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RFP Podcast Episode RFP Podcast Episode #287 – Ultra Dad Session #95: A Teenager’s Journey!

Yes, I am a proud father, of two inspiring daughters. There are so many of us that can share stories of how our children have made us so fulfilled. This is one of those stories and I am going to get right out of the way and share it with you all!

The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000650784216

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #287 – Ultra Dad Session #95: A Teenager’s Journey     

How’d we get here?

The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often.  Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place. Bryan & Mike

#RFP #ultradads #proudfather #herbeliefkickedin #puttheworkin

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Race Wrap Up – Copper Corridor 50k

This may be a short race report and will get into that in a minute. It was a really good day out @ the Copper Corridor 50k this past Saturday. As always, thanks to the folks at Aravaipa Running for hosting another great event. Much gratitude to the staff, volunteers, aid station crews, other participants and the spectators that cheered us on (especially that last half mile 😊). Had a great experience running the trails out in Superior, ones that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do so without this race being hosted there. Another big thank you to the town of Superior, AZ. The police force, sheriff’s, families, and the folks that came out to share in the festivities made for an even better experience.

This was a solo adventure but always appreciate the sacrifice Robin, Alaina & Isabella put in to help support me in chasing down these endeavors. They provided me with several words of encouragement leading up to the race and during the day so thank you family!! The pictures included were from my cell phone as things were getting ready to start and throughout the first third of the race. Aravaipa started this race back in 2020, with their inaugural one coming just before the world shut down. I had it on my radar to do at some point however life……. mainly Isabella’s gymnastics and Alaina’s soccer weekend’s typically took priority (wouldn’t change that either 😊). Plus, the Copper Corridor has been traditionally the weekend after Black Canyon 100k, which is one, if not the favorite race for me. Considering some events that unfolded with the soccer schedule and the 2024 race calendar, we were able to put our name in for this year’s edition and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Up until this past Saturday, I had only driven through Superior, and it doesn’t take long at tall to do so. It is about an hour from our house in NE Phoenix, east of the city as you begin heading into the mountain ranges of Pinal County. It is a small, former, mining town with some very interesting, and cool history you can read in the link above. These were all new trails to me, but I was excited to adventure into the canyons here and around Picketpost Mountain after doing some race research. My thoughts going into the race were to get a sense of my endurance and fitness after working on building my foundation for what we have outlined for the spring and summer. The course had a lot of single tracks, some technical terrain, and a few good climbs but after a hard training weekend just last week, and not having any taper, it was leading up to be an interesting event 😊. The days prior life really took over with a heavy dose of work commitments and responsibilities as well as some other personal and family obligations and obstacles we were navigating through. Needless to say my mind wasn’t on racing so I tried to take the mindset of having gratitude to be able to get away from everything and spend some hours in some new mountains and trails. Fortunately, the aftermath of the prior weekends runs left my quads and I was feeling very good leading up to the start line.

Speaking of the start line, and seriously, the tininess of Superior, my parking spot, which was along Main Street where literally 100 yards from each other. That was a very nice perk 😊. The morning was very mild with a touch of a chill but perfect temps for running. As we all gathered in the coral, after listening to a few minutes of course instructions, we were off down the main drag heading towards Picketpost Mountain in the distance and a morning full of exploring. After the ½ mile on Main Street we dipped into a single-track trail that basically skirted a creek bed and were on this for a few miles until we crossed under Highway 60 and into more of a desert landscape. The first 1/3 of the race went by smoothly with a few short climbs and descents as we meandered through a riparian area, in and out of canyons. At this point, I was with about 7-8 other runners as we ran single file enjoying the scenery, some conversation, and the ideal AZ, February weather.

The second half of the race is positioned as the toughest with the most climbing, we get up to the highest part of the course, as well as the most descent. The majority of this middle 1/3 is also exposed but as you can see from some of the shots, it is very beautiful. Additionally, these 11 to 12 miles are the most remote on the course and there is no aid, so we had to stock up before heading out into this section. Considering these elements, my plan was to take it easy on the climbs and run the downhills and flats to be able to have something left in the tank for that final 10-11 miles back to the finish. Of course, my mind was also thinking about what type of problem solving would need to be done over the next couple of hours. This was my first race since September and though the training was going well, I didn’t know how my body was going to respond considering the prior weekend’s adventure and I showed up to the race with 30 miles on my legs from the week leading up.

Around mile 12, as we were descending into a canyon, I began feeling some hotspots on my feet, but thought I was too early to get blisters and my left knee started feeling a bit wonky as well. Neither of these were corrupting my pace, or my spirit so I made myself aware and moved on. About a mile after that I came upon my new friend Roy, from San Diego as we were working our way up a climb. He and I then proceeded to run the next 5 miles together, talking about running, racing, San Diego, his potential move to Arizona, family, and life all together. It made those five miles, and what were supposedly the most challenging miles of the course, click by seamlessly. As we crested the high point of the course, we were met with this long, steep, technical descent and for some reason I felt like bombing down. I was feeling really good, thanks to Roy’s company, I let the momentum carry me. For the next 3-4 miles I was moving well as the final big-ish, climb approached, leading up to the aid station before heading back into town. It was a bit weird since I was the only one at this aid station at this time but did have a great quick conversation with the volunteers, grabbed a quick snack, filled my bottles and dowsed myself with some ice water for the final third.

This last 11ish miles had some technical downhills, that were pretty steep, but followed by smooth single-track, pretty much until we got back into town. This was where I experienced something that was a first for me in these races. It was something I’ve always wanted to feel, but it had always escaped me to this point. As mentioned before, I had thought about that moment, that comes every race, when you pretty much get punched in the gut. Something, or possibly everything hurts; stomach goes south, blisters surface on your feet, your quads get trashed, and your knees feel like they are being smacked with a hammer. It happened in each race, and I’d be lying if I didn’t wonder when it would be coming during this one. Well, it never really came, other than maybe the last ½ mile before hitting Main Street again. This final third, running through these canyons, with some nice cloud cover in the sky, moving over water crossing, and clicking off the miles, I did feel like a little kid in a sense. It felt pretty fulfilling to be hitting the same mile pace at this point in the race as I was at the beginning. As a few of us moved from the trail to the suspension bridge and onto Main Street for the final half mile, we were moving at a great clip, with the view of the finish line ahead of us and the outside patio bars and restaurants lined with patrons cheering us along the way. We heard one guy hell, “it’s all uphill from here.” Well, he wasn’t kidding because that same section we started on, all downhill, led right back up that hill to the finish line. Fortunately, it was gradual and short, and it didn’t matter at all because we were crossing the finish line.

All my other races, typically the last third, if not more, is a grind. It consists of managing through pain, figuring out problems that you don’t think of happening, and just focusing on moving forward. Many times, it is piecing myself back together to take that next step. Those experiences are when 1. we find out about ourselves a lot; what we are made of when the proverbial shit hits the fan, and 2. we learn and grow in ways to help us better navigate the next adventure. I do believe we grow more through adversity and through suffering a bit in that pain cave. However, after last Saturday’s experience, I believe there are some things that I should be learning. At least, some other strategies to incorporate leading up to race day. That whole feeling of “not being punched in the face,” was very nice I must say 😊. However, I know it won’t be something that I likely replicate anytime soon!!

#aravaiparunning #coppercorridor #PAAZRNR #keepermovin

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RFP Podcast Episode RFP Podcast Episode #286 – Ultra Dad Session #94: Time to slow down or speed up?

Hard to grasp that Thanksgiving is in a few days and the holiday season is upon us. For you, is this a time to speed into the new year or take time to reflect, before 2024 is upon us?

The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000624701917

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #286 – Ultra Dad Session #94: Time to slow down our speed up?     

How’d we get here?

The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often.  Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place.

Bryan & Mike

#RFP #ultradads #reflect #slowdown #presstotheend

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9/13/23  

Where is our limit? – Mogollon Monster 100 Race Wrap Up

How far can we truly go? What is the limit? What are we truly made of?

The questions above where the principals behind us doing the Mogollon Monster 100 (MOG 100 for short) last weekend. Would never consider myself a veteran 100-mile ultramarathon runner. This was my fifth one since beginning this wildly, wacky, and amazing sport back in 2015. However, I am familiar with the distance, what it takes to complete them, and since none of mine have been pretty (pretty-ugly more like it 😊), there have been many lessons learned along the way. Listen, running 100 miles is crazy far and there are so many unknowns; things you don’t think of, wouldn’t think of, that do occur where you need to problem solve (more to come on that). However, there are ways to mitigate some of the unknowns and uncertainty that are apparent. This in mind, I studied the course and was able to do some training runs along the route to familiarize myself with the climbs, technicality, and conditions. We spoke to friends that have experience with running it (much gratitude Meghan & Brian) and crewing it to limit a bit of the uncertainty. We trained! And trained! And trained! The expectation was this was going to be a 100-mile not like something we’ve experienced before, just in the course, terrain, and technicality. Therefore, if we were going to do something we’ve never done before, we were going to have to train like we’ve never trained before. Come race day however, there were still a few pieces of uncertainly, some done on purpose – that would prove to help us begin to understand if we could go beyond the limits!

From the book A Runner’s Hi, by Dean Karnazes

“An ultramarathon is not a single experience, but a series of little moments, strung together in a narrative thread that becomes a complete story. Some moments are silly, others sublime; not that much different from life really. In so many ways, an ultramarathon is a microcosm of life when compressed into 100 miles of running the full breath of humanness is experienced, the physical, emotional and the spiritual. Along the path, a story gets told. What I’ve come to realize is that the ending is not what matters most. Sure, I may get another buckle today, but reaching the finish line is not the ultimate prize. It is the story that’s lived along the way and today was turning out to be one hell of a story.”

Here's the story.

The foreshadowing the weeks prior to this race was the perfect preface to what was to come. We spent the two weeks before in California with our youngest daughter Alaina for two separate soccer tournaments. In between those weeks I was also in CA for work. It actually worked out well because I only drove out once (flew the other 😊). Point being, it wasn’t the ideal type of taper weeks I would have liked, and things were not routine at all. Even the week of was not ordinary in any way but the more I thought about it, it was in line with what I was expecting the race to deliver. The day before I drove up to Pine, AZ to get settled into the cabin and wait for my wife Robin & our great friend, Michelle, who would be crewing me throughout. Originally, we had thought it was going to be Robin solo for ungodly hours up on the Mogollon Rim (rim), in a point-to-point race, driving for miles and hours trying to find out where the hell I am in a remote part of AZ with limited, if any cell service. (Yeah – a bit uncertainty and unknown there). Fortunately, Michelle committed to helping out and she was a complete rockstar for her first time ever experiencing something like this. She came up critical in a number of areas. When we all arrived separately late Friday, we talked about the game plan, made final preparations, and tried to get as much sleep as possible. Not something that comes easy before any ultra, let alone one like this. When the alarm went off @ 3am it was time to get going and by 530am I was at the starting line getting ready to tackle this beast.

There was a calmness to the air as we got a few minutes out. Race Director Noah shared some instructions and insight on the course, finer details, and wished us all luck and then the National Anthem was played. This was the first time; I can remember this being done at a race. It delivered a sense of pride, some emotion, and much energy. After feelings of anxiety, stress, wonder and excitement, we were off, and I actually felt relief and comfort.

After crossing the starting map there was no hesitation, we were immediately into our first climb. The weather was cool, the climb was gradual, and we were moving steadily. A couple of short miles we were on top of the rim for the first time and the views (from every time up there) were epic. My first thought expressed out loud – “wow.” It truly is amazing, beautiful up there and recommend having it part of a bucket list. Not the race, but certainly a trip to the top 😊!! We had several miles of smooth running before descending back down to our first aid station. Quick refueling and then it was back up for our second climb for a couple more miles, then on top of the rim again, runnable terrain, before meeting up with Robin and Michelle for the first time at mile 27ish! We all had a lot of energy at this time, and I was feeling strong. We did our first sock change and took care of the feet, iced down with a neck banana. This was however, the initial point where my stomach started to act a bit off. I had been eating pretty well up to this point and staying consistent with food, but nothing sounded good to me at this time. I did though, stuff a few things in my head and got back at it. We had a few miles on top of the rim road (gravel road) before making a big descent down to a major aid station at mile 32ish. This is where the fun started!!! As I left the girls, just a few minutes out, my pack felt loose and bouncy as I ran. Not normal!! It is usually snug to my upper body. I didn’t think too much of it and kept running and for about 5 minutes the whole right side broke off. Think of having a backpack on and the right strap broke off. I was essentially running with that! No bueno for another 80+ miles. Here is where problem solving comes in…. fortunately, I had some athletic tape in my back so as I continued moving, I put that pack on the front of my body and worked to tape it up the best I can. In the meantime, I was trying to call Robin (remember remoteness and bad cell service) and fortunately she picked up. I told her the news and thankfully she and Michelle were able to catch me. Cue the MacGyver music cause this is where Michelle went to work. She was able to use leukotape (very stick & strong tape) to solidly put the pack together, while they “went to town” (a couple hour roundtrip) to see if they can get me another before meeting back up about 20 miles later.

That pack ended up holding up for the rest of the race but did cause a bunch of cuts/scrapes on my back because it wasn’t as snug, but we used that same leukotape to take care of that mess too. Leukotape – it’s the new duct tape!! The next 20 or so miles are some of the toughest of the course. There is that long descent as mentioned, and then several miles of rolling hills in an exposed area below the rim and then another brutal climb known as Myrtle. Fortunately, most of the time in the exposed area it was cloudy so we did get a bit of a break, just about a mile before the climb started. The sun popped back up and it seemed to warm quickly. The technical terrain, my stomach not on par, the heat and now the climb, started to pull me into my first real dark spot of the day. The climb up Myrtle is very tight, technical, steep, and at some points it doesn’t seem like you are even on a trail. It was slow going but I will tell you, there were a few moments when I stopped to turn around, at this point the sun was beginning to set, and the views were amazing; even saw a rainbow. It sucked but it was pretty easy to embrace that suck with what I was seeing. Things finally began to flatten out and I was able to hit the next aid station at the top. At this point, I was nauseous, and no food sounded good. I tried a few things but no dice. I took a seat, took in some salt (chips), downed some ginger ale, and I was on my way again. Fortunately, I’d be seeing Robin and Michelle for the second time in a few miles – that was giving me the energy I needed to get there.

As I began approaching what was the Buck Springs aid station, I began hearing faint noises. At this point, I was running near the edge of the rim to my left side, and it sounded like coyotes howling. Although I was a bit beat up, I wasn’t at the point where I was hearing things (yet 😊), and nightfall was just on us. The closer I got to Buck Springs the more I realized that was where the noise was coming from – it was an all-out party, on top of the rim, in the middle of nowhere and the volunteers and crews were having a blast. It was an immediate bolt of inspiration considering the last climb that happened, the 4th one. I came upon Robin and Michelle, and they went right to work. The last stretch did take a toll on me, my stomach was still queasy, but my body and mind were in good spirits. We had two jobs at this point, taking care of the feet with cleaning them up and sock change, and eating. They both went through a cycle of different types of food for me to eat and settled on grapes (thanks again Michelle, best grapes I ever had 😊), broth and a load of potatoes and salt. I also took a moment to get my wits about me. This was going to be one of those moments that was going to be unknown for me, and for Robin as well. There have been races that I haven’t had a pacer and actually, my last 100-miler back in October, I didn’t have one. I went through the night at that race solo. But……it was a 20-mile looped course and one I’ve run dozens of times, so it was VERY known. These next 20 miles were going to be through the night, on trails I’ve never traveled, likely by myself in the middle of nowhere. Yes, there are other runners out there, however at this point in a 100-mile race, things are very spread out. This is another moment of this race I was looking forward to – let’s see how I navigate and work through this without a pacer to keep me motivated, moving, fueled and awake 😊!!!!

When I left the girls, the trail descended a bit and was quite smooth. I actually caught up with another runner and we worked together for a few miles. We then came upon two others and the four of us started picking off miles throughout this section of the course, known as the cabin loop (passing by a few cabins, Pinchot & General Springs…..hence the name). After some time, we began dipping into and climbing out of a few canyons over several miles. During this time, not sure because it wasn’t like I was moving at blazing fast speed, I began distancing myself from the other three runners. Coming into Pinchot Cabin aid station I was feeling very good, likely because I ate before but my stomach was still not right and that stayed with me the entire race. For some reason, just couldn’t shake it. No worries, I downed a full PB&J, some caffeine, and was on my way. On my way out, I saw one dude and his pacer, talking deeply, and as I turned back to say thank you to the aid crew, the runner was heading to a caught to sleep……my hope for a short period of time and then pressing on. This next part was about 7 miles, and I was to be seeing Robin and Michelle for the last time at night. This part and more ups and downs, not as difficult as the climbs up and down the rim but for some reason it seemed relentless. It chewed me up and spit me out and by the time I reached the girls, at just over 60 miles, I was not in a good way. Physically, my muscles were good, and feet were okay too. We did another sock change and cleaned them up and I sat for a bit but didn’t have an appetite. The girls kept asking me if I wanted anything and nothing sounded good. I forced down another PB&J and then Robin, sweet Robin, asked if I wanted a lemon-lime Celsius. As I changed into dry clothes and got ready for the rest of the night, early morning hours, I grabbed the Celsius and took a sip. It was tasty, refreshing too. I then slugged the remainder of the can and it seemed to immediately give me a boost (caffeine….)! My mind had been in a dark spot, and I was hitting a low but once again, the girls, and this magic elixir got me moving again.

I wouldn’t be seeing the girls till mile 87, likely not until early afternoon so it was just me, my headlamp, and the trail for the next 10-12 hours. The descent just out of this aid station is down what is called the Powerline Climb and it sucked. There is no other way to describe this, about a mile maybe, trek over a rocky, boulder filled “trail.” During this time, another one of those things that don’t usually happen but will during a 100-miler, happen. As I planted my trekking pole and went to remove it, it got stuck between two rocks and I yanked one part right off. It was still connected with the internal cord but for some reason I was no longer able to collapse them AND, my headlamp ended up blowing up as well. All while descending this “trail” from hell. Thankfully, I made it to a section resembling an actual trail where I was able to get the pole and headlamp “fixed” and I was back moving again with Celsius energy. There was another aid station a short distance away and I again down a full PB&J – they seemed to be working for me at this time so stayed with it and went in and out quickly. The next few hours it was pretty much me out there. I had seen a few headlights a ways in front of me as the trail meandered through the trees and climbs but other than that, it was darkness with the cone of light from my lamp leading the way. I was moving, and moving well, or at least I felt like I was. I glanced at my watch occasionally and my pace is where I wanted to be heading to the 75-mile mark. I kept my head down and just kept moving forward. The silence and darkness were peaceful and my mind went to Robin and Michelle, hoping they made it back to the cabin okay (Robin confirmed that via text but didn’t get that until after…..). I was thinking about Isabella and Alaina and how they were doing. As well as our dog Bear. I had thoughts of when we committed to doing this race earlier in the year and the months of training leading up to it. I thought about the different trails and mountains climbed, people met, and research we did in preparation. More than we’ve done for past races. Technically, we were approaching 75-miles into this adventure, but the journey started way back in April!!!

Not sure if I nodded off for a quick second during my thoughts or it was a rock that I kicked but I did come out of what seemed like a trance and noticed two lights ahead on the trail. As I continued to get closer, I saw a couple more just ahead of me. The night sky was getting lighter, and the morning was beginning to wake up, just like me I guess 😊. My pace picked up as well and about a mile outside of the Geronimo aid station I was able to catch up to the 4-5 folks in front of me and we descended into the aid station as the sun was rising in the air. Getting through the night of an ultra can be one of the most demanding portions of the race. The last few hours for me were a bit serene and the dawn of this new day brought new life to me as well. I had a drop bag at this aid and was able to get another fresh set of clothes, new socks, and fueled up again. I had about 27 miles before seeing Robin and Michelle and the two last climbs of the day. I was ready to go but the Geronimo aid station was a scene of a bit of carnage. A friend was sitting there when I arrived, hadn’t seen him for about 12 hours, and unfortunately, he had decided not to go on. Another that I had passed coming into the aid did the same. And one guy, who we shared some miles with earlier in the race, came into the aid, all smiles and seemed like he had a ton of energy, was asked if he wanted anything, “nope, I’m done,” was his response. I wanted to see if I could rally these folks and all of us press on. But their race isn’t mine and vice versa. I gave my friend a pat on the back, it was his first 100-miler, he crushed it, and I was proud of him; happy as well to have shared miles. Told the others great job too and thanked the aid station volunteers. They all encouraged me to keep going and that I was doing great.

I had goosebumps when I left that aid station. The encouraging words, the new morning, knowing that we were getting toward the final quarter, and I knew this section of the course. I had trained on it a few weeks prior, so I was excited, and I was doing it almost exactly at the same time of day. After going through the night, conquering that uncertainty, and leaning into the unknown, I was somewhere familiar. This section of the course has some more rolling hills, nothing too substantial, before hitting the fifth climb. This is the shortest climb of all six but still gets a bit hairy toward the top. Navigating the rollers, I came across a runner and pacer, two from back earlier in the night, they were moving well, and we shared some short words. We had come across each other for several hours and figured we’d hit the climb together. I was surprised, by the time I got to the climb a couple miles later, they were nowhere in sight. I ended up seeing them finishing up the race as we were driving out of town…….it was good to know they kept moving on! Getting to the top was good and the trail dumped onto the rim road again and there was about a mile to Donohue aid station. There was about half-dozen runners at this when I rolled in and none that I had seen on the trails. We were all taking a bit of a breather because what was to come wasn’t going to be ideal at all!!! We were all about to take on, arguably the ugliest, toughest, most technical climb of the course. Prior to that, we were heading down a gnarly set of switchbacks and a steep grade, one that was to match the future climb. Altogether, it wasn’t far, 4 miles, but it was going to be brutal. I filled up my bottles, grabbed a handful of food and was on my way, I wasn’t going to delay the inevitable. I started to descend and told myself, “this is going to suck, it is going to hurt, it is going to be brutal, take your time, breathe, and keep moving forward.” The downhill was tough for a bit, slow and steady, then began to ease up getting closer to the bottom. After a quick left turn the climb was on and in reverse, it started off with an easy grade and then it just got as expected. It was almost breaking, but I just kept moving forward, took some stops for a few seconds, and kept climbing. It seemed to get steeper and steeper and then after some time, I began to hear voices. My head peaked over this ridge, and I heard a few people clapping. I was relieved to be at the top and after about ½ a mile I heard more cheering. I had made it to Dickerson Flat aid station and the final time I would see Robin and Michelle before the finish!!

It had been about 12 hours since I had seen them and yes, they were a sight for sore eyes…..and feet. Those 20 miles between our time together had tested me but not defeated me. My muscles were still feeling good, but my feet were banged up. Bones were sore and my hip/groin was beginning to bother me. I also started to begin feeling hotspots on my feet but decided not to change socks. I wanted in and out of this aid station fast. With about 15 miles to go, it was time to get to that finish line. Lemon-lime Celsius and PB&J made another appearance, and, in a few minutes, I was back on the rim road for about 5 miles before heading into Pine Canyon. This is a great view from the top of the rim looking into this canyon, all the way down, about 2 miles to the bottom. Although the view is pretty the trail down is not. Very technical, steep and switch backs several times before flattening out at the bottom. Now the trail was level, pretty smooth and was winding through some pine trees. The temps were nice, and the overcast skies made it much cooler. This was ideal since I was headed into the final stretch, which was mostly exposed. This was the second exposed part of the course I had mentioned but today, it was cloudy, and was starting to drizzle a bit. This made the next 8 or so miles to Pine Trail head, even with its climbs and descents, thankfully the final ones of the race, tolerable. There was a point on this stretch that I thought I was going the wrong way. I hadn’t seen anyone for a few miles, I was still following the markers, but didn’t realize this last stretch had so many climbs. I had even done this part of the course a year earlier at another race. I guess was beginning to lose my mind with being up for 40 hours, so I was getting a bit freaky 😊. I just kept moving and had some energy to run some of the flatter downhill areas. About 3 miles before I was to hit the last trailhead and get into the final stretch, I came upon a man, and what I found out to be his daughter. He was moving really slow – almost a crawl. I stopped to check in on him. He had said he hurt his knee quite badly and, to a point, needed to be held up by his daughter. He seemed to have his wits about him but had trouble staying upright. He still had a few hours to finish and with only 5 miles left, I believed he was going to make it. I did let the race folks know at the finish line that he was out there, but I had confidence he was going to get there. A few rolling hills later I saw the trailhead and water stations and realized that this journey, this test, was about 20 minutes from ending. The last, almost 2 miles, is on the roads through the town of Pine with the finish being at the community center. I crossed the main road and headed through this neighborhood, that dumped me out onto the main road. With about ½ mile left, you can see where the finish turns into the community center and I was able to see Robin and Michelle standing, almost in the road, waving me in. Strong feeling of emotion filled me, and my pace picked up to a solid run, faster than I had run for many hours. It is funny how the sight of your crew and the smell of that finish gives you that kick to run faster in the last mile of a 100-mile race than you had run at the start. As soon as I hit the line, some pictures were taking, and hugs were given by not only Robin and Michelle but folks from Aravaipa racing.

The race was over, and the journey completed. As I am sitting here a week later from the day the race started, I still haven’t had it set in deep. I’ve reflected on it, Robin and I’ve spoken about it a little, but who it drove me to become and where the next step will take me is unknown right now. I am clear though on the fact that what we set out to do, what I outlined above, for this race, came to fruition. I wanted to be tested, moreso, then I had ever been in a race. I wanted to hurt, be pushed to and beyond limits, go into deep pain caves, and sit there. And deal with it! I wanted to be in the mountains and woods at night, by myself without anyone around, with my thoughts on how to keep my mind and body moving forward. As mentioned, it was pretty ugly, mistakes were made and, yes, many things were not ideal. But we did it and I am grateful for all those that helped me along the way.

Thank you to #aravaiparunning, Brian and Meghan Slavin, all the volunteers, participants, crews, families, friends. Thanks for all the text and words of encouragement before, during and after the race. All those that have reached out – you reaching out means more than you can imagine. To Isabella & Alaina, one at college and the other playing in soccer tournaments all weekend, thank you for thinking of your old-man and reaching out throughout the journey. I love you both very much and am so very proud of you. To Michelle, the rookie crew member – what can I say, you freaking rocked it. You know have a lifetime spot on our team 😊. Really appreciate you – love you! To Robin – we’ve talked about it so much these last few months and in the last week. This was an adventure from the start, and we knew the journey was going to be way different than we’ve experienced before. We knew we were going to have to do things way differently than we had done before. However, when things started last Saturday and until we crossed that finish line, I knew – no matter where this journey was going to take us, I was where I was supposed to be and who I was supposed to be with. Thanks for being my partner and my guide throughout this experience. Glad we can do it together. “Once you decide to run 100 miles, you’re not in charge anymore. Those in charge are your former and future selves. During the race, when you don’t want to keep going and life’s awful, just remember your former self wanted to do this and your future self wants you to finish. Let those two be your guides.” – Eric Senseman

#aravaiparunning #MOG100 #mogollonmonster100 #PAAZtrailrunner #becommitted

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #285 – Ultra Dad Session #93: Short cuts & “I don’t feel like it.”

No long intro to type up and share – just going to get right into the episode about doing things we sometimes don’t want to do and why it is critical at certain parts of our journey.

The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000624701917

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #285 – Ultra Dad Session #93: Short cuts & “I don’t feel like it.”     

How’d we get here?

The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often.  Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place.

Bryan & Mike

#RFP #ultradads #perservere #doitwhenyoudon’twantto #noshortcuts #courage

[mubal4]

This moment right now!

Haven’t written in some time. No particular reason other than haven’t made it a priority and haven’t felt a strong sense to share the journey. Could be I don’t feel like sharing, don’t have much to share, or not in a phase of the journey to put things out there. Well, today’s entry is still not something I am writing. It is something I came across on social media a few weeks back.

This – this is something I felt compelled to share.

As we are on the cusp of taking our oldest back to college to start her sophomore year and your youngest is a week into her senior year in high school, my wife and I feel like many other parents in similar situations, that time just needs to slow down a bit. The last few years it has felt like time is moving much faster than a decade ago. I know……still moving at the same pace and my guess is that I need to be better at slowing my time down. What I mean by that is being present and focusing on the now.

Each particular moment we are in, and this may sound corny, but each moment we are in, there is something really magical and amazing about it. Sure, that particular circumstance may not be ideal; hell it may outright suck, but there is something to take away from it that is truly magical.

We just have to dig a little deeper sometimes to see it.

By Sahil Bloom

Now and then, break out the fancy china and drink good wine for no reason at all.

Dance at weddings until your feet are sore.

Tell your partner (and your children) you love them every night before falling asleep. Someday you’ll find the other side of the bed empty and wish you could.

Don’t fear sadness, as it tends to sit right next to love.

Treat your body like a house you have to live in for another 70 years.

Never raise your voice, except for at a ball game.

Do one good deed every single day, but never tell anyone about it.

Time doesn’t heal anything when it comes to relationships. Don’t delay difficult conversations.

Find the things that make your eyes light up. Do more of those.

Always remind yourself that your track record for making it through your bad days is perfect.

Minor issues become major issues over time. Applies equally to love, friendships, health and home.

The most damning lie you can tell is the lie you tell yourself.

No one has ever argued their way to happiness.

If you’re going to lose a fight, make sure the other person thinks twice before fighting you again.

Getting old is no picnic, but it’s much better than the alternative.

You may occasionally disappoint others, but make sure to never disappoint yourself.

Never let a good friendship atrophy. Send the text, make the call, plan the trip. Good friendships must be treasured.

When you meet someone, look them in the eye, give a firm handshake, and call them by their name.

Give everybody a second chance, but never a third.

The “good old days” are always happening right now.

Whenever you hug someone, make sure they are the one to let go first.

If it’s raining on a warm summer evening, go outside and dance in it.

Taking no risk is the biggest risk you can take. Regret from inaction is always more painful than regret from action.

It doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.

When in doubt, love. We can always use more love.

Looking presentable is a matter of self-respect.

When you’re feeling down, smile at yourself for a full minute in the mirror.

Travel as much as you can. Collect one token from every trip to remember it by.

If there’s something bothering you, ask yourself whether it will matter in one month. If not, let it go right now.

Stop trying to change people that don’t want to be changed.

You may win the argument, but if you lose the friend, what was the point?

Stubborn pride is the downfall of many men and women. Learn to forget the slight hurts and avoid grudges.

Don one thing that challenges your mind every single day. A crossword puzzle, math problem, anything. Daily “exercise” will keep your mind sharp for the long haul.

Allow your kids to fail. You will hate it, but it’s so important.

There’s nothing wrong with shedding old relationships as you grow and change.

No amount of money is worth trading for your peace of mind.

If your kid wants to dance in line at the store, join them.

Smile and say good morning to strangers on the street.

Laugh loudly and unapologetically whenever you feel like it.

#digdeeper #itisaboutoday #letgoofyesterday #letgooftoday #releasefromoutcomes #thismoment

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #284 – Ultra Dad Session #92: “Unfinished Human Beings.”

The title of todays episode comes from the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. If you are not familiar with her, she has studied the differences between the growth & fixed mindset; essentially how we can change from one to the other. This particular part of the book had talked about sustaining and practicing change, growth and improving vs. there being a “silver bullet” or that “one big thing” that makes the difference.

Have some firsthand examples that were pretty funny too 😊! At least from my perspective.

Carol Dweck’s TED Talk: Carol Dweck: The power of believing that you can improve | TED Talk

The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000621054583

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #284 – Ultra Dad Session #92: “Unfinished Human Beings.”     

How’d we get here?

The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often.  Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place. Bryan & Mike

#RFP #ultradads #growthmindset #itaintonething #stayconsistant #itisapractice

[mubal4]

The Journal Journey Part 85

It has been a while since I’ve put out one of these. Yes, life has been busy – for everyone out there, and honestly, I haven’t made writing a priority. Hell, the podcast isn’t something I’ve been putting out consistently each week; been dripping those episodes in as well. Priorities shift, life does change, and we must pivot and lean towards those things that will provide us with the most growth, satisfaction, and gratitude. Those things that sustain us and fulfill us. “Those things,” fluctuate and change as our journey’s evolve. We shouldn’t apologize for that, and we must embrace that which is current and present. I fail at that often! When I feel like I am getting sidetracked, maybe “falling off,” my commitments, I could beat myself up. I am getting better at offering myself grace and forgiveness. Maybe that change, or pivot, is just what we need at this current time?

This time of year, this month to be honest, tends to slow down for us. With vacations, travel, and everyone being home, typical routines and commitments get upended. I tend to go into myself during July and reflect on the first part of the year, what’s to come, but I try to enjoy this phase that we are currently living in. The entire family is home and we’ve spent a great time throughout the early part of summer with so many family members, friends, and loved ones. We were able to create memories and experiences. That time is special…..TIME is special. Sometimes when my routine and commitments change, I feel guilty because, “am I not fulfilling my potential and am I taking it easy?” I am learning that soon enough, just right around the corner, the routine and commitments that are hit on so often throughout the year, will be top priority. No is the time to live in this moment, creating these memories, and these experiences.

Wasn’t planning on a lengthy opening. Guess I was catching up on lost TIME 😊!

Few from Jack Canfield:

“What wisdom will you learn in this lifetime that you can continually share?” – Endless in my belief. That is what this entire journey has been all about – the blog and podcast! Sharing all the nuggets of wisdom and lessons that we’ve been blessed with by so many of these leaders and brave souls that have come before us. They were courage enough to share their stories, I feel it is my duty to pass them along. I don’t know if anything I share isn’t from some great individual that I’ve been grateful enough to learn from. I know there are often times I share nuggets more than once. Part of that is because they are so good, the other is that I forgot that I’ve shared them before 😊! We all have talents, treasures, and nuggets to share – it is our responsibility to do so!

“Are you able to let go and live based on faith and by love?” – Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Touched on this a bit in the opening. My wife Robin is great at letting go and living by love and faith. That has been a piece of wisdom she has provided me with, or at least continues to. I am consistently challenged with letting go – I want to figure it out or solve the problem…..or be prepared. Rather than letting life happen. I tell myself each day, let go, let God, let life happen, it will pass! Like most things, the more I practice and the more I commit to it, the better I become. It is an ever-evolving journey. Embracing the challenge and being able to see how we can grow, and change, keeps life interesting, and challenging.

Darrin Bentley: “The moment you become comfortable with any part of your life you are basically saying, ‘I’m happy with not growing.’” – I believe this is true to a point. Hell, I though this was gospel about a decade ago. However, because of my “growth” over the years and the wisdom I’ve been able to digest from so many, I have some perspective. Take what I believe is my mission, be a better husband, father, and huma being. Well, I am comfortable with the husband, father, and human being I am today. I am proud of each of those people I’ve become along this journey. If I could go back 15-20 years and share who I am today with who I was back, then – I’d be 100% comfortable with that! Here comes the but – I am not comfortable with the husband, father, and human being I am going to NEED to be as my journey continues. Each day of our life, and each phase in our life, requires us to be something more than we are today. Each step we take is part of the process of learning who we must become in order to grow and tackle what lessons are coming. I am comfortable with who I am today, but I know that I must continue to learn and grow to be able to figure out what’s to come.

The journey is constantly changing and who we’ve become to this point, I believe, is great to have gotten us here, but is it enough to get us to that next best version of ourselves? If you believe that, I applaud you – congratulations. For me, there is still a long journey ahead and I’m interested in seeing who is it that I am supposed to become!

#thejournaljourney #keeppivoting #keepchanging #keepgrowing #everevolving

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #283 – Ultra Dad Session #91: The time we spend with others!

“The most precious gift you can give someone is the gift of your time and attention.” – Nicky Gumble (I think??)

It has been a while since our last visit here so pulling together some thoughts of our experiences and things on my mind over that time. There is no real format or order, just my story of amazing people throughout our journey.

The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000618539963

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #283 – Ultra Dad Session #91: The time we spend with others!     

How’d we get here?

The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often.  Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place.

Bryan & Mike

#RFP #ultradads #family #friendships #relationships #partnerships #community #connection #gratitude

[mubal4]

Race Wrap Up - Blackout Night Runs 27k: Aravaipa Running Live & Flagstaff Big Pine 53k: Aravaipa Running Live

Just another weekend in the mountain……sort of 😊. This was a first and a way to do something new and challenging. I’ve heard it said before and not sure who gets the original credit but, “if you want to do something you’ve never done before, you have to do things you’ve never done before.”

Before we get to it, as always, want to thank the team, staff, volunteers and the entire Aravaipa Running community. Very fortunate to have these folks in our backyard to host and put on these amazing events. Much gratitude to all the other runners throughout the weekend. I was fortunate to spend some miles with a handful of some great folks and we had some laughs, suffered a bit together, and at the end, crossed that finish line – thanks for keeping me going. Thanks to Robin, Isabella and Alaina, although I did this solo – the calls and text messages before, during, and after the races meant the world to me. Love you so much.

The quote above about doing things we’ve never done - So true right? Four years ago, the entire family went up to Flagstaff to do the Big Pine 54k (it’s changed a bit over the years 😊) and we had a blast. This year, considering what we have on the calendar coming up in September, we felt that going back up to Flagstaff for the race this year, in altitude, in the pines, would be a good training exercise for the Mogollon Monster. When we made the commitment to the Monster we new we were going to have to do some things different, considering…….it is a whole different type of adventure. So, in addition to the Big Pine 53k on Saturday morning, we decided to do the Blackout Night Runs 27k Friday night. Keeping with that spirit of “different” we kept the weeks training agenda the same, with some slight tweaks, after a big weekend leading up to the races. Adding to the “differences” I was heading up to do this solo, Robin and the girls had other things going on, so it was shaping up to be a glorified training weekend, up in the mountains, with aid stations throughout – good stuff!!

Flagstaff is about a two-hour drive from our home in Phoenix and with a 7pm start on Friday, I headed up I-17 around 12pm and hit some traffic. However, got up there in plenty of time to get settled at the hotel, get some food in me, and relaxed a bit before the 27k started. This course is the same looped course I had run 4 years ago so there was some familiarity with it and most of the first loop, even with the later start, was done without needing the headlamp until the last couple of miles. The 2nd loop, however, was all nightfall and the glow of the headlamps led the way. I was fortunate to catch up with a new buddy Eric (thanks for the picture 😊) and we shared some good miles and company. I was feeling very good throughout the race. There isn’t much climbing, and the trails are very runnable. There are some technical portions with being at night, makes it a little challenging. I had been moving faster than I thought I would and should have been going…….and with about 4 miles left I caught a toe and went down pretty hard, bagging up both hands and my right arm. Fortunately, it wasn’t too bad and there wasn’t anyone around to witness my lack of grace!!! There was a climb right after that so I was able to get my wits about me and finish the 27k in good form and feeling pretty good.

When I got back to the hotel, I was able to clean up and strangely enough, what bothered me the most was my right hand. I must have extended that out of instinct when I fell, and it took the brunt. I guess that took the attention away from my legs, which were already tired from a good week of training, and the fact that I had another 32+ miles to run in a few short hours. The quick turnaround was something we’ve never done before. Yes, we’ve run further distances in one push but not these two distances with a break/rest in between. I was very interested to see how my body would respond in the morning and throughout the 53k race. Like most nights before a race, I didn’t sleep well. However I did get up feeling good and there wasn’t any soreness from the night before……other than my left hand 😊.

It was a chilly morning, just around 40 degrees at the start, which felt amazing compared to the desert heat. The 53k, as mentioned, was different than what I had done four years prior. Part of the course was the same loop from then, and from the night before, but there were two new stretches put in so I was excited to see what these new trails were like. These new sections didn’t disappoint. They stretched through many tall pines and up in the higher elevations, mostly single-track with some forest roads. There were some shady areas and there were some sections that were completely exposed and when we hit the late morning, early afternoon, even though the temps were in the mid 70’s, it heated up quickly. The early miles, most of them up to mile 10 roughly, I was working out the kinks from the week, and night before. My legs felt a bit heavy but overall, I was feeling good. About mile 15 I came upon two other runners, a man and woman, maybe a couple – not too sure but they were running together. As I approached them, about 200 yards back, I saw them make a turn to the left and immediately saw the woman take a pretty hard fall and let out a big scream. Having experienced something similar the night before, I was able to relate but it seemed like she it much harder than me from where I was. About a half mile later, I had passed the dude and was about 50 yards behind the woman and saw her clip a toe and again let out a blood curdling scream, like one where birds starting scattering from trees……it was loud. I felt bad for her because we can relate to that feeling. As I approached her to pass, I wanted to say something to try to encourage her and said she was doing great, keep it up, and we all know how shitty it feels to catch a toe and take a spill. Not sure if she liked it so much at the moment but we did see each other at the upcoming aid station, and she was in real good spirits and seemed to have put the experience behind her. I hope 😊.

We had a short 3 miles or so to the next aid station, getting back on the familiar looped section of the course that would take us back to the start/finish area before heading back out for one least loop. Those 4 or so miles were not ideal for me. My body felt good, but my stomach seemed to start going south and it may have been a lack of hydration. I was moving well and was drinking but wasn’t taking in any calories. I came into that main aid station and doused myself with ice cold water and downed likely as much as I doused myself with. The cool water felt great, and my spirits began to improve. I decided it was likely a good idea to throw some food in my head but that didn’t work very well. I tried a little burrito and some watermelon but neither hit well and I had to spit them into the trash. Again, not ideal so I drank some ginger ale and housed a couple of pickles. At this point we had just under 9 miles to go and my legs, although tired, felt good. I left the aid station and pressed on. The next several miles went by very smoothly and was able to catch a few folks and had some great conversations. About a mile from the last aid station, I came upon a husband and wife, a different couple, that were just a treat to share some miles with. Great people!! We where having a good conversation and I was about to run ahead to the aid, as soon as I said goodbye, bam – another rock jumped out of the ground and tripped me 😊. Actually, I toed another rock and went down. Not as hard as the night before but definitely with much less grace…..! The dude was so great, telling me, “I got ya bud, you alright, I got ya.” I just laid there in the trail, on my back, in the dirt, laughing. We all had a good chuckle and then got on our way. The last aid station was great, the volunteers there doused me with more water, filled up my bottle and I actually got some calories in me for the last 4+ miles to the finish. It was a good little climb out and then a nice long flat stretch. The final two miles, I came across a few more runners and we exchanged a few congratulatory words and gratitude for the day.

Crossing the finish line was quite satisfying. It was the first time that I had gone out and tried a back-to-back race like that and was very surprised at how good I felt. Yes, I did feel that I had run 50 miles and there was tightness, and I was a bit sore. Overall, it was a great “training” day with a group of exceptional human beings. It has me excited for the next few months leading up to our big day in September. Although the family wasn’t with me I did stop in Sedona on the way home & enjoyed a burger and a beer at the Sedona Beer Co.!!

Apologies for so few photos but didn’t have much of a chance to take any shots. Big thanks to those that took some of these for me 😊.

#donewthings #outsideofcomfort #dohard$%&@ #beyondlimits #aravaiparunning #bigpine

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #282 – Ultra Dad Session #90: Your Morning Practice!

 How do you typically start your day? What gets you going or what may keep you going throughout? These are 7 statements that I was introduced to by Andy Andrews’ book, The Traveler’s Gift. These are what we are digging into today.

-        The Buck Stops Here

-        Seek Wisdom, Be a Servant to Others

-        Be a Person of Action

-        Have a Decided Heart

-        Choose to Be Happy

-        Greet Today with a Forgiving Spirit

-        Persist without Exception

 The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

 Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

 You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000615337188

 Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #282 – Ultra Dad Session #90: Your Morning Practice!    

 How’d we get here?

 The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often. Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place.

 -        Bryan & Mike

#RFP ultradads morningpractice travelersgift keepmovingforward

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #281 – Ultra Dad Session #89: Are we stretched or stale?

 Simple intro – today’s episode inspired by:

From John C. Maxwell’s Leadership Gold

 Ten Characteristics of a Growth Environment:

·        Others are ahead of you.

·        You are continually challenged.

·        Your focus is forward.

·        The atmosphere is affirming.

·        You are often out of your comfort zone.

·        You wake up excited.

·        Failure is not your enemy.

·        Others are growing.

·        People desire change.

·        Growth is modeled and expected.

 The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

 Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

 You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000613596260

 Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #281 – Ultra Dad Session #89: Are we stretched or stale?    

 How’d we get here?

 The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often. Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place.

  Bryan & Mike

#RFP ultradads leadershipgold growthenvironments failureisnottheenemy

[mubal4]

It is National #mentalhealthawareness month and wanted to share these words to wish us all the best, not just in May, but for every month. #bebrave #bevulnerable #shareyourstory #shareyourtreasures #courage

[mubal4]

Our Potential From The Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews. A letter from Jimmy Dean to Andy – “In your letter, you addressed my “success and wealth.” To me, success and wealth have always been a state of mind. My grandfather, W.J. Taylor, was the most successful and wealthy man I ever knew, and I doubt seriously that he ever made more than $10,000 in any given year in his life. But he was the best farmer in Hale County, Texas. He know that. He had the straightest fences, the cleanest end rows. He had the neatest barn and the neatest house. He raised nine kids; he had a great relationship with the man upstairs and a wonderful inner peace. To me, this is success and wealth. Many look at me and say, “He’s the luckiest S.O.B. that ever lived.” It is true – I have had much good fortune, but things were not – and are not – always easy. I have probably had almost as many rejections as acceptances, but I have ascertained that, were it not for the rough roads, you would never appreciate the super highways. Being knocked down is part of life – getting up is also part of life, and I have very little use for people who cannot bounce back from the bludgeoning of temporary setbacks. Being able to handle temporary setbacks (notice I did not say defeat – the word defeat is not in my vocabulary), overcome them, and stand tall is what entitles you to the sweet bows of victory. We, unfortunately, in this wonderful country have created an element that condones giving up. In my opinion, when our great president, F.D.R, decided it was proper that we compensate people for nonproductivity, it was the gravest mistake that ever happened. The good book says, “You’ll earn your bread by the sweat of your brow,” as it should be. I have no use for anyone who can help himself and does not. Reminds me of once when I told my youngest son, Robert, that I was a self-made man, and he said, “That’s what I like about you, Dad, you take the blame for everything.” It’s just that this country has been so wonderful to me, I would like it to remain the land of opportunity for my great, great grandkids. I feel, instead of every day creating another organization for the weak, we should create organizations that make people want to stand on their own two feet and say, “I believe in me.” We cannot create a muddle of mediocrity that makes people feel the world owes them a living. Every time I talk like this, someone will invariable say, “Easy for you to talk like that; God gave you talent.” Damn right he gave me talent; he gave everyone a talent. My greatest fear is that with all our federal aid, state aid, city aid, county aids, etc. that they’re going to be many wonderfully talented people who will never be forced to find out what their talents are.”      

#shareyourgifts doscarystuff beyondyourlimits outsidecomfort

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #280 – Ultra Dad Session #88: Do Scary S$%#!

 Today’s episode fell into place nicely. I’ve been needing some change. I am speaking for Robin too since this is something we’ve been talking about for a long time. Full transparency – we’ve let our nutritional commitments lack over the last several months. Yeah – we’ve done our quarterly cleanses and did well with them but as soon as they were over, and this has felt like for 18 months, we’d go back to old behaviors. We’ve known what to do but our will, and our desire, weren’t strong enough to keep us on that track.

 Well, when you make a commitment to do some scary shit – that tends to change behaviors……or it better 😊. Today we dig into that, and it is perfectly centered around this quote by David O. McKay below:

 “The greatest battles of life are fought out in the silent chambers of the soul.”

 The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

 Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

 You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000609390299

 Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #280 – Ultra Dad Session #88: Do Scary S%$&!    

 How’d we get here?

 The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often. Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place.

  Bryan & Mike

#RFP ultradads doscarys$%& keystonehabit commitvswant MM100upnext

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #279 – Ultra Dad Session #87: “Will to prepare?”

 As I am wrapping up Thinking for a Change by John C. Maxwell, I came across another couple parts that I am compelled to share. I guess these last few episodes have become a book review 😊. No worries, I believe all these lessons are great to pass along to see if and where they may resonate.

 This particular section is a quote by Thane Yost:

 “The will to win is worthless if you do not have the will to prepare.”

 I read this and my mind went to ultra-trail marathon’s/running and training - or “preparing” for them. Having the “will to prepare” for a race I don’t think had ever entered my mind. It was just the thing I felt I must do if I wanted to complete an ultramarathon. Having the “will” to train wasn’t a concept for me, I just ran. However, in a race, I’ve felt and thought about that will to continue, to keep moving forward, like life! There is something, that why, passion, purpose – however we want to classify it, that keeps us moving forward, no matter how much pain we may be in or how much hardship we are facing, there is that will. But the will to prepare/train? Not a feeling – conscientiously at least. Yes, during training periods, or preparing for a life mission, we deal with the same struggles and pain caves that surface in an ultramarathon. Yes, there are days we don’t want to get up and do the things we must do and honor our commitments. But we do – there is that will to prepare. For me however, it is the race – that why I guess, rather than a will – is it the same thing???

 The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

 Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

 You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000607921551

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #279 – Ultra Dad Session #87: “Will to Prepare!”    

 How’d we get here?

 The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often. Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place.

 -        Bryan & Mike

#RFP ultradads willtoprepare puttheworkin keepmovingforward LFRF DFQ

[mubal4]

RFP Podcast Episode #278 – Ultra Dad Session #86: Getting to know ourselves – a constant practice?

 Last week I started reading Thinking for a Change, by John C. Maxwell. This one excerpt got me thinking a bit and it is the topic for today’s episode; let’s dive right in:

 “The younger you are, the more likely you will give your attention to many things. That’s good because if you’re young you’re still getting to know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses.”

 The RFP Ultra Dad’s Podcast is sponsored by Time on the Trails – delivering you a customized experience out on the trails in Arizona and beyond.  Please visit us at www.tottaz.com and on social media via IG, FB, TW & LI.

 Keep an eye on the Ultra Dad’s Instagram account @ #ultra_dads.

 You can view the live recording of today’s episode on our YouTube Channel Here!

 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relentless-forward-progress-with-mike-ubaldini/id1305969863?i=1000605642193

 Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: RFP Podcast Episode #278 – Ultra Dad Session #86: Getting to know ourselves – a constant practice?    

 How’d we get here?

 The Ultra Dad’s Podcast came from an idea Cindy Shane created.  Well, she planted the idea in our head after listening to the first time Bryan was on the RFP Podcast in May 2020.  There have many times over the years when we speak on the phone or in person the “we should be recording this” line comes out.  Well, here we are jumping in with both feet, like we tend to do, sharing with you our perspectives on life.  Let’s be candid – we are not perfect, and we fail often. Our favorite term to use is “it’s not ideal” and there have been countless times we’ve uttered, “a plan is great until you are punched in the face;” – but we do laugh a lot, at ourselves and/or each other mostly 😊.  All that said, there are those brief moments where things tend to fall into place and we, somehow, make it to that finish line – as ultrarunners yes, but most importantly has husbands, fathers, friends, and human beings.  We wanted to share those imperfections and those incredible moments that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together over the last 30+ years.  So, sit back, grab a cold one, and hopefully this will be another time where things fall into place.

 -        Bryan & Mike

#RFP ultradads knowourselvesbetter continuousimprovement testyourpotential