August 22, 2025 – Pre-Race Reflections
Tomorrow, I’ll be lining up for my second Hoodoo 300—this time racing in the Nomad (self-supported) division. I hadn’t originally planned to do this event again this year. In fact, I signed up at the last minute, thinking it would be a solid tune-up for the real challenge looming in September: The 508 in Borrego Springs. That race will be the true test of my endurance this season. But Hoodoo offers the perfect opportunity to push myself, dial in my self-support systems, and get reacquainted with racing through the highs and lows of a long day (and night) in the saddle.
Since my last Hoodoo 300 in 2023, a lot has changed. I’m coming into this one about 15 pounds heavier (185 lbs now vs. 170 then), and my fitness metrics reflect the toll of two years of injuries and inconsistent training. My Garmin VO₂ max is down by more than a little, and my FTP is about 8% lower too. On paper, I’m not as strong as I was.
But I’m also not the same rider. I’ve logged more ultra-distance miles, gained valuable experience with fueling and hydration strategies, and—perhaps most importantly—learned how to ride through discomfort and doubt. What I lack in raw numbers, I hope to make up for with resilience and smarter execution.
Racing in the Nomad division means no crew, no follow car—just me, the bike, and whatever I can carry or pick up along the way. It’s a format that demands independence, planning, and grit. My goal? To beat my 2023 finishing time and prove to myself that even when fitness isn’t ideal, experience and determination still count for something.
I’ll be back with a full race recap once I cross the finish line. For now, the gear is packed, the prep is done, and I’m ready to head back into the Utah landscape to see what this body can do.
