Longtime runner and ultra badass Lourdes Gutierrez-Kellam joins me to talk about her storied racing career. Long-distance races are her favorite. She's the type of person I would befriend at a trail race because she is easygoing and friendly.

Photo: Lourdes as she ran the 48K Skyline Trail in Jasper, Alberta in July. Yes, that is snow in those mountains!

Yesterday, it took a few of us to get Maria through her virtual 50K. It was a little ugly at times, but she did it.

No, no, no....not like that.

I have purchased a Big Boy microphone and can now record my podcast in my living room, as opposed to sitting in my bedroom closet with an iPhone.

It's kind of liberating.

My running needs some liberating as it has been in hiding most of this week.

I haven't been feeling it and have defaulted to riding my indoor bike, which produces some great sweaty workouts. But it's not a running substitute.

Hoping to get it back this week.

This is an epic and entertaining interview with my friend and coach, Kimberly Aubuchon.

She is an artist, personal trainer, running coach and all-around badass.

I hope you enjoy our interview.

I had a bit of a COVID scare last week. I purposely stayed off of social media until I knew the results,

On Saturday night, I found out I tested negative.

While most were supportive and upbeat, I had a handful of folks with unsolicited advice: I should be tested again because it was likely a false negative. Wow, way to throw cold water on you after an agonizing wait.

And while I know the advice came from a place of sincerity, that particular moment was not the time to hear this kind of news.

Eventually, I killed the post.

My unsolicited advice: think of how the other person will receive that news. Imagine you tell people you're cancer-free (not the most accurate analogy) and people pile on saying, "It's probably wrong and will come back."

A lesson for us all.

On July 11, I. celebrated the first anniversary of this podcast. It was a crazy idea but seems to resonate with people.

COVID-19 concerns caused me to call off my plan to run at Muleshoe Bend this weekend. Instead, I will do it virtually.

Speaking of virtual races, The Flying Chanclas continue to be competitive in the Trans-Texas Virtual Run. We're battling with a couple of teams for fourth or fifth place out of over 190 teams.

Photo: from 2016 (I think). We were celebrating Orly's birthday with hill repeats.

This week, I ramped up the mileage -- probably a little too much -- for a good reason.

My team, The Flying Chanclas, is virtually running across all 879 miles across Texas. I formed the team as sort of a lark -- something to do during the dog days and beyond. We started on July 1 and of this recording, we are in a dead heat for 4th-5th place out of 183 teams in the 5-person relay.

I had no idea we would be competitive but seeing that we shot up sort of quickly has emboldened my teammates and me. We will see. It's a long way to WallyWorld, Clark.

Nonetheless, I am stoked to have some motivation to get out of my rut. 

Trail running is all about the stories and adventures. My "bubble" friend, Maria, and I made one on a Saturday slog uphill to what seemed like heaven. (Not really, but it was a spectacularly steep climb).

Excited to start the Trans-Texas Virtual Race this week. But I am concerned about upcoming events later in the summer and fall because Texas has turned into a hotbed for COVID-19 infections and deaths.

It once again messed with my head, but I am planning to soldier on, regardless. That's all we can do.

I ran my second virtual race on Saturday. It was a struggle because I haven't gone that far since February.  But, I toughed it out, mentally, along with the company of my friend, Maria, for a few miles.

I'm getting better at running on tired feet and working on my mental game.

I signed up for a virtual race across Texas with four others, starting July 1.

Feeling great about being motivated, yet concerned that we might be locked down again, killing that feeling.

Stay tuned.

Photo from Saturday, at my car, Roo, which I used as an aid station.

After months of lethargy and turgid running, I eked out 17.5  miles in four days. I know it's not record-setting, but it's a start. It felt good to run four  days in a row. May shoot for a couple more days and then rest up before my virtual Sugar Badger half on Saturday. 

Also, shuffle over to Apple podcasts and give this thing a rating and leave a review. It won't hurt. I promise.

If you're feeling generous, consider being a sponsor. Use the anchor link to do so. If not, no biggie, but I'd like to buy some real equipment at some point, so I don't have to sit in my bedroom closet with my iPhone. LOL.

The photo is Maria  and me at Land Heritage Institute on Saturday. I had to use her photo because I left my phone in the car. Durr.