And now for something totally different, The Speed Project’s high-vibe, hip-hop ultra lit up the desert with an international parade of speedsters running from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It was a no rules, no spectators, choose your own speedy adventure.

A shout out to the volunteers keeping hot runners in cold refills as the entire Southwest baked in record temps.

Want more racing? Check out these upcoming events still open for registration:

• Strolling Jim, May 7th (TN)
• Brazos Bend, April 9th (TX)
• Tail and Trails, April 9th (NE)
• Run With the Burros, April 9th (CA)
• McDonald Forest, May 7th (OR)

Hindsight is 20/20. If you could go back to your first race, what advice would you give yourself? Four trail runners weigh in:

Don’t drink pickle juice and Ensure together.
– Jason Green, race director, Yeti Trail Runners

 It’s the people not the pace, volunteer, Squirrel’s Nut Butter always, two socks = no blisters, duck tape nipples, eat real food, always drink the beer, make a fire, carry less crap.
– “Dadbod” aka @ClintJohn0522

 Don’t wear minimal footwear!
– Dylan Bowman, elite runner, Freetrail podcast host

 Enjoy not knowing. Part of the thrill in ultras is the unknown. No matter how hard you prepare, something will happen that you didn’t think of. Try to get comfortable with that.
– Jess Mullen, ultrarunner, Fit First dietitian and coach

From settlers on the Oregon Trail to Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, there’s likely a piece of American folklore–possibly involving a traverse–that catches your imagination.  

For Bob Crowley and Tim Twietmeyer, their fascination was the ill-fated Donner Party–those infamous pioneers who were forced to choose between survival and cannibalism. 

While at first Bob and Tim “were just two old friends chasing cannibals across a wide Western landscape,” soon it turned into a new type of ultra trail adventure–History Trail Trekking. Read the story and get inspired to plan your own history trek.

? UTMB Expansion: “We wanted to avoid competing with a company infinitely more powerful than us,” says Catherine Poletti regarding UTMB’s partnership with Ironman in this feature which explores the “Ironmanisation” of trail running while offering new perspective on the Poletti’s position.

?️Mont Blanc on your Feet: The Ginger Runner unpacks Altra’s much anticipated Mont Blanc shoe in an engaging and detailed review. GR’s final word: Great cushion, decent traction, fit challenges especially in the heel.

?Cheap Sunnies: Don’t want to break the bank on something you’ll likely scratch or worse, lose? The Gear Shed offers 3 budget friendly sunglasses, way better than gas station goggles, but still affordable. Preview: Tifosi Svago ($25), Goodr Mach G ($35), and Nathan Summit ($50)

✨Poetry in Motion: Anton’s back! Not just at Leadville, but weaving ultra musings and training tips into prose. Anton’s advice in this article for Ultra Running Magazine: Have a training “practice centered around intuition and trying hard when the spirit moves you.”

?Go Bananas: What fuels Olympic marathon champions Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei? Starting with morning tea, bread, and bananas, BBC joins them at home and captures an entire day of meals in two captivating minutes.

?Laugh: Chris Farley’s your new crew chief and he’s not impressed. 

?️Vote: Love trail pics? Give a nod to your fave in our Facebook community photography contest.

?Last Gasp: He’s a legend in his headphones, but just a heavy breather to everyone else. Sound familiar?