We danced all night beneath the stars. It was heaven and hell all at the same time, but now it’s morning and the pain has (mostly) faded. I’m back in the states. I’ve got COVID. Fortunately my symptoms are not crazy bad. I sleep, eat (mostly Mexican takeout), and go for easy runs. I also look ahead to what’s next. For some reason I feel that itch, that urge to get out in the mountains and get after it. I’m not sure why it’s there so soon after a 100 miler, but it feels good. I’m glad it is. So now the question is what to do with it. I’m back on the road, driving west to Oregon, so I have ample time to think. First is to recover from COVID and loosen up this tight hip. Second, well, that’s what I’m working on. Originally I thought to go to @utct , but then realized it would interfere with the Thanksgiving holiday here in the states. I’m still considering it, but entertaining other ideas as well. Perhaps a fun project instead, like a fast time on a challenging route. @jackkuenzle ‘s recent FKT on the Bob Graham round was awesome. Dude’s been tearing it up. He nabbed the Mount Hood FKT last spring and just keeps charging. The FKT world is different than racing, but to me, still very cool. I like the history and stories behind the routes, the dedication and intimate knowledge it takes to master them, and the community that holds them so dear to their hearts. Sure, not every FKT may be this way, but the good ones are. Anyhow, I’m still not sure what I’ll do with myself this fall, but I hope I find something that scratches that itch. #neverstopexploring @thenorthface @thenorthface_trail @cxpofficialltd @guenergylabs @run_ride_pa 📸: @romainbourven