Race2Adventure’s Post

"Run your own race." I feel like this advice gets repeated ad nauseum. We tell people to do it All Of The Time. I am sure I have told someone to run their own race at least once in the past month. Maybe more. I tell MYSELF to run my own race, *constantly.* And sometimes, I actually do it. But a LOT of other times, I don't. It is *really hard* for me to run my own race. In fact, most of the time, I am absolutely: 1. looking at your race; 2. comparing your race to my race; 3. feeling bad about how much further along you are--fictitiously, in my mind--in your race than I am; 4. feeling good about how much further along I am in my race--fictitiously, in my mind--than you are (and then feeling guilty about feeling good about that); 5. flailing around to figure out how to run my race faster than I can actually run it, and sometimes, 6. wondering if I'm even in the right race at all. There's a reason why I'm looking at your race, and not at my own. The reason is that I'm not actually running my own race. I'm running, instead, to a finish line. I'm running to a destination. I'm running to some imaginary vision of success, or happiness...or something. But it doesn't exist. There's no finish line. There's not even a race. There's just a run. Well, come on then. Let's you and me go for a run together.

I finished the Miami Marathon this weekend. In one word the experience was: OVERWHELMING. The 26.2 trek was filled with ups and downs. It truly was an emotional rollercoaster. I have ran many races before but I noticed an interesting juxtaposition this time around. Though you are surrounded by hundreds of people working for the same goal, it is really a “You vs. You” experience once the start horn goes off. There is a lot of camaraderie thought the entire course but it was also filled with moments of extreme loneliness. There is a point that no amount of gels, snacks, Gatorade, music can push to the next mile marker. That’s when you have to reach into within to find the strength to continue. I used the walk-and-run technique when my feet could not take the pounding any more, taking short, choppy BUT consistent steps forward in those really hard moments. In mile 23, I got a second wind that propelled me towards mile 25 and 26. I used that wind to run as far as I could before slowing down again. Many spectators were present cheering on their loved ones, but more broadly, all of the runners as well. I used this cheerful energy to get me through the latter stages of the race. In effect, I got extremely emotional when I saw my family cheering me on during the last mile. The waterworks just came out of me. I could not help it but seeing them was the morale booster I needed to finish the race.  A few of the lessons I gathered from this experience: 1) You can't accessorize your way to victory.  2) Cheer for others while running your own race. 3) It is okay to slow down before getting that much needed breakthrough. 4) When the breakthrough comes, use it the best of your abilities. This race was one for the ages. Final time: 6 Hours 15 minutes.

A friend captured this awesome footage from my race this weekend... Maunawili Out and Back: 22-mile trail race along Hawaii's iconic cliffs. (That's me in the blue. Jeremy Seick in the earth-tones.) The trees, rocks, roots, and mud (SO much mud) felt like we were running through Jurassic Park. It was Race 8 in a 10-race series on Oahu, Hawaii. Running has taken me to some incredible places, but this race series is highlighting the joy of having a running community. - Pre-race tips from people familiar with the course. - Racing alongside a friend for dozens of miles. - Rooting for other friends along the course (my neighbor WON!). - Hearing your name cheered from spectators. - Seeing familiar faces at aid stations. - Reading recaps from others' experiences on the same course. - Other families you know and love at the finish. Over the last decade, I've logged thousands of miles alone (usually in the dark, first thing in the morning). Running has been a consistent companion through many of life's twists, turns, and challenges. I am grateful for the mental space and clarity it provides. But nothing compares to the energy and motivation that comes from enjoying running alongside others. The push, the camaraderie, and the celebrations. It's awesome! A popular quote within the endurance community is, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." Perhaps the quote is less prescriptive and more of a suggestion. You CAN go far alone... but it's just better with others. --- 🎥 Credit to Shane Williams (a name that seems impossible to tag)

Today marks my 8th race with NYRR this year. Each race brings its own highlights that keep me motivated. For today’s run: 1. Inspiring Encounter: At one point, someone bumped into me and apologized. I didn’t turn around immediately, just waved it off, as bumping into others is commonplace in races. When I did turn, I noticed he only had half of his right arm, which explained why he couldn’t control his swings. I felt a mix of gratitude and empathy. 2. Rainy Challenge: The race took place in heavy rain, with water pouring down like cats and dogs. My shoes made a lot of squeaking noise, and I was soaking wet—beyond wet, actually. However, the temperature in the 80s was much better than the usual 90-100 degrees. Additionally, running alongside so many people made the power of community palpable. 3. Smooth Logistics: Dropping off and picking up my bag was a breeze! The volunteers were amazing, fast, and professionally organized. I appreciated the great efficiency of the NYRR team and the runners, whose day jobs likely contribute to efficiency for the human race. For a moment, I felt proud to be part of this community. The distance for today’s race was too short and the incremental weather made it unlikely a PB, in other words, like many things, it is likely lost in memory lane - however, those highlights would stay with me for a long time, and continue to motivate me and keep me going.

Trail riding in a group can be a lot of fun! Friends can get together to chat and explore new trails. Horses are often more confident in groups. It's a win-win for everyone! It's important that you follow trail riding etiquette, though. Riding with a group offers some unique challenges compared to riding alone. Riders and horses need to be respectful of everyone. These tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable ride.

When I first brought Annick, back in 2012 I was filled with dreams of competing in dressage. She was (is) a very special mare. My heart horse. Incredible movement, multitudes of sass, and presence that can stop the world spinning. The pressure was overwhelming. Seeing friends returning from successful days of competing. Progressing through their training. Making memories that they will treasure forever. Wins and success plastered all over social media. 4 years on and I still hadn’t managed to be where I wanted to be. Dreamed to be. I felt like a failure. I felt I wasn’t good enough for such an amazing horse. But what makes a good rider? I’ve learned that being a good rider isn’t just about ability. It’s about being open to learning, developing, and continually striving to be the best you can be for your horse. The person I’ve become, the business I have built, and the rider's lives I’ve changed are evidence of that. I believe every rider can be great. If you want to expand your knowledge for the love of your horse. I would love to help you get the answers you've been searching for. The Riders Core Course https://buff.ly/49rhkFq - If you want to expand your knowledge for the love of your horse. I would love to help you get the answers you've been searching for. #equestrian #equestrianlife #horses #equestrianlifestyle #horseriding #horsehealth #horsecare #horses #equinehealt #equine

INCOMING STEREOTYPE! Apologies in advance to anyone I offend. River boating through Europe is for very old people. Floating through Central Europe and soaking up all the history, castles, cobblestone streets, and multiple cultures over the course of 7-10 days is for very old people. I'm not exactly sure how this came to be, but river boating is, indeed, a stereotype associated with grandparents, those long since retired, and the like. UNLESS...you privately charter a 150-person river boat, anchor the theme with fitness, and put whoever you choose on it! You see, that breaks the mold. At #Race2Adventure, we did that in 2021 on the Danube, are about to do it again in June 2024 on the Rhine, and in 2026, we're cruising through France via Burgundy, Provence, and down into the French Riviera on the Rhone. If you want to see what happens when we take over a Uniworld River Boat...just click on the video here. You'll see it's incredibly atypical of what you might normally expect on one of these amazing vessels in Europe. https://lnkd.in/ggNRPSGF

Bicycles are for everyone. That is the takeaway Canyon Bicycles GmbH wants you to have from its recent collaboration with Lebron James. And... they're right! 46% of survey respondents in McKinsey's Center for Future Mobility survey indicate they're open to replacing their private vehicles with other modes of transport in the coming decade. By 2030 the market for micro-mobility is expected to reach $440B. No matter the reason, cycling is for all. https://lnkd.in/gAR6rcrA https://lnkd.in/gtFyJxbg

🌊 Inside the America's Cup Recon Program 🌊   Gone are the days when chase boats crowded the waters, risking collisions to snap a crucial photo or capture vital #data. The 2021 America's Cup in New Zealand marked a turning point, transforming what was once likened to industrial espionage into a groundbreaking exercise in #crowdsourced collaboration. 📸🤝   Enter the #Recon Program: a bold initiative ensuring each team receives their dedicated boat and photographer to collect data - not just for themselves but shared amongst all. This isn't just about fairness; it's about fostering #innovation and safety, cutting costs while keeping the competition as fierce as ever.💡   What's at stake? The secrets beneath the surface - the shape and #performance of foils that lift boats above water, making boats go super-fast. It's like playing a game where finding out how to adjust these wings or the sails just right can make you win 🌬️🔍   But here's the kicker: imagine everyone sharing their #secret tricks. Every team gets a daily update with all sorts of useful info they can use to plan better and race smarter. It's like everyone gets the same set of clues for the game, making it fairer and more exciting for everyone. 📊🚀   And for us, the spectators? We get a front-row seat to the innovation #race, understanding the nuances that make each boat unique, each race a marvel of modern #engineering. 🏁👀   Perhaps one could argue that the America’s Cup takes all the fun out of spying on the rival yachts, what do you think? https://lnkd.in/gEr99sfA #OrientExpressRacingTeam #Forbes #competition #collaboration

May is Bike Safety Month. Throughout the month, we’ll share safety tips and more to help you bike safely and confidently no matter where you choose to ride or your experience level. Celebrating Bike Safety Month is a chance to prioritize safety, spread awareness and advocate for policies that make biking safer for everyone. #AllWaysSafe #MoveNaturally #BikeSafety #LiveLongerBetter