Today Is April 28th. I turn 35 today. Growing up, many people told me I was an old soul. I can happily and safely Identify with that. I’ve always been drawn to things of the past. I like how things were in the old days. I’m fascinated with Pipe smoking, horses, and blog writing. That’s enough for me to identify as an old soul, right? Are those that identify as old souls still old souls when they grow old? Just because I’ve always been an old soul, though, doesn’t mean I like getting any older. In fact, I dread it! I’ve never really enjoyed birthdays. They put you one step closer to mortality. While I’ve identified as an old soul, I also yearn for immortality. I want to be someone who re-writes the record books with age. I love living life; I just wish I could do it at an age where you can live life to the fullest. I will do just that for now and hope it doesn’t lead to an early death. Life is a miracle, and miracles should last forever.

With my birthday being the last weekend of April, I am fortunate to have something to look forward to, and that is the first weekend of May! Every year, the first weekend of May is the Kentucky Derby. THE GREATEST TWO MINUTES IN SPORTS! I’ve always been a super fan of horse racing, dreaming of walking from the backside down the track to the paddocks with a horse of my own or one that I’ve trained. For now, though, as I pursue my racing career, I watch it on TV or at the tracks fantasizing. So I am really excited for this year’s Derby. I believe there isn’t one clear favorite to win this race. But I think it will be an exciting one! If you follow the Derby, please comment below on who your picks for this year’s race are!

With my birthday today, I am also fortunate to race 60-some-odd miles through the poison oak-filled trails of Auburn, California, tomorrow. Auburn holds a special place in my heart. In 2019 I had one of the most memorable races of my career, finishing fourth at the Western States 100. I will be racing this weekend, hoping to snag one of those Golden Tickets and return to the start line of States. I feel about as ready as I can be for this one. With age comes wisdom, though, and I understand that ultra-running can be full of surprises. Regardless of the outcome, this past training block has been one I won’t forget. I’ve gotten to share so many miles with great friends and stay healthy in the process, and that, right there, is a win!

Before I sign off for today, I want to thank Dylan Bowman for encouraging me to return to the blog. I took a step away because I thought it wasn’t bringing anything positive to anyone’s life. However, after Dylan’s podcast episode, I was on many people reached out, encouraging me to start writing again. It has meant a lot. So, I will continue to write a little about what’s on my mind when I choose; hopefully, it will be enough for all of you!

“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” — Satchel Paige