Waypoint Narrative #4

Waypoint Narratives: Five questions, one objective - share stories of people who have experienced the impact of the outdoors.

Up next, Waypoint Narratives welcomes Chris! Chris takes the idea of “ultra” trail-running to the EXTREME, as he recently started immersing himself in 200+ MILE races (yes, you read that correctly… 200 or more MILES). He shares about some of those experiences here:

Do you have a trail name, and how did you acquire it?

Warrior Runner. After my DNF at Leadville, I had a couple friends refer to me as a “warrior” for even trying to run 100 miles.  In 2009 I founded a combat veterans non-profit called the Wounded Warrior Patrol specializing in recreational therapy for wounded warriors, so the moniker Warrior Runner seemed to fit, and I sort of adopted it.  To be clear, it’s not about me being stronger or better than anyone else, as a combat veteran with PTSD, I think of myself as representing my brothers and sisters in arms who can’t run these races due to their injuries, and those who paid the ultimate price.

What is the most prominent thing the trail/the outdoors has taught you about yourself?

The outdoors to me is where I am free to explore my physical and mental capabilities in an environment that is constantly changing.  My trail running experiences have truly broadened my view of what is possible, and taught me that the mental aspect of staying in the fight is often the biggest part of the equation.

What are the key waypoints of your life that ultimately lead you to the trail in the first place?

I have always been outside. From about age 5, I was in a constant outdoors masterclass under the tutelage of my Dad. We were outside all the time, hunting, fishing, hiking, cutting firewood, gardening, you name it. I am a mountain boy who can’t get enough of the outdoors.  After my Father passed away in 2015, it was hard for me to get back out into the woods. It just didn’t feel the same and I was severely depressed and still battling PTSD.  After running the Marine Corps Marathon to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, I discovered that running helped, and the trail runs seemed to help the most.  Now my focus is on Ultra-long races that embeds me into the wilds for days at a time, forcing me to manage everything from my nutrition to my attitude, while testing my physical limits.

Share about one of the most memorable problem-solving moments you’ve had on the trail.

The 2022 Moab 240 was one big problem solving journey for me. Almost 5 days of problem solving began moments before the start of the race when I realized I had forgotten my headlamp. My reaction at that moment set the stage for the whole race, I followed other runners until daylight, and just  kept working through issues. I ran out of water at least 3 times, and moved on.  I lost the trail, missed a turn, and followed others off course, corrected each time and moved on. I hit several lows, fell asleep on my feet, couldn’t bear to stand on my feet, and moved on.  I was exhausted, hot and sunburned, jack-hammering in the cold, and wanting to quit, and moved on.  My team was amazing, they put me back together at each aid station, and their performance made me want it all the more for them.  In the end, I got it done, as much for them as for me.  And that is what will always make that week so special in my heart!

Who and/or what inspires you to keep moving forward? 

I am inspired by everyone who  takes risks in attempting big things where the potential for failure is real.  Certainly, my coach Jeff Browning inspires me as an amazing athlete who continues to win into his early 50’s.  His influence on me has been pivotal in my development and in reinventing my lifestyle to support my training.  Sally Mcrae inspires me as she fights through race after race, and dedicates them to her late Mother. She tells a great story afterwards that makes you feel as if you were there. My friend Sam motivates me to train hard and focus on strength to increase my durability.  Dani inspires me to be mindful and grateful for the opportunity, and reminds me to believe in myself.  My training buddy Darrin demonstrated commitment as got the Leadville 100 done this year on his 3rd try! In fact, the whole trail running community inspires me to keep training, to not die in the chair, and to celebrate the journey. Last but certainly not least is my Dad, in the way he lived his life, and in his very last breath inspired me to believe in something bigger and to keep moving forward in his honor. It’s hard, and that’s good!