I am Inspired to Run the Sedona Canyon 125 Trailrunning Race to Support The Herren Project.

I learned about the Team Herren Project while partaking in ultrarace training, inspired by Sally and Eddie McRae, Alanon, and the Aravaipa Running Community!

I've navigated 50ish years without any awareness of the ultra trail running space. But thanks for a "change encounter" with a Aravaipa Running volunteer at Piestewa Peak in Phoenix, Arizona in October 2023, then goggle search about ultrarunning which led me to the lovely McRae couple, and a year spending time with a local Alanon group, I decided to dive deep into this powerfully inspiring ultra endurance racing space.

My life has long been rooted with inner desire to live my life in a way that builds endurance, strength, and love in all aspect of my, during my journey here on earth. I learned as a young child that I was built to endure the peaks and valleys in life while maintaining a loving, forgiving heart. But sometime during my journey, I found myself in a dark space and I lost my endurance, strength, and capacity to love anyone, including myself.

Knowing that running has been a therapeutic throughout my life, allowing me to be in charge of my body physical, mentally, and spiritually, I found my motivation to step up, lace up, and get moving again, thanks to the "chance encounter," the Alanon community and the spectacular human, Sally McRae who's story hit soooo close to home.

I know that running a 5k, 10k, half-marathon etc. is often physically painful! No doubt about that if you've stepping up with your best efforts. But it is incredibly transformational for those of us committed to moving through the painful yet glorious steps. You see these endurance runs allow us to show up as our best self during life's challenges, as we build our inner resiliency and cheer on everyone showing up with this kicked laces up and kicking up some dirt on the trails while supporting each other - from the newbies like me, to the elite.

For 2024, I am going full speed ahead and diving into a 30k, 50k, 60k, 50 miler, and finishing with the Sedona Canyon 125 miler in May. By doing so, I am able to support myself which means I can also support those I love in recovery from substance use disorders (SUD).

I know that SUD disease will try's it's best to win and all cost. But, let's all come together and support our community as we understand we can endure together, we are stronger together, and we are best when we love one another! Let's kick stigma and burry it in the dirt and build a strong foundation under our feet that requires authentic social human connection.

If you feel comfortable, a small donation will go a long way to helping me meet my goal for HERREN PROJECT. This is my first time ever fundraising and I am thankful for the opportunity presented by the Herren Project Community!

Best in health everyone,

RBZ