a summer of trail runsof sunrises and wildflowerscool mornings pairedwith the first touch of pink on the peakscountless lakes and highalpine swimsmountain passesgood companyand some of my favorite miles I've ever run
For two months this summer every single Sunday long run was a trail run above 10,000ft, between 15 and 26 miles, and included an average of somewhere around 3,000ft elevation gain. These runs have all been part of my buildup for the Chicago Marathon—a flat road race at sea level. I didn't seek out these stats, I just wanted to be deeper in the hills, to see some lakes I've dreamt of, and embrace the land a little more consciously.