Back of the Pack Musings

What’s Your Pace?

The field was small, but the vibes were great. I was lined up for my first 50 miler and my nerves were wreaking havoc on my emotions as the cool air of the morning sent chills throughout my body. I had planned, as always – start slow, keep it steady, and just be happy. But,Continue reading “What’s Your Pace?”

Of Trolls and Men

Standing off the shores in the cold arctic waters of Iceland are the stone remnants of two trolls, locked forever in basalt. Some centuries ago, amongst the faint glow of starlight, these two trolls spotted a ship sailing off the coast of the black sand beach, Reynisfjara. Standing upon the smooth stones left from theContinue reading “Of Trolls and Men”

Let Your Banjo Twang

Without question, the banjo’s appeal can be quite limited. The sweet and simple twang of the metal strings plucked at an erratic and unconventional pace can immediately cause some listeners to cover their ears and scream. It doesn’t evoke the same mass appeal as an acoustic or electric guitar, but for those of us whoContinue reading “Let Your Banjo Twang”

Zero Sum

I feel lazy. Every day, at some point, I feel like I have been lazy and not accomplished enough. It’s a frustrating but productive feeling. It forces me to constantly push myself toward new projects and ideas in my head, but rarely affords me the time to enjoy any success or elation that may comeContinue reading “Zero Sum”

Pirate up, buttercup.

I’ve never gotten to be a pirate. Always wanted to be, but some desires are outdated by centuries and outweighed by the reality of responsibility that life requires. Still though, I miss the care-free times I spent charging through the makeshift forts erected by my friends and me when we were kids, pretending the sticksContinue reading “Pirate up, buttercup.”

What to Expect

So, you’ve signed up for your first ultra. It’s good to be a little crazy and daft and I hope you indulge in that nature from time to time in other aspects of your life. But for now, let’s focus on the ridiculous decision to decide to run 30+ miles for fun. If you’re aboutContinue reading “What to Expect”

Too Afraid to Fail

Fear is a wicked little beast living inside our minds. It’s useful and certainly has helped keep us alive over the few hundred thousand years our species has been present on Earth, but that doesn’t mean fear’s not a complete asshole sometimes. I went to high school in the Charlotte area for my junior andContinue reading “Too Afraid to Fail”