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In the midst of uncertainty, recognizing the things we are thankful for can be game-changing. Taking the time to express gratitude helps us nurture social connections, manage anxiety, and build resilience; all amazing ways to enhance our well-being and athletic performance.

On September 11th, 2018, I answered the phone call from my doctor, friend, and former Duke University teammate and heard the dreaded words that no runner ever wants to hear; “You have a femoral stress reaction.” For once, I would love to have heard “You are completely dreaming of the pain, it’s a negative MRI!” or maybe even something like “It’s just a mild hip flexor strain.”

In thinking about this blog series, that I have wanted to write for months now, I found that there are just sooooo many things connected to the word BELONGING that I honestly started to drown a bit. Swimming through my head and heart, I realized that everything starts from here. In fact, all aspects of humanity’s survival and ‘thrival’ are deeply rooted in belonging. When I say “We Belong Here” out loud my body vibrates, my heart races and my eyes mist up. What about you? #sayit

I’d like to start off by dedicating my race, this blog, and 2021 to my grandfather who passed away recently as a result of complications from COVID-19. I’d also like to take a moment to express my love for anyone going through hard times during this pandemic no matter the severity of their situation. We WILL overcome this.

I was relaxed and ready for this race as I always try to be. My fiancée and I drove out the day before and also beat the snowstorm meant to wreak havoc on our beloved Flagstaff town over the weekend. We arrived into town (Henderson NV), and thanks to the hour fall back time change I was able to pick up my bib number and go on a course preview shake out. The weather was good, but a strong wind and mild drizzle started began and it brought concern to my thoughts. "Would this be the weather in the morning?" I thought.

Kris Brown, a Hoka athlete and Chaski Endurance Coach, writes about the history and allure of Western States and his first experience there. Based in California, he's finished top-10 at the prestigious Western States 100 Mile and recently set the Unsupported FKT on the 96-mile Wonderland Trail.

This piece is brought to you by Beto Dávalos a Chaski Pride member (our take on an ambassador) representing us from Ecuador. Follow along on his journey here. The Spanish version be found below.

Samantha Pruitt (@thesamanthapruitt) is an endurance athlete, blogger, podcaster, and mother. She is also co-leader of the Chaski Pride, which is Chaski's take on a brand ambassador program. In this blog post Sam shares her journey from battling depression, anxiety, and addiction to discovering endurance running (what she calls a free legal drug). This is an important read for anyone struggling right now, and is an authentic reminder that life can turn around with time, self-investment, and consistency.

Chaski coaches Kimber Mattox and Emily Schmitz are running the Golden Trail World Championship in Portugal this Thursday. For four days over beautiful trails, they will compete in the series for a chance to race in the final race.

This is the first installment of our #ScienceFriday series where Chaski professionals will walk you through the science of an endurance-related topic. This piece is brought to you by Jenna Gigliotti, a Chaski Coaching Resident from Amherst, Massachusetts.

Welcome back to another edition of the Chaski Athlete Spotlight series, we interviewed Jacqueline Bédard (coached by Pete Kostelnick) after her recent solo 72 kilometre race. Originally from Ottawa Ontario (Canada if geography isn't your thing), Jacqueline is actively working up to a 24 hour race while pursuing a career in law. Our conversation ranges from her recent race and finishes with some more personal questions. We hope you enjoy!

[Authors note: My name is Andrew Cantor and I am grateful to have been recently accepted into the Chaski Coaching Residency Program. My desire to join Chaski is to collaborate with other members of the team, furthering my knowledge of all aspects of running. Most importantly, however, to give back to the sport and share my passion for it with everyone I interact with. ]

Winter running presents challenges that might require some extra planning before you get out the door. Lack of access to a treadmill during cold winter months usually means one thing - bundle up and hit the pavement for some chilly miles! While running in anything below 45 degrees might sound miserable, taking some time to plan winter running can make all the difference.

So many of us marathoners are petrified by the 5k. “It’s so short!” “It’s so hard!” “I can’t breathe!” “I don’t know how to pace that!” “It’s so painful!” “It’s so fast!” Having that mindset going into a 5k sets us up for failure. Marathoners should be embracing the 5k! After all, the 5k is still mostly aerobic. And marathoners have massive aerobic engines. So how do we use our aerobic engines and run a 5k without suffering?

Dear Team Chaski, While training alone during the COVID-19 pandemic my motivation and confidence hit some low points. I've found myself struggling with insecurity, lack of confidence, anxiety, fear of racing, imposter syndrome etc. Can you help?! Do you have any good resources you've used? What have you struggled with here as a successful coach and athlete? -- Reba N. All runners are aware of the ups and downs that come with consistent training, both physically with regard to injuries and mentally when considering confidence and motivation. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken away racing schedules, training partners, and for some, their motivation and confidence. We put Reba's question to Team Chaski, as pretty much all are well-versed in these issues, both through coaching and their own experiences as runners themselves. Below, they provide some great tips, tricks, and resources for runners of all levels who might need a little boost of motivation as we head into the holiday season and the new year.

Josh Sadlock is a Chaski coach with experience ranging from the mile to the marathon. A runner since high school, Josh hated the idea of running at first but grew to love it and has since found success at the collegiate level (running for Lafayette College) and post-collegiately in the marathon. While 2020 was not ideal for anyone, Josh reflects on how he utilized the opportunity to rejuvenate his training.

On Saturday, Jan 23, 2021, Chaski Founder and Coach Tyler Andrews (along with several others on Team Chaski) competed at HOKA’s Project Carbon X2, an attempt at the 100km (62.2 mile) world record. Below he shares his experience in his second try at the distance and the mark.

Greg Lehman is a member of The Chaski Pride, our brand ambassador program at Chaski Endurance Collective, and field experience representative for HOKA ONE ONE. He enjoys running a variety of different distances and terrains and is currently training with Coach Kris Brown for his first 100-mile race at Coldwater Rumble in Goodyear, Arizona on January 16, 2021.