It is often said that we overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in ten.
This quote has never felt more true than it does right now.
On June 13, 2025, I toed the line at the Tahoe 200, a 200+ mile ultramarathon around Lake Tahoe. Two weeks post-race, I still find myself looking for ways to adequately articulate the enormity of the emotions I experienced over those 96 hours on course. It was one of the most epic experiences of my life.
The old, unwelcome companion, self-doubt, made a brief appearance in the first 100km stretch. This was a section where I wouldn’t see my crew at all and had to rely on other racers and volunteers for motivation, fueling, and any problem-solving that came up.
When impostor syndrome crept in and whispered, “Who the hell are you to be out here on course with these athletes?” I countered with, “Fuck you, I’ve done the work. I belong here.”
There were far more highs than lows during the 96 hours and 23 minutes I was out on course. I often smiled to myself and thought about how incredible it is what we can do when we put our mind to it. How about anything is possible if we are willing to commit the time and energy to do the work to get the thing done.
I wept tears of pride, joy, wonder and gratitude several times on the course. I drank in the sheer beauty of the landscape around me, appreciating how privileged I am that at 56 years old, I still have the ability to do these things.
Consistency and discipline are what make the hard things possible. And when you pair those with the right coaching and community support, almost anything becomes achievable when we dare to pursue them.
I understand that running 200+ miles is not everyone’s idea of a good time. However, most of us have a personal equivalent. A goal in life that scares the shit out of us enough to make it matter.
People often tell me how inspiring this accomplishment is, and I am humbled by that. I plan to keep showing up and sharing what is possible for many years to come.
But let’s turn it to you: What is one thing you can commit to doing today that brings you closer to your big, hairy, audacious goal?
Much Love,
Mike
