What in your life are you a beginner at these days?
This deceptively powerful question frames our one-year podcast anniversary episode, challenging us to examine where we're growing versus where we're playing it safe. When we only do things we've already mastered, our lives remain constrained to a small, comfortable sandbox. But embracing beginner status—with all its awkwardness and uncertainty—expands our world exponentially.
Our podcast journey epitomizes this principle. From terrified novices to confident conversationalists 53 episodes later, we've discovered the transformative power of consistent practice and patience. Yet perhaps our most dramatic beginner's journey has been our unexpected dive into trail running and ultramarathons.
What began with a casual interview with an ultrarunner in February has exploded into a full-blown passion. Daryl shares his remarkable progression from reluctant runner to completing a grueling 50K (31-mile) ultramarathon with 5,000 feet of elevation gain. We explore the physical and mental challenges of trail running—from embracing walking uphill to recovering from falls (three in the first lap alone!)—and how these experiences cultivate a profound sense of calm that extends into everyday life.
Looking ahead, we're tackling even bigger challenges: a 50-mile ultramarathon in two weeks, a 103-mile Death Ride cycling event, and eventually a mind-boggling 125-mile ultramarathon in Arizona next year. We've discovered that the willingness to say "I don't know how to do this yet, but I'm going to figure it out" opens doors that would otherwise remain firmly closed.
Ready to expand your own definition of what's possible? Listen now, then ask yourself: what new beginning might be waiting for you?
