Brad Quinn, very quietly and without much fanfare, ran 26.2 miles (a marathon) every day for 400 days, beginning in 2019. He is a full-time occupational therapist, husband and father of four. Oh, and he occasionally was a race director for Tejas Trails. Brad talks about his running history, the marathon challenge and race directing. You can see him at Reveille Peak Ranch, at the end of August, where he will co-direct the final of the summer nighttime trail races.

It's been almost five years since I left the RGV for San Antonio, but there are so many things I miss from that time: huge, group runs where no runner was left behind (TM), running at La Sal Del Rey, Mission Trails and more.

I am enjoying my group in San Antonio, but nothing will ever compare to where it all started.

I went kayaking for the first time last week. After flailing around, getting stuck on every dang tree or root, I finally figured out how to paddle and it was fun. It reminded me of learning to drive and trail running. All are things people can learn to do but you aren't going to be great at first. I just seemed to have forgotten that part and was reminded.

I also returned to volunteer at the Captn Karl's Muleshoe Bend night trail race over the weekend. Was fun to see some old friends and make new ones and support my dear friend, PJ who was solo race directing. 

It's July and hotter than any summer I can remember. But for a few days, I am enjoying the 70-ish highs of Glen Arbor, Michigan. Hanging with my family, climbing dunes, biking, running and boating. It is glorious. This weekend, I will be back in the summer heat that is Texas where I plan to volunteer and run at Muleshoe Bend -- one of the Capt'n Karl's night races.

After running 2 miles without stopping last week, I've been trying to emulate that by running a little slower and steadier each time. It hasn't been perfect but I think I am back onto something fundamental. To run consistently, you can be a speed demon every time -- especially for those of us not gifted in this realm.

And, hey, rate this 'cast on apple podcasts, please.

This one is a bit embarrassing. It's about some financial stuff I've been handed this month. *I am not asking for money. I will be OK.*

But it affected my outlook and ability to push through.

But then, I had a couple of good runs and feel empowered.

Never Give Up.

This episode includes a throwback to 2014 where I powered through and overcame my mental blocks. It is also about the ups and downs of the brain at a race.

Billie is one of my new favorite people. She has this energy about her that draws you in. She is a frequent participant and volunteer volunteer at Tejas Trails races.

We talk about her running journey and I press her a little about how she got into a relationship with a narcissist. I think this will be helpful for a lot of folks who may be entangled in a similar situation.

Her words are empowering.

Photo: Billie after she won first place in the women's master's in her race at Spider Mountain in May.

Oh, boy. This one is personal. Very personal. It's about depression, taking medication and an unexpected trip to a mental hospital.

This may trigger some, so just know this.

Jenny Gruber is a tough woman. She has limped for miles on a bad ankle because she didn't want to let her husband and son down. She has tackled some tough races and persevered. Her latest challenge is bouncing back after contracting COVID-19. Plus bonus content of Hazel at the end. (Well, in the video version. In the audio, I try to describe it.)