After a challenging DNF in 2023, I successfully completed the 2024 Ultra Trail Vipava Valley in Slovenia, navigating harsh weather, reconnecting with a friend, and experiencing personal redemption.
Category: Running
Ultra X Morocco Day 2: Breaking the Bad Streak, Not Myself
When they picked me up from the ground where I (partially involuntarily) sat down the moment I ran under the blue arch, I was half in a… Read more “Ultra X Morocco Day 2: Breaking the Bad Streak, Not Myself”
Ultra X Morocco Day 1: Dreams Come True in Deserts
Ever since I’d returned to Europe, I haven’t been able to finish any of the big races I signed up for. Heading into Ultra X Morocco, I knew one thing: no matter what, I would do my darndest to finish. The desert gave me an edge and… I did.
THE COLORADO CRUSH: 63 Days of Endurance | Ultra Running Documentary | Friday Films
“Endurance athlete Robbie Balenger finds the limits of perseverance and self-discovery during an audacious, 63-day challenge called The Colorado Crush. He sets out to complete the 500-mile Colorado Trail, the Leadville race series, and all Colorado 14ers in just one summer. These three feats – each lifetime achievements of their own – push Robbie to his mental and physical edge over an epic journey.”
The video description itself tells you everything you need to know about the insane task that Balenger took on when he took the first step of his incredible summer journey. But it can’t prepare you for the trip you’re about to go on with him when you give this short documentary by Audacious a watch.
“Wow, that was so good I had to watch it twice! You’re an inspiration to me who also found running later in life at 30 and are proof that hard work pays off! I can’t wait to watch all your future successes and I wish you all the best,” wrote Kris Jones.
So settle down with coffee, tea, or an electrolyte drink (hey, it’s getting hot), put your legs up for once, and let Balenger inspire your next run. After all, as Steven Seighman wrote, Balenger’s feat is “So inspiring! Robbie continues to show up and remind us that we can go beyond the limits we set for ourselves.”
I Failed. Well, Kinda. | Ultra Trail Vipava Valley, Slovenia
Things went wrong during this race. That’s to be expected. What did me in wasn’t the extortion discomfort. It was my own heart, both in the metaphorical… Read more “I Failed. Well, Kinda. | Ultra Trail Vipava Valley, Slovenia”
Beyond the Doubt: A Partner Race Across the Alps | Friday Films
The Transalpine Run is a partner race across the most gorgeous Alps. You have to cross the finish and checkpoint lines with your partner: if one of… Read more “Beyond the Doubt: A Partner Race Across the Alps | Friday Films”
I’ll Take a DNF Over DNS Any Day. Forgotten Mountains 50 Mile Race | Zapomenuté Hory, Czechia
When the (very short) list of aid stations on a 50-mile race consists mainly of springs to refill your water, you know you’re in for an interesting… Read more “I’ll Take a DNF Over DNS Any Day. Forgotten Mountains 50 Mile Race | Zapomenuté Hory, Czechia”
Volunteering My Heart & Soul: Ultra X Wales
At the end of August and before I was fortunate enough to be able to return to Slovenia, I volunteered at another Ultra X race. The whole… Read more “Volunteering My Heart & Soul: Ultra X Wales”
Running as a Form of Prayer
In the documentary 3,100: Run and Become, Shaun Martin, an elite Navajo ultrarunner, says a quote. Now, I’m not usually one for quotes but this one spoke… Read more “Running as a Form of Prayer”
Euro Trails Are Something Else: Triglav Trail Run
At the end of a two-week flurry, I ran a race. It wasn’t a long race. I ran it just as a part of my training, and… Read more “Euro Trails Are Something Else: Triglav Trail Run”