The long way forward: Ultra-trail racing is gruelling but exhilarating

One day in early spring, a little over a year ago, I exited my house and ran into my neighbour from three doors down. Chakib and I had never actually spoken before, besides perhaps a cordial hello.
This time we stopped and talked. I asked him about the group of runners I had seen assembling on his steps for months, or maybe years. He said, “Why don’t you join us?”
“Maybe,” I replied.
Then I did what I always do before committing to what I sense will be a significant