Ultra Marathon Update from Moab, Utah

31 miles through the desert, and a reminder of what it means to feel alive

There’s something about the desert that strips life down to what really matters.

Today I completed a 50K ultra marathon in Moab, Utah — one of the most rugged, beautiful, and mentally demanding courses I’ve ever run. Towering red rock cliffs, endless slickrock, soft sand, steep climbs, and relentless descents made every mile feel like its own small victory.

This wasn’t just a run.
It was an experience.

Race Results

• Distance: 31 miles (50K)
• Time: 5 hours, 53 minutes
• Placement: 35th out of 247 runners

Not too shabby 😄

But numbers only tell part of the story.

---

Why We Do Hard Things

There comes a point in every long race when your body is tired, your mind starts negotiating, and quitting feels tempting. That moment is where something powerful happens.

You realize:
You don’t keep going because it’s easy.
You keep going because it means something.

That’s what draws me to ultra marathons, remote landscapes, and travel in the first place. It’s not about proving anything — it’s about feeling fully alive.

Moab demanded attention. Every step mattered. You couldn’t zone out. You had to be present, grounded, and aware. That’s rare in a world that moves fast and distracts constantly.

Out there, it was just breath, effort, and forward motion.

---

Movement Is a Way of Exploring Life

Running through Moab wasn’t just exercise — it was a way to experience one of the most stunning places on Earth from the inside out. I didn’t just see the desert. I felt it. The wind. The sun. The rock under my feet. The silence between aid stations.

That’s why I believe so strongly in staying active as we age, traveling, and choosing challenges that stretch us. Movement keeps curiosity alive. It keeps the body capable. It keeps the spirit young.

You don’t have to run ultras to live this way.
But you do have to choose discomfort over stagnation.
Adventure over routine.
Presence over autopilot.

---

Grateful for the Journey

This race was tough. It was humbling. It was beautiful.

And it reminded me why I keep seeking out these places and experiences — because life is richer when you step outside your comfort zone and meet it head-on.

Here’s to staying curious.
Here’s to staying active.
Here’s to seeing the world not from the sidelines, but from the trail.

— Kevin 🏜️🏃‍♂️