Note: This thread is for all things trail and ultra. You don't have to be running 100+ miles to join in. If you are running your first 5K on the trails, you are in the right place!


With 2025 upon us, its time start start the '25 thread. As always, this is the thread for anything trail or ultra running-related. Personal goals/races/projects, pro news, videos, etc.

I'm going break my first post down with a look back at '24 and then take a look at '25.

Looking back at my 2024 goals:

- Black Canyons 100K - got it done. Had some issues so it was a longer day than I had expected, but completed the task. Eventually I'll finish editing my race video on this one.
- Angeles Crest 100 - DNF. Stomach issues caused me to ultimately miss a cut-off (video here:
- Barkley Fall Classic - Got a marathon finish, but missed getting the Croix.
- Launch of a video project - we started with content in late feb. It was pretty rough. We've come a long way from literally knowing almost nothing of video editing/production. We still have a long way to go, but enjoying the process. Ended up putting out 47 videos over the course of the year. I guess it'll be 48 with one more going up tomorrow. https://www.youtube.com/@crushingtrailsanddrinkingales

I ran a several smaller races during the year, but nothing to really be terribly excited about.

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Now, onto 2025:

- Leona Divide 100K I wanted to go back and try Black Canyon a 3rd time and see if I could nail it, but my wife is doing Sean O'Brien 100K in a few weeks and its just too hard for us both to be training for long races at the same time. Leona Divide isn't terribly far from where my brother-in-law lives, so it is logistically fairly easy, as I can fly into LAX, stay with him, and he can crew/pace.
- San Diego 100 Still have to register for this one when it opens up, but since I can't get redemption at AC100 (didn't get in and like 150+ on the waitlist), I figured I'll go get redemption at San Diego. I DNF'd this one several years back due to running myself into rhabdo in the grand canyon about 4 weeks before and not being recovered. 100% my fault. An early June race also helps keep me from having to train for a 100 through the summer. My brother-in-law will be joining as well, so hopefully we'll finish this one together.
- Barkley Fall Classic got in again, so will be going back to try and get the elusive Croix. Will probably spend a lot of time on the stair machine and treadmill on an incline during the summer.

It also looks like I will be working with a coach for the first time in quite a few years. Looking to outsource my training to mix things up and provide some accountability. We will also be focusing on nutrition to curb these stomach issues that seem to have become a thing as I've gotten older.

Finally, I'm not sure there's any true goals other than getting better, but we'll continue putting out content on YouTube. Hopefully, we get better at storytelling and the video editing gets better. These, many time dumb, videos have actually helped keep me motivated on the running side. I don't get to train with people anymore, so it, in a weird way, helps give me a little bit of a sense of community that had been missing since we had kids and haven't been training with a group. It's also been nice to develop a new skill and have a creative outlet again. We've got an entire spreadsheet of projects to eventually film, so not shortage of material. The entire purpose is to have fun, so while we hope to continue to grow, we aren't trying to become internet celebrities.

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As for being a fan of the sport, here's a few things I'm really looking forward to in 2025

Courtney at Cocodona - the women's race is going to be crazy
Men's race @ Western States 100 - Jim, Hayden, and Rod Farvard all returning. Dan Jones and Caleb Olson returning. David Roche & Adam Peterman through golden tickets. Possibly Killian, as he looks to be going after a Golden Ticket. It also wouldn't surprise me to see Hans Troyer go after a golden ticket. Then add in whoever else grabs a spot. That field is STACKED.
Katie Schide & Zach Miller @ Hardrock - I'm pulling for them both to crush it.

I'm sure UTMB will be great, but outside of that, I don't pay as much attention to international races or sub-ultra as I probably should. So i'm sure there's probably some great stuff on the Golden Trail series.

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Ok, what does everyone else have on the calendar? What are your goals? Anything you are looking forward to? Let's get this thread rocking! Hopefully its not just me and spartan 90% of the time

I'm registered for the Cody Peak 50K in July, and may possibly try a Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (but still working the details).

Also doing a small 50K trail race in Idaho sometime in the summer timeframe. Then going to the UTMB Copper Canyon to support a friend who is trying the 100 miler

Will also run Palo Duro Canyon in October and Dinosaur Valley in November. Looking forward to 2025.

I've done R2R2R twice if you have any questions.

I'm still not 100% out on pacing cocodona, but don't count on me. I'd like to make it if I can.

Not sure if you'll be recovered, but if you want to pace at san Diego, let me know.

I'm not sure about 1 mo th out from Cocodona, but we will circle back to that one.

Now that I'm sober. I can return to trail running.

Thank you all for keeping this thread going.

I missed it out there.

Anyone got recommendations for a slow buildup to ultras? I'm 35, active with no physical issues. I need to kick 30 lbs off, which is why I love running.

I did many ultras in my 20s but was terrible to my body.

Start slow. I worked my way up from 5k. Better to work up slow and have good experiences than go all out from the beginning and have a terrible time. When I started, I had no idea that there were so many trail races at shorter distances. If you're in Texas, there are options close to all the major cities. Get involved with the community if you have time. I'm going to try to volunteer at more races this year if I can figure out how to balance that with my own training.

Edit to add - I still have no idea wtf I'm doing, but OO probably has more practical advice.

Thanks, I appreciate it. My running partner wants us to do it in late April, but I'm extremely hesitant to commit because it'd be the longest distance and most difficult course I've ever done (and I just don't know if I'm in good enough shape).

Just not sure I want to push my limits on a course that sounds very unforgiving.

Thanks for the new thread OO.

I've been dealing with an arrhythmia that seems to be increasing in frequency by the day, so really got to get that sorted before planning too much for the year. However, I'm sure I'll manage a few of the local ~30k races around Kathmandu but there's a 50k a few hours outside the city in September that has about ~14k in vert which I wanted to do last year but knew I hadn't built enough muscle for the climbing. I'm really going to increase strength training this year so I can conquer that one in the fall if all goes as planned.

I also think I'm going to be in Hong Kong for a couple weeks in December and have started looking to see if I can find a fun race while I'm there.

Sweep4-2 said:

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Thanks, I appreciate it. My running partner wants us to do it in late April, but I'm extremely hesitant to commit because it'd be the longest distance and most difficult course I've ever done (and I just don't know if I'm in good enough shape).

Just not sure I want to push my limits on a course that sounds very unforgiving.

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Its 100% worth it, BUT you have to be careful. Once you drop in the canyon, no one, outside of an expensive search & rescue, is coming to drag your ass out of the big ditch. That time of year, you can't even bail out on the north rim, as it will be closed. That said, you will see a lot of people all the way through Phantom Ranch. And then after Phantom Ranch, you'll still cross paths with groups/individuals doing R2R2R. Late April, you might still find that the water fountains haven't been turned on yet. We did the first weekend of May both times, and that's pretty safe as far as water availability. If you decide to go for it, I can provide more info.

officially signed up for San Diego 100, so big races for the year are set.

signed up for rocky raccoon 100mi in four weeks at end of january in Huntsville.
Not sure of rest of year but may try to do another 100mi like arkansas traveler. Love this thread

Rocky is a great course.

I did my first ever ultra out there in 2014. The Hog's Hunt 50k. Fell in love with the sport.

I don't think it's around any longer. The RD was a great individual.