Our world pushes us toward comfort and convenience. A luxury lifestyle is seen as the ultimate achievement. Today, we can have nearly anything we want, sometimes without even pushing a button.

But something in us needs resistance.
Needs difficulty.

Hard experiences strip away ego. They expose us. They humble us. They teach presence. They teach us how to treat ourselves. And how to forgive ourselves. With kindness and grace.

I didn’t perform the way I’d hoped. I made mistakes. I paid for them. But I didn’t fail. I wanted to be tested and that’s exactly what I got.

This race reminded me that we don’t need to be perfect. We just need to keep trying.

That’s enough.
That’s always enough.

Atacama Crossing: t-1

When I was in Churchill, Canada, I visited a renowned dog sled musher. He explained that to make the dogs run, this is what you had to do: let them.

As soon as the dogs see them prepping the sleds, they go apeshit, excited to run.

That was today in a nutshell. We had a race briefing, gear check, and other formalities. But everyone is done just sitting around. We are rearing to go.

Atacama Crossing: T-2

Seventeen years ago, I signed up for the 7 day 160-mile Sahara Race. For the simple reason that I wanted to do something hard. Up until then I’d never run more than 5 miles. But I was curious. Commit to the race and see what happens.

Along the way, I learned this: anyone can do it.

Anyone, that is, if they want to. The real test wasn’t physical. You don’t need great fitness. You just need a reason to keep moving when your body is telling you to stop.

People underestimate their mental strength. But we all have it. Need proof? Maybe you’ve gone through a tough breakup. Lived with chronic pain or injury. Cared for someone who was sick. Or worked a job you hated. You showed up because you had to. That’s strength. And endurance.

These races aren’t for gifted athletes. They’re for the stubborn. So if you’re wondering whether you can do something like this: yes, you can.

In a study in the 1950s, mice were dropped into water to see how long they’d swim. They lasted about 15 minutes before giving up. But they were rescued, allowed to rest, and put back in the water. This time, they swam long, up to 60 hours! Because they learned they could survive, they didn’t give up easily.

This same concept applies to this race, but more importantly, it applies to life. Once you believe you can, you do.