

A Few Words About Joe & Caitlin

I freely admit that I don't know Joe and Caitlin as well as I would like to! We've bumped into each other at various races and group runs. They've consulted with me on local trails, training, nutrition tips and other random running topics but it's obvious to me that they truly love being outdoors and immersing themselves in LIFE!

They have been popular figures in our running community over the last 2 years simply because they are both engagingly positive people, transparent, friendly, honest and enthusiastic about running. You will not find two more authentic people! Not to mention, they're both achieving great things (personally and athletically) through perseverance, hard work and positivity.

It's hard to find one without the other which is why I decided to feature them together. They support and lift eachother up in so many ways that I hope it's equally as inspirational for you to meet them and learn more.

If you're interested in working with Caitlin for trauma release and nervous system healing I'd encourage you to schedule time with her at My Lucid Life.

*PS, using Vespa does not guarantee you will have abs like Joe 😆 lol

In Their Own Words

Tell us a little bit about your personal and professional lives

Caitlin (43): I am the wife of Apache Joe and mother to 3 kids. I am an energy worker specializing in trauma release and nervous system healing. In my spare time you can find me running the trails with my husband.

Joe (42): "AKA, Apache Joe" is husband to Caitlin - who is like a modern Dr Quinn - and father to 3 kiddos ranging from age 13 to 7. I ran track in college 25 years ago and hung up the spikes for depression medications…until 5 years ago. Wife changed my diet and my life became something beautiful.

Why did you start using Vespa?

Caitlin: Almost a year ago I became fat adapted and needed a good fueling option for long runs and races.

Joe: I was scared to death of my first 100 miler (Javelina). I had never run that distance before and was unsure if it was possible.

How strictly do you follow OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) protocols in your daily life?

Caitlin: I cycle through ketosis and carbs. I typically eat very low to no carb 4 days per week and add carbs in for 3 days. My goal is to always be able to go back into ketosis with my next meal and to wake up that way each morning.

Joe: I usually try to fast a couple days while sticking in ketosis for the most part, with clean carbs on a few of the other days. 

What is your favorite running distance?

Caitlin: I’m still too new to running to know. I’ve been playing with every distance from 5k's to 50k's and as long as I’m on a trail, I’m happy!

Joe: The one where there is someone next to me pushing my limits. I love putting on the spikes for the 400m but also like hunkering down for a long 100 mile race. I love competing…I love running fast.

What big goal(s) have you set for yourself this year?

Caitlin: I’m running Copper Corridor 50k in February. It is the most gorgeous run! Last year I placed second to last so I’m looking forward to seeing where a year of training has gotten me. I will also be running my very first 50 miler in the fall. So that feels a little insane and exciting!

Joe: I was invited to run for Team USA at the Worlds Masters track meet in FL this March for the 800m. I’m currently 12th in the US but hope to get even higher. I’m also running the Lost Dutchman Marathon with a mouthful of water to promote nose breathing. This will be the 2nd year I’ve done this.

How do you see Vespa helping you reach your goal(s)?

Caitlin: I call Vespa rocket fuel. I have always struggled with fueling during runs. I don't feel good choking down a lot of the gels. Vespa is the first product that I noticed a huge return on energy. My runs could go so much longer and I feel so much stronger.

Joe: If it is anything like it helped at Javelina, it’s my secret weapon. I was not a fan of fueling on my long runs, especially races. The last thing I want to do is eat when there’s a finish line to cross. But with Vespa, I can empty a packet and a minute later I’m back to buzzing along on the trail. It feels like an extra life playing video games…it’s that great!

What are the top 3 benefits you see while using Vespa?

Caitlin: (1) Increased Energy (2) Increased strength (3) Increased distance without falling over dead.

Joe: (1) Insane energy (2) Easy to run with (3) Meeting other amazing athletes in the endurance community.

What advice would you give others looking to adopt OFM and/or Vespa into their (endurance) training?

Caitlin: The first month feels rotten. Your body feels like it has no power. But if you stick with it, it might be the best you have ever felt! I honestly can't imagine going back and think everyone could benefit from a flexible metabolism. Vespa has been a game changer for leveling up my runs! 

Joe: Stick with it, at first it can be difficult making the OFM [keto] switch. Once you do, it’ll be worth it…and once you get on the other side, Vespa is waiting to help. Rocket fuel!!!

The Vespa Everyday Athlete Series - Julie

Series Background

I became a Vespa ambassador nearly 3 years ago after having great success with the product. It completely changed my training routine, my daily nutritional intake and how I viewed endurance activities based on carbohydrates.

This series will highlight other athletes in my community that have had success achieving their goals using Vespa. Meaning, you don't just have to take my word for it!

As a Vespa ambassador, I love to share these experiences and insights with others.

A Few Words About Julie

First I want to thank her for taking the time to share her experience with me!

I first met Julie through the San Tan Trail Runners where she would often supplement her road marathon training with some casual miles on the trail. She is a wonderfully genuine person who rarely scoffs at those early morning miles and always seems to have a smile on her face.

It's been wonderful to watch her successes (and race distances!) build over the years.

You can find her at Endurance Mobility Coaching if you want to learn more or work with her on your goals 😍

(Also, she's also being modest about her WIN (F1) in the 24-hour event at Across the Years! She was amazing.)

In Her Own Words

Tell us a little bit about your personal and professional life.

Javelina Jundred

I’m a mom of 6 children ages 16-26. I always said I wasn’t a runner. In 2010 my friend & I started walking in the mornings. Then she started challenging me to “run to that sign” or “run to the corner.” This was my start to running.

In 2012 I learned about Ragnar Relays and Disney Races, which made running/racing sound fun. So in 2013 I signed up for my first 10K Disney race and my first Ragnar Trail race. Since then I “caught the bug” so to speak and have participated in a variety of events including over 50 marathons, a 50K, 100K, and most recently a 24 hour event where I logged 101.4 miles.

I will run the Boston Marathon for the 5^th time this year, gaining entry by qualifying each time. Professionally I freelance as an editor for novels and work at our local running store, Queen Creek Running Company. I also have a few running, nutrition, and personal training clients on the side.

Why did you start using Vespa?

I started using Vespa in 2023 when I was training for my first 100K at Javelina Jundred. I had started a nutrition plan that involves carb cycling and metabolic flexibility. As my long runs became longer, I found I was struggling with waning energy at the end. 

My running friend (Trevor Davenport) recommended Vespa and after learning more about it, I thought it would work well with my overall nutrition and exercise plans. I started using Vespa Jr (since I am small) and it was exactly what I needed to prevent the energy lag towards the end of my long runs. It works well with my daily nutrition as well.

ATY 24-hour F1

How strictly do you follow OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) protocols in your daily life?

I log my food most every day, monitoring my macro intake. I have a device that helps me monitor my metabolism and I continue to carb cycle, alternating between low, medium, and high carb days. I focus more on my fat intake than ever before – one of the unexpected benefits of this change was that I found I hadn’t been getting enough fat in my diet.

Now that I am getting enough fat, the GI issues I had struggled with for years have almost completely disappeared. There are days that I don’t strictly adhere to my recommended macros for reasons such as travel, holidays etc. Those days I feel the difference. But I just pick up again the next day and get back to my healthy habits. One day of poor nutrition choices doesn’t need to be the start of a bad habit.

What is your favorite running distance?

I love the marathon distance. It’s the perfect “challenge” distance for me as I know I can cover the distance, but doing it well – at a competitive pace without bonking at the end – is something that I have to properly train for.

What big goal(s) have you set for yourself this year?

Last year was a big year for me – ran 9 marathons between January & June so I could hit 50 marathons before my 50^th birthday. I also ran my first 24 hour event and completed my first 100 mile distance. So, this year I’m taking a little step back to let my body recover and rebuild. So, I don’t have any “big” goals this year other than getting another Boston qualifying time to be able to participate again in 2026.

How do you see Vespa helping you reach your goal(s)?

Vespa is my go-to fuel for distance events. Anything 13 miles or over I am using Vespa. I recently started using the ultra concentrate & I’m learning how to make that work best for my body.

Rim to Rim to Rim

What are the top 3 benefits you see while using Vespa?

Consistent energy during endurance events, supports metabolic flexibility & allows my body to use fat more efficiently, supports a healthy body composition and nutrition.

What advice would you give others looking to adopt OFM and/or Vespa into their (endurance) training?

Since I had already started adopting a nutrition plan that supports metabolic flexibility when I started using Vespa, I had a seamless transition. I feel like the two go hand-in-hand. For Vespa to be most effective, you need to train your metabolism to efficiently use both carbs and fats for fuel. For most people, this means adjusting your nutrition plan. So, I’d recommend getting with a nutrition coach who understands and embraces a metabolically flexible nutrition plan and to begin repairing your metabolism prior to incorporating Vespa into your endurance fueling strategy.

First Boston Marathon

The Bright Side of Injury - a 2024 recap

Athletically, 2024 was (mostly) a bust.

I've been dealing with plantar fasciitis since late May and have spent a good chunk of the year feeling sorry for myself and getting rounder in the mid-section. When such a huge part of your identity is running and adventuring, it can be mentally and physically challenging to stay true to your authentic self while you try to stay grounded for your family, friends and others who depend on you.

Dealing with injury requires patience, humility and new hobbies. It's good to remind yourself that athletics aren't always everything. There is so much more to life and plenty of other adventures that await.

I want to thank Vespa Power Products for continuing to believe in me just like I believe in their products. Vespa truly has changed my athletic outlook and simplified my endurance nutrition. I'm truly happy to be back as an ambassador for 2025.

If you're tired of crashing during races and would like to recover faster from training reach out and let's talk about how YOU can optimize the single greatest fuel source your body already has...FAT! It's clean. It's (nearly) limitless. It's natural.

Athletic Adventures

If you read any of my previous posts you would see that I was on the Western States waitlist and essentially training as if I would get my number called for the race in June. My training started off well but that's when laziness, age and the lack of self-care came to blows. The onset of plantar fasciitis and the slowness of the waitlist led me to withdraw from Western States. It turns out my place in the waitlist did not get drawn but I managed to have some fun regardless.

Fellow Vespa Athlete Jeff Browning

A fun 50k in Pine

• February
• 10th annual Hom 100 charity run/walk
• Aravaipa Canyon hike/camping trip
• March
• Grand Canyon Rim to River
• April
• Hiking parts of the AZT
• San Tan Sinister 27k
• May
• Pine Trail Run (50k)
• Elden Crest 38 mile
• June
• Mt Baldy hike/adventure

Family Adventures

I have always told the athletes I coach that typically injuries are a blessing. Primarily, it's your body telling you to fuck off because you're pushing too hard. Second, the break provides some much-needed re-focusing of your energy to those things you've either neglected or wouldn't have done otherwise.

I am REALLY tired of being injured but looking back on my year, I truly am thankful for it because otherwise I would not have:

• Helped plan my eldest's 21st birthday party
• Helped plan my youngest's 18th birthday party
• Celebrated my youngest graduating high school
• Gone to Vegas 3 times this year! Birthdays! Formula 1 with my son! Garth Brooks concert!
• Tried pilates classes for the first time
• Gone overlanding for 10 days through NM, CO and UT
• Visited Washington DC with my wife
• Volunteered for 10 days at the Grand to Grand Ultra
• Crewed and volunteered at the Kodiak 100k
• Gone to concerts
• Daughtry
• Cyndi Lauper
• Dead & Company
• Volunteered with ALS Arizona

Youngest's graduation	NM/CO overlanding trip
Grand to Grand volunteering	DC with my wife

That's just a fraction of the things I was able to do while not being focused on running or training. Seasons will change - you can either resist the change or flow with it...

2025 Outlook

The coming year is already filled with big plans! I'm positive this injury will clear up soon and I'll be back to that training life. Yeah!

First, being selected as a Vespa ambassador again is amazing - it's a tough spot being injured and trying to promote a product you're passionate about. I was worried I had not done enough to be invited back...

Combining 2 things I'm passionate about! Vespa and G2G ❤️

Second, my love and participation in the Grand to Grand Ultra continues to bear fruit. I'm lucky enough to be a featured coach for this race and will be the new 2025 Race Commissioner! These are big shoes to fill but I'll do my best and have fun at this years race.

Lastly, I've set into motion a bucket list adventure that will take place in mid-June. Details to come but holy shit is it going to be amazing!

Epic adventure loading...

The Adventure of A Lifetime (G2G race report) - Part 1

Intro

I have taken a slightly different approach to this race report because of the shear volume of information I'm sharing. While I could make this one HUGE write-up, I decided to provide some general narration of the event from a higher level and then split out the details of each stage into a different post.

Click here for Part 2 (stage details)

Butterflies

Check in nerves

Preparing for a race like Grand to Grand (G2G) is the kind of adventure that feeds my analytical engineering soul. I must have checked and rechecked my spreadsheets, trackers and rule book 200 times leading up to the race check in. I have also packed and re-packed my gear to make sure (1) it all fits and (2) it weighs a "reasonable" amount (21-24 lbs is considered "reasonable").

I've invested well in ultralight camping gear and supplies so I had no worries there. It was honestly worried about the food. Would I have enough? I arrived in Kanab with nearly 15 lbs of food before making 2 cuts and weighing in at 13 lbs for check in. I was advised by the RD's to be even MORE critical of my nutrition and weight before getting to the start line. The minimum weight requirement for the race is 7.7 lbs - I would come in just over 10 lbs for 7 days and I was truly concerned that it wouldn't be enough.

I was truly more nervous about the gear check-in than actually toeing the start line. Did I forget something? Have I made good fueling choices for all the stages? Did I label everything as required? Long adventures like this can be completely deflated by a single bad choice and even though I had planned for most scenarios, you just never know how the day is going to go...let alone a week.

A "Bumpy" Start

It felt great to finally be loading onto the buses to take us out to Camp 1. We were provided a nice sack lunch before boarding knowing that it would be 1.5-2 hours drive to the edge of the Grand Canyon starting line. It was a fairly tight squeeze trying to get warm bodies and our 20 lb packs into a single passenger van. Most everyone sat uncomfortably squished with their packs on their laps for the entirety of the trip. It was particularly harsh as we transitioned to the country road which was anything but smooth. Uncomfortable grins, low guttural moans and heavy sighs were the norm for about an hour as we (in the back seat) endured every single bump like kids catching air in the back of the school bus. It wasn't very pleasant.

As the white tents came into view, so did the amazing views of the Grand Canyon. It's hard not to be impressed with the scale and majesty of millions of years of geologic forces at work. Between getting oriented at our tents, making introductions to new friends/tent-mates and wandering out to the edge of the Grand Canyon for photos, no one was really paying attention to the clouds that were slowly rolling up to our camp.

Sprinkles and low clouds turned into the tent-shaking gusts of a full storm system that would relegate everyone into their tents for about 45 minutes. It was actually cool being forced to sit down with new faces and friends to learn who you'd be spending the week with.

The tent 5 (Hopi) residents were:

• Brooke (USA)
• Joanne (AUS)
• Ryan (UK)
• Nick (UK)
• Erik (CAD)
• Patrick (USA)

Tent 5: Hopi	The GC!
Race briefing	Start line on the GC

Eventually, the storm would subside allowing everyone to gather for a nice dinner and short race briefing overlooking the Grand Canyon. The sunset would help ease all the nervous energy at camp and eventually everyone would hunker down in their tents to start preparing for the 8 am start time.

The Journey

In my opinion, journeys like this require a routine that helps not only maintain your sanity but keeps your body in tune with what you're trying to accomplish. From the start of the race, I did my best to keep a routine as close to real life as possible and ensure my exertion was well within the boundaries of my training. What does that really look like?

1. 6 am wake up, then coffee (no breakfast)!
2. Change into race clothes, re-pack gear
3. Begin racing at 8 am
4. (Back at camp) Wipe down, clean up, wash/rinse clothes
5. (optional medical tent visit)
6. Recovery drink/hydrate, stretch and unwind
7. Eat dinner, hydrate
8. Prep pack for next stage
9. Go to bed ~7:30/8
10. (wake up around 3 to pee) 😜
11. Repeat for 7 days

I feel extremely fortunate to have met Ryan after starting Stage 1. Our paces, race strategy and outlook were very much aligned as first-time stage racers. Having a buddy for something like this was extremely beneficial both physically and mentally. We pushed each other throughout the day and ended up staying together the entire race. Our celebrity couple status was firmly cemented by the checkpoint volunteers - "Tryan" become a G2G household name!

Team 'Tryan'

Overall, the daily miles clicked away without much incident. Vespa remained the cornerstone of my fueling strategy and was the exact right thing under these conditions (my podcast interview with The Juniper Lab goes into more detail on this). Yes, the terrain we navigated was quite difficult in multiple respects but in my opinion, the most challenging element was the heat of the high desert. I initially thought that my summer training in Phoenix (low-desert) would hold up against the forecasted 85 F high temps but the high-desert sun definitely added to the toughness of the first 4 stages. My calves were sunburned at the end of Stage 2 and I knew I needed to fix this or other problems would arise so I re-purposed my arm sleeves into leggings! They worked wonderfully as protection from the thorny things as well as an extra layer of sunblock. Crisis averted.

Arm sleeves converted to leggings 🤦🏽‍♂️

The only other notable "incident" for me was about half-way through Stage 5 when I stepped off the trail to go pee.

I peed a Guinness (stout) 😬 which is not good. I immediately started drinking what water I had left (~1 L) until I got to the next check point, filled my bottles and drank those down (1.5 L) before crossing the finish line for the day. I then had 0.75L of recovery drink, followed by another 1.5 L of water before dinner. I typically stop drinking water after dinner because I know I'll have to pee all night but in this case, I made sure to have another 0.75 L before bed. If you're not good at the math, that's nearly 6 liters of water over the course of 6 hours. I did not pee again until approximately 4 am that morning 🤯 I was happy that I caught up on my hydration but also kicking myself for getting that far behind...

Remember, if you're looking for details about each stage, click over to Part 2. It's about to get sappy...

The Climb

Despite being physically prepared for this race, the thing I was honestly not prepared for was the emotional impact it would leave on me. There is something about the community and friendships that are formed from these days of mutual success and struggle. It's easy to say that adversity creates a common bond but this race goes beyond that...

Finish line feels

Various folks were racing for various reasons and they're not always what you think. The Jar of Hope gang races for kids with MS. A tent-mate was racing for her mom who passed last year. Even if you're running only for yourself, you can't help be moved by these inspirational people and their stories.

<over-sharing starts>

My personal emotions cracked the morning of Stage 5 while sitting on the toilet (of all places). The morning music playlist had been updated to include "Over the rainbow" which instantly reminded me of my mother (who passed away almost 2 years ago). For whatever reason, I was overwhelmed with emotion and needed a few minutes to collect myself before heading back to the tent. Mom always worried about me going on crazy runs or adventures but I know she would be enthralled and amazed at what I was doing over this week. I miss her every day 🥰

</over-sharing ends>

There are no petty differences during the week. No drama. Race, ethnicity and job titles don't mean shit at camp or on the course. Daily banter consists of (a) how shitty the sand was, (b) how many blisters you have (c) what's for dinner and (d) how shitty the sand was 😜 lol. Everyone is invested in everyone from the very start and I love that feeling and camaraderie.

Angela at the finish line	Congrats from Ahmed
David and Anthony	Kim crossing the finish line

Stage 1 head nods eventually turn to high-fives. High-fives turn to hugs. Hugs turn into finish line tears with people you just met a week ago.

Physically hard? Yes.

Emotionally captivating? Yes.

A forever family? Absolutely.

A couple weeks later, my physical issues are slowly fading away but the emotional connection I have to this race/adventure/experience continues to linger. I can't help but look at all the pictures of my new friends and finishers. I hope to see them again in the future ❤️ Congratulations to everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Friends, family and other athletes have asked many of the same questions over the last week so I figured why not write them down? 

Why did you do this?

Endurance athletes like myself are always looking for the next challenge - the next hardest thing. Stage racing combines several of my passions - camping, hiking, backpacking and ultra-running to places/views where only your feet can take you. G2G is one of those "local" opportunities that not only checks all my boxes but traverses landscapes that very few people will get to see in their lifetime.

Will you do it again?

Given the positive experience, community vibe and overall good time I had meeting people and doing what I love...yeah, I could see myself doing something like this again. There are plenty of stage races around the world that I love to try but I hope I'm not let down by comparison. G2G has set a high bar!

Are you crazy?

We all have a little bit of crazy brewing inside us - it's just a question of how you channel it. Ultra-running is not just something you jump into. It takes years of patience, training and gradually being able to wrap your head around the solidarity and time it takes to accomplish these distances.

Did you have fun?

Yes. I love adventuring. I also love the community that comes with collective success and suffering. I have never "felt" a race like this before - the family that's created over the course of a week is truly unique and something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.

What was the hardest part?

Specific to racing, the relentless sand of G2G is a doozy. It gets everywhere and is super-annoying (especially the dunes). However, even if you don't have the opportunity to train in the sand, you can effectively run/hike if you know how to navigate it. Alternatively, the hardest part (especially for a first-time stage racer) is the acquisition and inventory of gear, planning your nutrition and testing EVERYTHING prior to the race.

What did you enjoy the most?

Aside from the stunning visual landscapes, the community of people that come together for this event is truly magical. Athletes, volunteers, physicians, civil servants and race directors do everything in their power to get you to that finish line.

Gear List

Numerous folks at the race this year asked about my gear so I've captured the primary items below. It's also a nice intro for folks who are looking at this race in the future - supported or self-supported, your gear choices are meaningful both for your comfort AND weight in your pack. 

• Running Gear
• Pack: USWE Hajker Ultra 30L
• Shirt: Montane Dart Lite
• Shorts (base): 2XU core compression
• Shorts (outer): Nike Stride
• Poles: Leki FX.Superlite
• Shoe: Hoka Speedgoat
• Socks: Injinji mid-weight trail
• Gaiters: Awksports shoe covers
• Nutrition
• Vespa
• Gels: VFuel
• Electrolyte: First Endurance EFS
• Dinners: Pinnacle Foods
• Camping gear
• Sleeping bag: REI Magma 30
• Pad (inflatable): Therma-a-rest Neoair Uberlite
• Pad (base): Gossamer Gear thinlite
• Shoes: Xero aqua cloud sandals
• Pants: Patagonia Terregonne jogger pants
• Top: Rabbit Deflector
• Jacket: Feathered Friends Eos

Don't forget, there's more of the story in Part 2!!

The Adventure of A Lifetime (G2G race report) - Part 2

Overview

My strategy going into G2G was to hike 60-75% of the time and run the downhills and/or flats when it felt reasonable. I gave myself some grace on the first couple stages knowing that I'd be experiencing various things physically and mentally. Turns out, I would learn some valuable lessons on packing my bag as well.

I was not expecting as much sand quite honestly. Deep. Fine. Sand. EVERYWHERE.

I did not train one minute in sand during the summer but I've run in enough sand to know how to do it efficiently. I think this combined with the right shoe choice (Hoka Speedgoats), socks and poles were a couple of the key elements for successfully navigating the true sandy deserts of Arizona and Utah.

My #1 tip? Do not stew over the total miles (for the race or stage). Focus only on the miles for the day and hone in on whatever it takes to get from checkpoint to checkpoint. Every checkpoint has information posted on the distance to the next checkpoint. Focus only on that!! You'll find the miles melting away quickly and you can revel in the energy and excitement of the checkpoint volunteers.

Don't skip Part 1 - read the overview here. In Part 2 I've tried to recall the things that were meaningful to me during these stages without ruining the experience for future participants. Enjoy!

Stage 1

Distance: 30.8 miles / 49.6 km
Stage Time: 8:53:15
Standing (Stage 1): 17 overall / 11th male

My goal was to take it easy out of the gate and let the adrenaline pass over me to ensure a consistent and steady baseline for this 50k. My memorable moments of this stage include:

• The JAR of Hope crew doing pushups at the starting line
• The LeAnn Rimes rendition of the national anthem
• Connecting on course with Ryan
• Pausing at checkpoint #1 to (1) tape my lower back and (2) cut the (brief) liner out of my Nike shorts

This stage is relatively flat and a mix of soft track sand and hard packed sand. It was fully exposed and required traversing a few stretches of desert vegetation full of cacti, native grasses, creosote bushes and Russian thistle.

There is a mood of general excitement but that slowly dissipates as the sun comes out, packs start to settle and idea of a 50k Stage 1 begins to sink in.

Pro tips: (1) Reign in your adrenaline and run as much as you're comfortable. (2) Concentrate on looking down more than looking up. One wrong step and you can end your race with cacti needles in your toes. (3) Gaiters are not necessary for this stage.

Stage 2

Distance: 26.9 miles / 43.3 km
Stage Time: 8:18:34
Standing (Stage 2): 9th place / 5th male

The onslaught of desert vegetation, cacti and fence lines continues in this stage. You'll need to hone your sighting skills to find the flags amongst the bushes, cacti and fence lines but depending on the summer weather, you may or may not need protection for your legs or gaiters. The climbing and descending were a welcome change from Stage 1 - definitely 2 of my favorite things! The last 6 miles were pretty brutal due to the overgrowth of Russian thistle scraping my shins.

Pro tips: (1) Continue to focus on what's at your feet over what's in the distance. Cacti needles will ruin your day. (2) Enjoy the downhill if can. (3) Calf sleeves and gaiters are not a bad idea for this stage but you can get by without them.

Stage 3

Distance: 53.2 miles / 85.4 km
Stage Time: 18:54:23
Standing (Stage 3): 6th place / 4th male

The long stage is (apparently) what separates the wheat from the chaff at G2G. The highest percentage of drops occur before Stage 3 and yet, the finish rate for those that complete Stage 3 is 99+%. Pretty amazing.

It is every bit as hard as you might imagine. With 5,000' of climbing with predominantly deep sand everywhere you go, pacing, hydration and nutrition play a key part in getting you through this stage. I chose not to wear my gaiters until CP6 (right before the dunes) and that did result in some blisters/hot spots on my feet during/after this stage. I think they were a function of the hiking/walking motion over a longer duration of time. I'm pleased with how my Injinji toe socks performed during the race but especially during this stage.

Memorable moments:

• Bob's badass playlist at CP3
• The pet cemetery
• Climbing the coral sand dunes under a full moon
• Glowing cow eyes
• Laying in my tent fading in and out of consciousness around 5 am while eating cold Thai green Currey for breakfast
• Chugging a can of Coke that evening
• Enjoying not 1, but 2 s'mores in celebration of the 10th G2G anniversary

Pro tips: (1) Treat this stage more like a 100km. Be ready to spend 16-30 hours on your feet. (2) Keep a level head on the dunes. It's easy to get frustrated but patience and pace are key. (3) Use the highest setting on your headlamp after the dunes to more easily sight the course markers. (4) The weather, fatigue and your endurance will determine whether you sleep at CP 6, 7 or 8. I recommend to keep moving through the night so you don't have to deal with additional sun/heat of the next day.

Stage 4

Distance: 26.0 miles / 41.9 km
Stage Time: 7:07:05
Standing (Stage 4): 7th place / 5th male

This stage is net downhill and it's quite interesting to see the mood in camp shift in such a positive way. The notion of doing "just" a marathon is utterly insane coming off a 53 mi Stage 3. Comparatively however, this stage was an absolute pleasure. There is a nice climb soon after the start and you make your way into some beautiful wooded areas but eventually find yourself in more sandy track enjoying the net downhill miles of this stage.

Pro tips: (1) Enjoy the cooler temps as you start to gain elevation. (2) Take advantage of (e.g., run) as much of the flat and downhill as possible. (3) Embrace the confidence of finishing stage 3 - a marathon is easy by comparison!

Stage 5

Distance: 26.3 miles / 42.2 km
Stage Time: 7:48:09
Standing (Stage 5): 13th place / 8th male

This day proved to be the hardest stage mentally for me despite the "wow" factor of the slot canyon and other natural geologic wonders you'll experience in the first couple hours. Once this wears off and the remainder of the day sets in, you're left with a fair amount of climbing (~3,200') to get to camp. Of course, those miles are a mix of sand, gravel, cross-country vegetation and lava fields.

I apologized to Ryan that day because I was intensely focused on just getting through the miles. Like an old married couple, we didn't talk much that day. A few groans, grunts and swear words perhaps but it was obvious we were both struggling with the monotony of the miles, nutrition choices and the incessant sandy track. The notion of 'just being done' had surfaced as well, which happily launched us into that foreshadowing conversation of 'what's the first thing you're going to eat/drink?' when we cross the finish line tomorrow...

Pro tips: (1) Stop and enjoy the scenery (slot canyons, general geology and colors). (2) Navigate carefully and observe all the race flags and wrong way signs. (3) Be safe and mentally sharp as you navigate the rocky climbs and lava fields.

Stage 6

Distance: 7.9 miles / 12.7 km
Stage Time: 1:40:19
Standing (Stage 6): 9th place / 8th male

It's brilliant to stagger the start times for the last day. The slower-paced athletes leave first and the leaders leave last. This way, you get to see nearly everyone come through the finish line. Ryan and I were mid-pack and got to leave at 9:30 am. We both had some issues flare up overnight but at this stage of the race, you're pretty much on auto-pilot and ignoring anything that hurts. Your pack is the lightest it's been all week and in your head, you equate the miles to some familiar loop or route you know back home...easy-peasy!

We did not pass many people during this stage - the adrenaline is high and everyone can smell that finish line. The mostly hard-packed road makes this stage highly runnable but there are some decent climbs to crush before you can enjoy the downhill.

I found a certain irony that I had not fallen, tripped or wiped out for an entire week but managed to trip on a branch in the last 400 meters to the finish line. Ugh! Thank goodness no one has it on video!

The finish line is pure emotion and exhaustion. Families. Friends. Athletes. Volunteers. Race directors. Photographers. All the people that have invested in you and your success were there to celebrate the achievement. I truly love this G2G family and definitely can see myself being out there again (likely, as a volunteer first!).

 
Pro tips: (1) Revel in the final miles but don't do anything stupid! (2) Don't hold back the pride and enormity of your success. You are a BFD (big fucking deal!)

Overall

Distance: 171 mi / 275 km
Time: 52: 41:45
Standing: 7th OA / 4th male OA / 1st AG (50-59)

I never had any intention of placing or trying to podium. It was always about the finish line. Reflecting back however, I've always felt that stage racing is the perfect synthesis of the things I love the most and am actually good at when it comes to endurance sports. A strong and stable mental outlook comes with a consistent nutrition strategy...something I've worked really hard at over the last couple years. Training in the desert and summer heat definitely has its advantages as well.

I am humble enough to be surprised (and thankful!) at my place overall but reflecting on all the elements that go into having a solid race, I have the confidence to say I knew what I was doing, had trained well AND had the necessary daily routine to keep me fresh, happy and mentally strong.

Old guys kick ass! 😏

Grateful

I can't thank Tess and Collin for the opportunity to be a part of this family and for creating Grand to Grand. They put on a helluva race. All the volunteers, medical staff and camp crew were completely awesome. I still have not come down off this cloud and continue to connect with many of those athletes in our 'graduating class'. I'm extremely thankful for their unconditional support and friendship. There are some badass humans out there and I watched them do amazing things.