Close your eyes for a moment. Think back to the day you signed up for this race — or the moment you committed to whatever big goal you're chasing right now. What did that feel like? Were you nervous? Excited? Did a little voice in the back of your head whisper, can I actually do this? Were you inspired by someone who had done it before you? Now picture yourself at the start line. Maybe you feel those familiar pre-race jitters. You're surrounded by tens, hundreds, thousands

100 miles in the desert taught me more than I expected—about fueling, patience, and what happens when you stop fearing the heat. From dates and Evil Bone Water to Jacob pacing 38 miles through the night, here’s how Javelina Jundred reminded me that we really do get to do this.