As entrepreneurs and ultrarunners, we’re used to pushing past the limits of what seems possible. We’re problem solvers, finding ways around obstacles that others may consider impossible. That’s why making the decision to NOT start the Moab 240 this year felt like such a heavy blow. But, sometimes the smartest move is stepping back, even when everything inside you wants to push forward.

A Hard Truth – Accepting the Injury

For months, I had been preparing for this race. The Moab 240, a 240-mile ultramarathon, was supposed to be my next great challenge. 

After finishing the Triple Crown of 200’s last year (three 200 mile foot races starting about six weeks apart and totalling over 654 miles) I was looking forward to focusing on one “A Race” for the season – a race that I would plan my entire year around.

Training had been intense, but I felt I was ready – until a 20-mile run up a steep incline ended with an ominous snap in my foot. The diagnosis from the doctor was not what I wanted to hear: an 80% tear in my plantar fascia and a bone spur. Yet, like many driven people, I didn’t want to accept this reality.

I cycled through the stages of grief—denial, bargaining, and everything in between. I looked for every possible way to convince myself that the injury wasn’t as serious as it seemed. After all, ultrarunning is as much about problem-solving as it is about running. 

But after consulting with my doctor, my crew, and my support system, I was faced with a sobering fact: I had less than a 10% chance of just finishing the race without doing additional, long-term damage to my foot, and I certainly wouldn’t be able to compete for a strong finish.

Could I have pushed through the pain? Probably. I’ve done it before, and I know how to endure it. But the reality was clear – there was a huge risk I wouldn’t finish, and even if I somehow did, the long-term impact could have sidelined me from running for good. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I had to come to terms with the idea that this wasn’t a problem I could simply “solve” with willpower alone.

Listening to the Experts and My Support System

One of the hardest parts of being a determined, self-driven person is knowing when to listen to the experts around you. My podiatrist and surgeon gave me their opinions—attempting the race could cause irreparable harm. My crew, who had been with me through countless races, also attempted to convince me it wasn’t worth the risk.  One of my crew and pacers said “I don’t just want to run the Moab 240 with you one more time, I want to run it with you five more times and to do that you’ve got to be healthy enough in the future to run it.”  It was clear to them that the risk wasn’t worth it.

But for me, the decision wasn’t just physical—it was emotional and financial. I had already paid for the race, the gear, and all the logistics. Part of me kept thinking: “I’ve already invested so much, shouldn’t I at least try?” But as every entrepreneur knows, sometimes the best financial decision is to cut your losses early rather than push forward and risk losing even more. In this case, the “more” wasn’t just money—it was my ability to run for years to come.

This situation is a lot like making tough decisions in business. Sometimes you have to step back from a project you’ve poured time and resources into, not because you want to, but because it’s the smarter long-term play. It’s about realizing that one short-term setback is worth it if it means a better future.

Finding New Purpose – Volunteering at the Aid Stations

After deciding not to start the race, I didn’t want to simply walk away. I still felt connected to the race and to the ultrarunning community, so my crew and I made the decision to volunteer at two of the aid stations. Instead of running the Moab 240, we would help other runners achieve their goal of finishing the race. And in doing so, I found a new perspective on the race.

Volunteering at the aid station will give me insight into the challenges other runners face and how they solve them. I know I will see grit, determination, and problem-solving in action. I will learn a lot from watching what strategies work for some and what mistakes led others to struggle. It will be a powerful reminder that showing up and staying present, even when you’re not competing, keeps you close to your goals. You learn, you grow, and you stay motivated.

In many ways, this experience is similar to being a business leader. You don’t always have to be the one in the spotlight to learn valuable lessons or to contribute to the success of others. Volunteering at the aid stations will allow me to be part of the community, support others, and, in a way, prepare myself mentally and emotionally for my own next attempt at the race—because I do plan to try again next year.

Staying Connected to the Goal

For anyone who’s ever had to pull back from a major goal, you know how difficult it is to stay connected to your passion. But sometimes, stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away. In fact, it can be an important part of staying motivated and focused on the long-term vision. By staying engaged in the ultrarunning community and contributing to others’ success, I found renewed energy and clarity for my own goals.

Just as in entrepreneurship, taking time to help others can often reignite your own drive. You gain perspective on your own journey, learn new strategies, and grow from the experiences of those around you. Sometimes, stepping back allows you to return stronger and more prepared for the next big push.

Building Resilience and Looking Ahead

Deciding not to run the Moab 240 was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. But in the end, it was the right choice. By putting my long-term health and future races ahead of a short-term victory, I made the strategic decision that would allow me to come back stronger.

And that’s the lesson I want to share with you. Whether you’re an ultrarunner or an entrepreneur, you’re going to face moments where the best decision isn’t the easiest one. Sometimes, you have to take a short-term loss for long-term gain. Sometimes, resilience isn’t about pushing forward at all costs—it’s about knowing when to step back, regroup, and make the smarter choice for your future.

While I didn’t run the Moab 240 this year, I haven’t let go of the goal. I’ve learned, grown, and stayed connected to the ultrarunning community by volunteering and helping others achieve their own goals. Just like in business, stepping back doesn’t mean you’re giving up—it means you’re playing the long game. Sometimes the hardest decisions are the ones that set you up for the most success in the future.

I’ll be back on that trail next year, ready to take on the challenge. And when I do, I’ll be better prepared—physically, mentally, and strategically.

Until next time, keep focused on the long-term vision. Whether you’re facing a race or a business challenge, remember that sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to step back, learn, and come back stronger. Stay tuned for my next update—there’s always another race ahead.