24 Hour Race Report: 85 Miles of Transformational Bliss

Heading into the 24 hour race, my goal was to complete 75-100 miles to raise donations for Honor Flight Kern County.

I am proud to say that I completed 85 miles! I am also proud to say I finished 6th place overall and 1st in my age group in the 24 hour distance out of 30 participants! I didn't do too shabby for an old fart!

At this point, we have raised $2,120 for our local veterans in the Bakersfield area. And with the dollar match from our generous donor, we have a grand total of $4,240! We will be closing the donation link at the end of the week, so if you would like to donate, please do by clicking the following link:

HHP GIVES BACK

This Silver Moon Race was important to me because it will be my last ultra run for a very long time, if ever again. I wanted to do this race because it is a symbol of me closing one chapter of my ultrarunning story. I won't stop running or being part of events, I just feel that my heart and soul are yearning to head in a different direction with my time.

When you are moving for 24 hours in a row, you have a lot of time to think. When doing any endurance event, you go through an emotional rollercoaster with finding any excuse to quit and finding the will to fight that excuse.

To summarize a few of my thoughts I had during the minutes spent on my feet...

The Journey
Imagine the scenery—the changing landscapes, the sunrise, and the sunset. Even though it was a 2.5 mile loop course, it changed with every passing hour. It is beautiful to see how the shadows move with each lap as the hours pass. It is remarkable to watch the sunset and sunrise knowing you have been connected to the earth in ways that have long been forgotten about.

The camaraderie with fellow runners is another energy unmatched, even if nothing is spoken. As I said in my last newsletter, we are all running for our own reasons. It is the reasons why we become family out on the course.

The solitude during late-night miles, and the sheer determination to keep moving forward is another mental challenge that I enjoy. Only when you challenge yourself to the edge, that is when you discover something about yourself. It is a beautiful self discovery of self during those moments.

The Finish Line
As I was approaching the final miles, I drew inspiration from those who’ve conquered ultra distances in past, those out on the course with me and the runners of the future.

A big source of inspiration was thinking about my daughter. I want her to be proud of her dad. I want to set a good example of what a man should be. In this day and age, there are too many boys and not enough men. I want to be a positive male role model for my child and any young kids that need a source of motivation.

The Reward
Completing 85 miles in less than 24 hours is an achievement to cherish. Two days after the event and my legs are so dang sore, but my heart is smiling.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who donated to my fundraising event and for all those who have supported me throughout my journey. I appreciate each and every one of you.

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude. Your kindness, support, and trust mean the world to me. Whether it’s a small gesture or a significant collaboration, your impact is felt deeply.
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Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your presence brightens my days, and I am genuinely thankful for the opportunity to serve you.

Wishing you all the best,
Vice