I run for the journey, not the PR (Personal Record). As a proud back-of-the-pack runner, I’ve discovered that running is about so much more than speed—it’s adventure, sanity, connection with incredible people, and hopefully a ticket to long-term health, both physical and mental. I’m here to enjoy the ride, and the conversations along the way.
These stories take you from my daily Central Park “mind laundry” sessions to 155-mile self-supported ultramarathons across some of the world’s most unforgiving terrain. The ultra entries were written each night after 26+ miles of desert running, when exhaustion met exhilaration and my thoughts flowed onto paper in ways that surprised even me. Some editing for clarity, but the raw honesty remains.
My most recent escapades ran me right in to a wall called sobriety which rang its bell on November 1, 2024, 1 day after my 54th birthday. I am learning daily how to embrace my new mantra of sober minded living and in return have found that the the spectrum of colors in my life has gone full tilt. My world has expanded well beyond what I thought was possible and I am excited to share and hopefully inspire others with words, ideas and connection.
Ready to step in stride? Let’s see where the miles take us.
Saving this entry for all of the “after”. I highly recommend that anyone considering Gobi take time PRIOR to the race (must must must with the 12 hour time change for me) and AFTER, if possible. UB is an amazing…
So if you are like me, you are here scouring all of the blogs for hints, advice, and the opportunity to gain knowledge to make your RTP adventure a success. As I sit in the middle of the Big Apple,…
I must say I’m proud of myself – for the last morning I had a 5:30 race start which meant a quasi 4am wake up. I am quite adept now at being able to pack up all of my gear,…
POCKETS OF TIME: in Patagonia my theme was a running speed of “slow as shit” or rather “Patagonia speed” meaning that I wouldn’t run out of “gas” and be able to keep on going and going. This year, Atacama provided a completely…
I have pages of notes, thoughts, random scribbles that I am trying to interpret now that I am home – and as promised, sharing here. As mentioned to me last night upon my arrival – “Your blog just stopped!”. So,…
Hi all…. From the other side. Wasn’t able to get online Wednesday because of a very long day at the office now called Stage Four. Anyhow, I am jumping on now to say that all appendages are well attached, and…
THE AFTER EFFECTS in NYC: Left leg: shin splints Right leg: working itself out daily, but some severe anterior tibial ligament overuse – just needs time and perhaps a “pass” on next week’s Jingle Bell Jog. (I walk like…
GEAR and NUTRITION — I had these notes down pre-race, and based on my overuse of blog reading and research mavening I am dutufilly returning the favor to all those in the same predicament of planning for their first time! …
Hey gang. I’m currently at the Buenos Aires airport awaiting boarding, and all I can say is that my brain is still muted into a stunned silence, which is both blissful and warmly welcomed. Some major rewiring of my brain…
Iris DERKE 