Looking Back: A Year Fueled by Adventure & Something to Look Forward To

bkhgirl
Dec 6, 2025
3 min read

It's my birthday month, what better way to celebrate 35 than to do a little reflection blog?

Recently, while reading Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality, a line stood out to me:

“The key to happiness is always having something to look forward to on the calendar.”

I felt that deeply. The times in life when I’ve struggled the most were seasons of uncertainty—when planning ahead wasn’t possible. Armando’s cancer treatments. The shutdowns during COVID. Both were long stretches without future joy to anticipate.

However, in 2024 and 2025, I was able to dream again, plan adventures, and pursue my goals. Even though 2025 had more bumps than 2024, it was still a year I look back on with gratitude.

In 2024 I set a big goal for 2025: qualify for UTMB so I could race in Chamonix in 2026. To do that, I needed at least four Running Stones and a UTMB Index in the 100-mile category. I chose two key races that would give me both, with a few shorter races sprinkled throughout to keep training interesting. Here’s how the journey unfolded.

Antelope Canyon 50K (March)

This race felt more like a desert adventure than a typical event. There were ladders, ropes, deep sand, and even a short via ferrata section. It was challenging and beautiful, and the result improved my UTMB index. Since we were already in the area, Sam and I visited Zion National Park and climbed Angel’s Landing. Terrifying, but unforgettable. (Video link here.)

Gorge Waterfalls 100K → Canyons 50K (April)

The first setback of the year came when I got a double ear infection the week of Gorge Waterfalls and had to pull out. That race would have checked nearly every UTMB requirement at once, so it was a huge disappointment. Because I was already trained and tapered, I entered Canyons 50K two and a half weeks later. That race gave me two Running Stones, another boost to my UTMB index, and my first experience in a UTMB-organized race. (Video links here.)

Alpine Solstice 50K (June)

This race doubled as a training weekend for the Oregon Cascades, and the course shared a lot of the same trails. It snowed the night before, which made things interesting at the start, but race day cleared up and I finished as the seventh woman, earning my highest UTMB index score yet.

Timberline Trail Circumnavigation of Mt. Hood (July)

As a bucket-list adventure and more prep for Oregon Cascades, Sam and I circumnavigated Mt. Hood via the Timberline Trail and PCT. It was a long, self-supported day: 41 miles, nearly 10,000 feet of climbing, and 14 hours on our feet. An unforgettable training milestone. (Video link here.)

Oregon Cascades 100 (August)

This race remains the biggest disappointment of the season. At mile 64, the race was canceled due to forest fires. Because we didn’t get to finish, I didn’t receive a UTMB index or Running Stones. Not finishing after such a hard day added even more pressure heading into my final chance for UTMB 2026 qualification at Kodiak. (Instagram recap link here.)

Kodiak 100 Mile (October)

This was the hardest race I have ever completed—harder than ultra bike races, triathlons, or my previous 100-mile effort. The elevation, the terrain, and the relentless climbing tested me in every possible way. At points during the race, I questioned why I liked running and what I was thinking chasing UTMB. But I kept going and finished in the top five of my age group, earning an automatic entry into UTMB and bypassing the lottery entirely. (YouTube link starring Kelcey here.)

Other Exciting Things in 2025

Selected in the lottery for HURT100 in January 2026
Moved off the waitlist for Sedona 125 in May 2026
Said yes to pacing Anne at Arizona Monster 300 in March 2026
Finished writing my book and completed editing; now exploring publishing paths
Paid off all of our business and personal debt
Ran from MERA to Umatilla Rim trailhead, completing a personal 41-mile route
Nora started school at LMS and transitioned well
Travel in 2025
McCall for skiing with the kids (while I ran in the snow)
New York and D.C. for Nora's sister’s wedding, with three Broadway shows, including Hamilton and Maybe Happy Endings
Disneyland with the kids
Auburn for more running adventures
Big Bear Lake, California, for the first time
Yachats, Oregon for a 6 day training camp/Thanksgiving. (Full video link)

Looking ahead, my 2026 calendar is filled with races, travel, and opportunities that bring excitement into everyday life. And maybe that’s the secret: keep giving yourself something to look forward to. Here’s to the next adventure, and the joy that comes from knowing it’s on the way.