Waypoint Narrative #14
Waypoint Narratives: Five questions, one objective - share stories of people who have experienced the impact of the outdoors.
In 2022, I was presented with the opportunity to pace and crew (which is just fancy “ultra-running speak” for help out and run/hike along with) a friend of mine as he ventured across the United States for three different 200+ mile footraces (affectionately known as the Triple Crown of 200's). I had NEVER crewed or paced before, so I had NO idea what I was getting myself into, but a tug on my heart said, “Say YES.” On the first trip to Lake Tahoe in California, I met Darrin. When I think about the Tahoe 200 and just how clueless I was (and, mind you, I was also supposed to be LEADING the crew team…) Darrin’s respect, support, wisdom, and character stands out as a highlight in my mind. He is humble and generous, willing to pitch-in and lend a hand however and wherever he can in all aspects of his life. Not to mention, he is a great runner himself, completing the illustrious Leadville 100 trail race in 2023. Here is more about Darrin:
Do you have a trail name, and how did you acquire it?
I do not have a trail name. I’m curious if this is an east coast/Appalachian Trail type thing? I did acquire a nickname from my sister-in-law when I was in high school, it was Darwood. That came from an old 70s television show called Bewitched. So while playing softball for so many years, that turned into Woody, Woodrow, Wood pile.
What is the most prominent thing the trail/the outdoors has taught you about yourself?
I think from a very young age, being in the outdoors, has taught me to be hyper aware of my surroundings. I’ve always been super curious and love to explore, and with that always came the challenge of finding your way back. Learning my surroundings, landmarks, and directions, allowed me to explore with no hesitation.
What are the key waypoints of your life that ultimately lead you to the trail in the first place?
I was introduced to the woods/trail as a child through camping and hunting. I learned later on through mountain biking, that I didn’t need to be chasing an animal, I just really love to be in the woods. I played competitive softball for many years, after walking away from team sports I realized that I had to find something to keep active and challenge myself. My wife, who is a former track athlete and a far better runner than myself, had become active in local 5 and 10ks. She had found solace in running after her father had passed from early onset Alzheimer’s. She had found a trail half marathon at the end of summer, and challenged me and several neighbors to join her. I think if we both would have had a great race, that might have been the end. But we both had physical challenges during the race (my first of many interactions with IT syndrome) and still managed to finish. We were so hooked. Not long after that we were both involved in an opportunity to crew and pace in the Leadville Trail 100… that experience is something I will never recover from!
Share about one of the most memorable problem-solving moments you’ve had on the trail.
I believe my most memorable problem solving moments came from my biggest failures in races. And sometimes it took me years to solve the problem. I was unsuccessful at my first attempt at Leadville in 2021. I felt that I had learned a lot from the experience and could do better the following year. 2022 was almost more defeating even though I made it further in the race before being cut on time. I couldn’t imagine dedicating another year of my life to training for this race. All the time and energy my wife and kids had invested. I didn’t even think my coach would want to help. In the end, we decided that there was still room to improve and ways to get better. 2023 was the year we pulled it all together! I’m so glad I kept going back to Leadville. I’m so proud that I kept trying. I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I am so fortunate to have amazing support from people in my life.
Who and/or what inspires you to keep moving forward?
I’m super inspired by anyone who challenges themselves to do things in life, that they have no idea of the outcome. Not just physical challenges. Anytime you see a massive gap between risk and reward and can feel all that they have on the line. That’s a life worth living! I know some day soon I won’t be able to do all the things I do now. I will be grateful for taking the opportunity to challenge myself until I am no longer able.
