Weeks later, I continue to process and mediate on my experience in Bhutan. Many profound and truly life changing lessons are being understood and applied. Bhutan is a small country and unique in so many positive ways. Despite its size it is a bold and stronger leader in the climate space. As the Chairman often says it punches above its weight. My soul feels very content in Bhutan, the pressure of capitalism seems less there and the elevating of joy and contentment is very inspiring to me. Some lessons will go unsaid, as they are deeply personal and many others will take time to articulate and share. I am convinced that my time there spent with humans I consider close friends or even chosen family, altered the course of my life and has the potential to continue to do so. Though, what it requires of me now is action. So many times we were asked “why are you here” or “what can you do”. I mentioned in a previous post that I felt the actions I take can in so many ways offset the impact of my travel across the world and as I wrap up my writings for now I want to share a list of what I am planning on doing, and ask for your help for what more you think I should do

All of the gear I used during the Snowman Race 2024. Included is weight breakdown and description of the Gear.

I woke on the 5th day feeling a mix of excitement and sadness. The excitement stemmed from the knowledge that at the end of the day’s stage I would be arriving at the finish area and back in the arms of my partner Tanae. The sadness was brought on by the knowledge that I would be leaving these beautiful high mountains and returning to the hectic demands of life in the modern world. There is a wonderful simplicity that comes with extended trips in the mountains. Life is distilled to the simple tasks of sleep, eat, movement, eat, sleep. Mix in some wonderful company of friends, who felt more like family, and that is a rhythm that I find very satisfying. I crawled out of my sleeping awash with these mixed emotions and went to the task that was feeling very routine. Put on the running kit, pack the running vest, and head out to get breakfast.

Fourth day of racing at Snowman Race. Speedy start followed by a few miles with friends and then the lowest, darkest section of the race for me. There was a rally and then so many laughs at the finish line.

Day 3 of racing at the 2024 Snowman Race. Perhaps one of the best days of running of my life, also one of my favorite places on the planet to run.

The second day of racing started with an overly chipper Bryon Powell announcing that it was time to get up. His booming and cheerful voice blew in to my eardrums at promptly 4:30 am. Surprisingly I had slept quite well and had very little soreness with the exception of the spot on my left pelvis that I had smashed into the rock in the fall late in yesterday’s stage. I spent 20 minutes re-packing my bag and getting myself sorted alongside my tent mate Cody Lind. Just before 5:00 am we emerged from the tent ready for breakfast, medical and gear checks, and for the start of stage 2.