What's New With Team Injinji

For over fifteen years, Injinji has proudly sponsored athletes who have a unique passion for their sport, communities and our toesocks. We're excited to showcase the stories of this diverse group of individuals while supporting them in reaching their athletic goals and impacting their local communities. Check in with this blog post monthly to read about Team Injinji's recent successes and upcoming challenges.

Mike Wardian (left) and Jesus Topete Jr. (right)

Jade Belzberg

Jade ran 4:14:58 in the Chuckanut 50k and secured second place! "This was a thrilling race, from start to finish, and most of all a big confidence booster for me. [...] I've wanted to run this race for a while, but go figure I would wait until we moved away from the PNW to do so. In college, the beginning miles of this race were some of the first trails I ever ran, thanks to the All Paces Tuesday Night Runs with the Fairhaven Runners. It's pretty cool to be running paces for an entire 50k I couldn't have hit for even half a mile back then."

Jesus Topete Jr.

Jesus returned to Tijuana, Mexico to run the UBT 50k. He took first place with an incredible time of 5:18:06! "UBT 50k was my first ever ultra race in 2019. I have been racing it every year ever since. I really enjoy suffering while climbing the course, took the W, and happy with my performance. Thanks to everyone who cheered for me on the course, you guys rock!"

Alexandra Mueller

Alexandra took first place at the Great Cupid Run 5k with a time of 24:04:06! "Proud of taking first overall female at The Great Cupid Run 5k! I worked hard for this one. Grabbed the lead just after mile one, locked in, and held on tight."

Zachary Bates

Smashing his 50k PR (by 40 minutes!), Zach finished 13th overall at the Crown King Scramble! "Zach had some big goals for the Crown King Scramble 50k this year. We felt like his goals were a big stretch but he really wanted to finish this steep race in five hours. He ended up crushing his goal with a finish time of 4:47:26 all while climbing around 6,800 feet. He is so proud of his work out there."

Cortney Haile

Cortney also hit the trails at the Crown King Scramble, her first race in 10 months after taking time to recover from injuries. "After almost a year off from racing to deal with some lingering issues, I was happy just to be on a start line. I knew I had to temper my expectations as I would not really be "racing" but just back enjoying what I love. The day unfolded just as I thought: the lead group surged ahead and I knew I couldn't hang, instead, I kept a steady effort, met some great people, and picked my head up to take in the beauty of the Arizona desert. [...] The body held up pretty well and I was able to finish a very, very distant 5th place female. Excited to see what this year brings and excited to be back in the trail running community that is so special!"

Mike Wardian

Mike flew internationally to compete in the Tokyo Marathon, pacing his friend and athlete Richard Whitehead. "Richard hit his goal and we had a day! He was aiming between 2:48-2:50, and he went 2:50:57. It was pretty amazing navigating the city streets of Tokyo. I got dropped in the last 5k... Richard smelled the barn and put the hammer down."

Jeff Browning

In a last minute decision to run the Mesquite Canyon Trail 50-Mile, Jeff secured second place in a time of 7:51:27! "Decided ten days out to jump in the Mesquite Canyon Trail Runs 50-miler as part of my training for Cocodona 250 in May. What a stellar day of ripping some rocky singletrack!"

Bobby Tran

Bobby celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by racing in The Speed Project with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). "Feeling grateful as I reflect on the incredible generosity and support that powered #TeamNDSS through our adventurous 340-mile #Runfor321LALV relay last weekend! We ran from LA to Las Vegas, and seeing the team's unwavering resilience, uplifted by an incredible support crew and sponsors, simply left me in awe. Not only did the team surpass its $100,000 fundraising target, but we conquered another unforgettable event and forged lasting friendships, all in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day!"

Courtney Dauwalter (left) and Mike Wardian (right)

Courtney Dauwalter

Courtney won the Transgrancanaria 126k in an impressive time of 15:15:01! "I hoped for a nice lonnnng visit to the Pain Cave and that's exactly what I got. Was a really tough night and day crossing the island but I am feeling thankful for the opportunity to have to dig in and find ways to keep pushing forward. The cave got quite a bit bigger! Thank you to everyone out on the court volunteering and cheering, and congratulations to all the runners! What a cool week of celebrating trail running and pushing our limits."

Mike Wardian

Just a few weeks after suffering an injury in a bikepacking race, Mike ran 2:43:53 at the Iwaki Sunshine Marathon in Iwaki, Japan. "I cracked at about 30k and entered the pain cave, but based on only doing a few runs leading up to the race I couldn't be happier." 

Viktoria Brown

In her first ever Ultraman, Viktoria secured first-place female and 7th place overall at Ultraman Florida, in a time of 25:33:28. She is the first Canadian woman to win Ultraman Florida and the first Hungarian individual to complete an Ultraman! "I'm extremely happy with the way it went, with the decisions that I made, and with the training that led to this race, with my race plan and how it all played out."

Zachary Bates

Competing in the Black Canyon 60k, Zach placed 21st male and 32nd overall with a time of 5:55. He achieved both goals of finishing in the top 10% of race participants and in under 6 hours!

Viktoria Brown (left) and Zachary Bates with his coach Nickademus De La Rosa (right)

Alexandra Mueller

Alexandra took a shot at her first ever 100-miler race at the Rocky Raccoon 100 in Huntsville, Texas. She pulled out of the race after 40 miles due to injury, but put up an amazing performance nonetheless: "Not a DNF, but a MRD (Made the Right Decision). Still a PR distance for me. My ultra journey is far from over. I'm coming home with that buckle in 2025."

Trevor Davenport

Trevor ran the Hom100 in support of his friend, Tony Hom, who passed away from ALS in 2013. "Having known Tony, Jodi, and their children for the last 15 years, we have struggled with understanding the unfairness of it all. Why is it that bad things happen to good people? We know there is no real answer to this question, so we do what we do best. We support our friends in any way possible... even if it qualifies as crazy." Trevor has been running this race for 10 years, and 2024 was another unforgettable event: "There are far too many people to thank for another successful Hom100 in memory of Tony Hom."

Anthony Lee

Despite a last-minute decision to enter the race, Anthony secured second place at the 9 Dragons race in Hong Kong with a finish time of 6:31! "What a way to end my trip to Hong Kong by racing the super tough 50k with 3,530m of vertical. What a way to celebrate with the Asian trail community! I knew competition would be tough in Asia and the elites here are built differently, but I wanted to challenge them since I wasn't mentioned in any previews since they don't know me...well I went out from the gun to try going toe to toe with the champions of HK. My legs are absolutely thrashed from all the concrete and stairs going up and down the mountain. I came out of it stronger physically and mentally."

Jeff Browning (left) and Anthony Lee (right)

The Coldwater Rumble 100 mile marked Jeff Browning's 52nd 100-mile race (at 52 years old)! His first place finish is the 30th first-place, 100-mile finish in his athletic career. "I dig running Aravaipa Running's Coldwater Ramble because it's rocky, punchy, and runnable. Who doesn't like 60s or 70s in the desert in January? Definitely not the normal mountain race I like to sign up for. Good to get out of the comfort zone and "run" a 100 sometimes. Giddyup!"

In his third Hurt 100 race, Anthony Lee landed the second-place spot on the podium with a huge PR of 21:39. The Hurt 100 is an endurance run through the rainforests of Hawaii with extremely challenging terrain—rooted trails, hairpin turns, switchbacks, muddy crossings, and steep inclines. "This year's race was something special and I am still trying to wrap my head around it. Third time is the charm on this special alternative course with approximately 27K vertical feet (8,200m+). I captured lightning in a bottle and am really proud of this result after having two previous results that weren't up to what I thought I could run. I already can't wait to be back in 2025. See you in Hawaii, Hurt! Mahalo!" 

Zachary Bates (left) and Jade Belzberg (right)

Zach started 2024 on a high note after his first-place finish at the Across the Years 24-Hour race. Held at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Arizona, Across the Years is an annual, fixed-time, multi-day running event to celebrate the new year. In 24 hours, he ran 125 miles, setting PRs in multiple distances along the way: 50 miles in 9:03, 100 kilometers in 11:02, and 100 miles in 18:42. Zach is gearing up for an incredible year as he prepares for the Cocodona 250, his first 200+ mile race. 

Jade secured a first-place podium finish at the La Cuesta Ranch 25K! "Rough month, but not a rough race (except for the very technical descent at the end of each loop.) It's always so rewarding to run local races. If you haven't run an AllWeDoIsRun race, you really should. And if you haven't run a local race to wherever your local is, here's your sign to do that, too!"

In his pursuit to race in every month of 2024, Jesus started his journey with the San Diego 50, a 50-mile race in Elevation Culture's race series. Jesus ran in 6:26:09, finishing first and setting a new course record. "I set up my own personal goals. I don't compete against people anymore. It's me against me." 

Phil Shin (left) and Jesus Topete Jr. (right)

In his first race of 2024, Phil raced in WeSPARK with a very special crew: his transplant surgeon, PA, transplant clinic director, and the caregivers and administrators at the Keck School of Medicine. "If you're familiar with my journey then you know how running, cancer, and transplant have been interwoven to allow myself to keep going and redefine my personal boundaries since receiving my liver transplant four years ago." Reflecting on his race experience, Phil says, "To see it come together running alongside the very heroes who extended my life was simply overwhelming."

Mike competed in a bikepacking race following the length of New Zealand's South Island, Te Waipounamu o Aotearoa. The route covers over 800 miles, crossing through forests, valleys, mountains, and roads. Mike made the decision to withdraw from the race after 328 miles due to injury, but agrees the journey was "one of the wildest and most beautifully tough things I have ever done." For Mike, the experience was a great learning opportunity of pushing your limits: "It challenged me to my core. I know I am better for the experience. Failure hurts but so does not trying, so might as well see what's possible. We didn't get to the finish but I rode longer and better than I ever have in my life, and next time I will make it even further." 

Alyssa finally got to compete in the Last Skier Standing—an event that's been on her list for years! In this race, skiers must complete one lap up and down the ski area of Black Mountain of Maine (1,200 vertical feet!) every hour, until only one skier remains. Alyssa was excited headed into the race, saying, "I have absolutely no idea what I'm capable of doing but I know it's going to be a whole lot of silly, fun, hard, and everything in between."

Caroline Himbert with friends (left) and Viktoria Brown (right)

Mike Wardian competed in the Ragnar Relay on October 5 in Louisville, Kentucky. He secured second place in the Ultra Division in 28:06:09 and ran over 50 miles! Mike then went on to race in the Marine Corps 50K in Washington, DC, finishing in 3:10:18 for second place overall. "I missed the 40-49 American Record by about seven minutes. No regrets, I knew today would be tough, I was feeling amazing until I wasn't... on pace until halfway when the heat & humidity crept up. I knew I needed to keep battling but I just didn't have it in the end. I will try again and I appreciate everyone who cheered for me and supported me along the way." 

Caroline raced in the Kodiak 100 miler and finished third female, running the entire race in the Trail Midweight Mini-Crew! "It was so great to return to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) where I did my first thru-hike back in 2016 and compete against some incredible runners! My goal was to leave it all out there and get close to a 24-hour finish. I knew I had it in me but a hundred miles is such a gamble and you never know what you get. I was able to finish the in just under 24 hours and finish the 101 and change mile race in 24:11 for the third female finish and a ticket to UTMB next year! Thank you to Injinji for keeping my feet blister-free!" 

Viktoria traveled to Hawaii to participate in the Kona Ironman World Championship! Unfortunately, she collided with a group of cyclists along the course, but was still able to finish the race with minor injuries. "Swim overall PR at 1:23, super happy. Bike Kona PR 5:48. It went really well until the crash at 113km/70 miles, then it was a survival game to T2 with a lot of pain, still not too unhappy with the ride, I felt way better than last year! Run Kona PR at 4:15, started walking first, then jogging, then even had good periods of actual running at the original goal pace! My legs felt great, goal pace felt as easy as it should have and if I didn't crash, I believe I would have had the run that I was hoping for." 

Jesus Topete Jr. (left) and Justin Nucum with friends (right)

Toby ran the Chicago Marathon on October 8 with a time of 5:45:24! "This wasn't just a marathon, this was an experience. Bucket list status." Two weeks later, she traveled to Spain to start the Azores Triangle Adventure! The Azores Triangle Adventure is a three-day, three-stage trail running race on three islands of the Azores Arquipelago: Pico Island, São Jorge Island and Faial Island. 

Justin had a busy October full of back-to-back races and CrossFit competitions! After PR'ing in the Long Beach Half Marathon, he went on to race in SoCal Trail's Malibu Search & Rescue 5K and 5025 No Name Race. He placed 2nd place overall male and 10th place in age group, respectively. At the end of the month, he competed in Fallout4's CrossFit competition and placed sixth (out of 24!) in the Co-Ed Intermediate Division.

Jesus ran the Kodiak 100K in Big Bear Lake, California. "My goal was to finish and get my UTMB running stone points for the lottery, mission accomplished. Also was able to snatch a top ten overall; that was another win for me." He competed in his second 100K of the month at the Javelina Jundred 100K! "From wanting to quit (DNF) from mile 24-41 (two loop knee issues) to getting onto the podium at third place and fourth overall, what a turnaround for me. Never give up!" 

Cris crossed the line of the Columbus Half Marathon in 68:10! "This is the first race in a couple of years where I haven't hit any of my A, B, or C goals. But it happens and at the end of the day if I'm a little disappointed at 68:10 then that's a good place to be. I can't say I'm disappointed with my effort though, or the experience."

Jesse Fuller (left) and Jessica Storrison-Carmean (right)

Jesse ran the PB&J 50K and the Bikenetic Cyclocross race the following day! "My first back-to-back races in years. Challenging due to the high temps and a fall on my bike due to loose/wet gravel but got both done with good results (Injinji Halloween socks were a big help lol)."

Jessica completed the Lone Wolf Gravel Race (36 miles) in Iron Mountain, MI. "It’s a super local race and I’m friends with the organizers. It’s a lovely time up in the Upper Peninsula and the whole ride is basically a fall color tour."

Skye spent some time in Yosemite during shoulder season. "I climbed Royal Arches with my partner (15 pitches of 5.8 trad), and we took our own engagement photos which turned out amazing! I’m currently bouldering in the Buttermilks (Bishop, CA), but heading to Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas this week to spend the rest of the month climbing there!" 

• Mike Wardian - Pacing Richard Whitehead in the TCS NYC Marathon
• Bobby Le - Mamba 100
• Cali Schweikhart - World's Toughest Mudder
• Gwen Rudy - UTMB Puerto Vallarta 100
• Justin Nucum - Spartan Race (Ultra 50K)
• Kati Keenan - Broken Toe 50K
• Lovelyn Findley - Pinhoti 100 
• Alexandra Mueller - TCS NYC Marathon
• Zachary Bates - Pass Mountain 25K
• James Lauriello - Wild Florida 50K

Peter Mortimer holding the monster at the Mogollon Monster 100.

The Mogollon Monster 100 is a rugged, 100-mile endurance trail race outside of Phoenix in a small town called Pine, Arizona. Peter Mortimer secured 1st place! "[I] took the win at the Mogollon Monster 100 through some brutal heat and rocks that will knock your socks off. It was a day of pure suffering, but that's what I came for."

Alyssa took on the formidable Montane Dragon's Back Race which spans the length of Wales over a six-day effort. "I'm pleased and proud to have finished this year in seventh overall and second female which is the highest an American woman has ever finished. There were far more demons left out on the course from 2019 than I expected to encounter. This led to a rough start and me playing it far too safe. There are many many more things to be said, but I could not be more thankful for all the runners, volunteers, my friends and family who sent dragon mail, messages and well wishes. I did not slay the dragon, but ran beside her."

Denise competed in the Run Rabbit Run 100-miler in Steamboat Springs, CO, and was the oldest female to compete in the race! Unfortunately, she pulled out of the race early and had a DNF. However, she's looking forward to what's next on her racing schedule!

Denise Bourassa (left) and Alyssa Amos Clark (right)

The EMU 6 Day Race World Trophy is a competition in which runners from different countries represent their home country in a six-day race. It is one of the few six-day challenges in the world. This year, there were 18 women and 42 men competing.

Team Injinji's Viktoria Brown finished as the first-place woman and broke the Canadian six-day record with 747 km! "It was a hard fight for the win. I had salmonella poisoning on day five which definitely didn't help me reach my goals but you play with the cards you are dealt on the day (or two or six...) and I feel we did that perfectly! We overcame it and managed to run 151 km on day six."

Jade Belzberg (left) and Trevor Davenport (right)

"Grand To Grand was one of the hardest things I've done in my life. I'm pretty sure I've never even run 100 miles in a week let alone 171 (with 18,000' of climbing). If you were to take all the hardest parts about running through a desert and put them into a single race...this would be the one. Sand, scrub, dunes, slot canyons, cacti, lava...it was pretty relentless. But such a great race with so many amazing people participating.

I got seventh place overall (53 starters, 30 finishers) and first in my age group (50-59). My time was 52 hours, 41 minutes and 45 seconds. Grand To Grand is a 171 mi / 275 km self-supported stage race (over seven days)."

Jade Belzberg competed in the Cuyamaca 100K with her partner, Nick, and had the opportunity to experience some of the hardest moments of the race together. In her blog recap of the race, she recognizes "that it’s rare for a couple to share similar fitness, and rarer still to train so much together and feel thrilled to get to race together too."

Jade was selected from the Cuyamaca 100K waitlist in July and had been looking forward to it for months. She finished in 11:38, first place female, and fourth overall! 

• Alexandra Mueller - Bilbao Night Marathon
• Toby Benguerel - Azores Triangle
• Jesus Topete Jr. - Javeline 100K (trying for top five!)
• Justin Nucum - Fallout4
• Mike Wardian - Marine Corps Marathon

Zachary Bates (left) and Anthony Lee (right) at Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 2023.

• Mike McKnight scored 16th place overall with a time of 21:28.
• Phil Shin was faced with medical concerns and made the difficult decision to drop out of the race.

• Courtney Dauwalter scored an incredible first female finish at UTMB with a time of 23:29:14, just on the heels of scoring first at Western States and the Hardrock 100.
• Anthony Lee completed his 20th 100-miler at UTMB with a time of 28:17 at 112th place overall.
• Zachary Bates unfortunately had to make the difficult decision to pull out of the race around mile 50.

In August competed in two CrossFit competitions in August: Bridgetown Throwdown and PAINKLLR. Both are known to be very challenging in their own ways. Since this was out of my element and my first time at both events, I aimed to have fun and make it through.

Bridgetown Throwdown is a 2-day CrossFit event featuring six workouts spread out over the weekend. There is a strategic aspect to the competition, involving knowing which events play to my strengths and which might put me at a disadvantage. I performed well in the conditioning and endurance workouts, which included a 400m hill sprint and a 1,000m row followed by a 400m trail run. I even took first place in my heat and posted the fastest time of the day in one of these events.

However, I struggled in the strength workouts where athletes were lifting significantly heavier weights than I did. After the first day, I held first place in my division. Day 2 proved more challenging due to soreness and fatigue from the previous day, but I managed to get third place overall in my division. Looking back, I realize I could have given my all in every workout, as I held back a bit in one or two of them.

With that in mind, I might have achieved a higher placement. Nevertheless, I'm immensely proud of my performance and ranking. A special bonus was having my mom spectate on day one, making it even more meaningful since it was the first time she had watched me compete in many years. I wore the Ultra Run Midweight Mini-Crew socks on both days.

PAINKLLR was a partner competition in Venice Beach. Two of the workouts took place on the sandy terrain, adding to the difficulty, while the other two were on the blacktop of the basketball courts. This competition lived up to its challenging reputation. My partner and I ended up in fifth place overall. We weren't entirely sure what to expect going into the event, but we knew the workouts would be tough due to their short time limits, requiring us to push ourselves to the limit. I'm proud of both my partner and myself for the effort we put into preparing for the event. During the workouts on the blacktop, I wore the Ultra Run Midweight Crew socks.

Justin Nucum at a Crossfit competition.

In September, I will be pacing one of my athletes in Arizona for a 100-miler. This will be my second time pacing for a 100-miler, and I am always honored to be a part of it. I am training for numerous trail running races and events in the latter part of the year. There will be some Crossfit and Spartan Races sprinkled in, but my focus will primarily be on trail races. My main goal for this month is to increase my mileage. Last month, I was highly focused on Crossfit and didn't get to run as much. I'm hoping to double the mileage I covered then.

What was your goal in August and how did you choose it?

My goal was to climb one or two 14ers (Colorado peaks over 14,000 ft) each weekend, focusing on improving my speed and strength. I aimed to maintain my fitness level for the North Pole expedition in the spring and for any other opportunities that might come up. Currently, I am working on logistics for a potential climb in Alaska this fall and another in Ecuador over the holidays.

What worked well? Did any unexpected challenges come up?

The only challenge, the usual challenge, was finding the right boot system for my left leg with the new orthotics I had made earlier this year. This has always been a significant challenge, but fortunately, I have socks that prevent blistering. With some adjustments here and there, climbs have been amazing, and I feel ready for the North Pole expedition or any other adventures that come my way!

Anything you would have done differently? Anything you're proud of doing?

Ha, I sometimes wish my day job didn't interfere during the week, allowing me to live at 14,000 feet like a mountain goat.

What socks did you wear?

I wore the Women's Liner + Hiker Crew and the Women's Liner + Runner Mini-Crew.

Meghan Buchanan

Got any trips planned?

I'm currently working on trips to Alaska and Ecuador, all leading up to completing the Explorers Grand Slam with the Last Degree Ski to the North Pole in 2024. Logistics are still a challenge, as the only current departure point is Russia, which is not an option for anyone from a NATO nation. So we are exploring a never-done-before approach that will combine canoeing and skiing to reach the North Pole! Fingers crossed.

What have you been training for or prioritizing?

NORTH POLE (waving my arms around like Animal from the Muppets.)

What is your main goal or objective for this month? What are you stoked for?

My main goal is to maintain a top level of fitness and plan for the Alaska Expedition. I'm also working on booking Keynote speaker jobs to cover the costs, ha. 

August Race: Tracksmith Twilight 5K - Ann Arbor

What was your goal and how did you choose it?

I had two goals for the Tracksmith Twilight 5k in Ann Arbor. The first goal was to win and, hopefully, set a personal best of 14:37. I had a string of a couple of great workouts that I knew set me up to at least come close to hitting that mark. I was one of the higher seeds for the event, so I wanted to position myself well and see if I could break the tape.

What worked well? Did any unexpected challenges come up?

I stayed pretty engaged through the first 3K. We had a fantastic pacer, and I did a great job of not getting carried away and settled into a nice groove. What I didn't expect was the weather to be warm at 9 PM. I started to fall asleep after the pacer dropped, resulting in some slower splits. Thankfully, I managed to rally for a strong final 400m, coming within milliseconds of my personal best, running 14:37 and winning by a 10-second margin.

Anything you would have done differently? Anything you're proud of doing?

I definitely would have put a more aggressive move down around the 1200m mark and focused on the upcoming lap instead of losing focus and looking at the crowd. I'm really proud of not falling apart over the second half and staying tough despite the warm conditions. Running so close to a personal best in less-than-ideal conditions was great.

What socks did you wear?

I wore the Men's Liner + Runner Mini-Crew socks.

Cris Gutierrez

What have you been training for or prioritizing?

My training block for CIM started this week. I am prioritizing sleep, recovery, and strengthening my foot ahead of a very challenging block. The ultimate goal at the end of this block is to qualify for the Olympic Trials Marathon, so every week counts now. 

What is your main goal or objective for this month? What are you stoked for?

My main goal is to strengthen my foot, which I injured in early January. It's been a persistent issue all year, so I've started a weekly PT regimen and rehabilitation stretches. I'm really excited to jump into this training block and see what's possible.

What was your goal in August and how did you choose it?

My A Race was this month! The Marquette Trail 50 miler is a very technical rocky and rooty race that highlights awesome trails and our local Four Peaks loop. I actually missed my time cut off at mile forty in 2019, so it was a bit of a revenge race for me.

What worked well? Did any unexpected challenges come up?

Overall, things went great! The weather was sunny and a bit hot for the Upper Peninsula, but I was able to stay well-hydrated. The biggest challenge? Wasps! I got stung five times between miles 8.5 to 11.5. The stings on my calves swelled up significantly! 

Anything you would have done differently? Anything you're proud of doing?

I'm not sure what could’ve been done differently, but I’m really proud of the pace I kept and running 45 minutes to an hour ahead of cutoff times considering I had been pulled for time in the past.

What socks did you wear?

I wore the Women’s Spectrum Midweight Trail socks in Beam.

Jessica Storrison-Carmean

What have you been training for or prioritizing?

With my running goal for the year accomplished, I’m shifting gears and increasing my weightlifting as I build towards competitions in November and March. I’m also enjoying myself on the mountain bike!

What is your main goal or objective for this month? What are you stoked for?

I’m excited to get back to being more serious with weightlifting and enjoy the great fall weather. I’m stoked for cyclocross season too! I’m on the board for our cyclocross race organization and our season is just starting.

Tara Warren at the High Lonesome 100 (left) and Jessica Storrison-Carmean (right) at the Grand Island 50k.

• Courtney Dauwalter: 1st female, 4th overall
• Jeff Browning: 5th male, 6th overall
• Mike Wardian: 16th male, 20th overall

• Tara Warren - High Lonesome 100
• Skye Stoury - Elk Valley 15k - Her First Trail Race!
• Viktoria Brown - Badwater 135
• Jessica Storrison - Carmean - Grand Island 50k
• Justin Nucuum - The Mount Baldy 5000

I had a few big goals for July, namely the Ned Gravel 116 mile bike race and an 8 hour Tough Mudder event where you try to run as many laps as possible. I really wanted to focus on fueling and hydrating well and managing my effort throughout both races. I was able to take 3rd in the bike race and win the Tough Mudder, feeling really strong for both, so I am stoked on that! I of course wore Injinji for both - some higher Crew socks for the bike race and Mini-Crews for the Tough Mudder!

I have the goal of competing in the Spartan Killington 50K in mid-September, so for August, I really want to up my time on feet and get some solid vert as I prep for that! 

In July I ran the Badwater 135 in Death Valley, which is labeled as the "World's Toughest Footrace". I came 4th female in 30h 11 mins and while I was not perfectly happy with the way it went, I feel it was a good effort for a first shot at this grueling race. I wore the Injinji Sport Midweight Crews and my feet were very happy for the whole race! 

In August I will compete in the 48h World Championship for ultrarunning in the UK and I'm lining up as the defending champion so there is some expectation to do well. I can potentially aim for a number of records that I have been very close to in my recent races, I can break my own Canadian 48h record, the Hungarian 48h record that a legendary ultrarunner holds who had a number of world records to her name back in the day (I was within 4km last time at 365km), the Canadian men's 48h record (I was within 3 km), then there is the age group world record which also doable as long as everything goes to plan. Fingers crossed!

After a tumultuous few weeks of work, travel, and life, I am finally getting back into a regular routine and hope it carries forward. My only goal in August is to stick to my training plan to get ready for a November race.

In July, I actually stopped almost all activities because I was traveling abroad. No regrets! I only brought my injinji socks on the trip and it's safe to say, I was beyond comfortable for all the walking I did across Asia and the middle east!

In August, I'll be restarting my training and hopefully will be in shape for my first ultramarathon in September. My main goal for the month is to have fun with my running and cycling. Not forcing any activities, but simply enjoy the fact that I am putting my feet down on the ground and moving forward. 

July was a funky month with two races canceled because of extreme weather situations, but luckily no injuries or issues!

On the plus side, August is looking great with a fun trail running camp in Washington State, and then I will be headed to Wales for the Dragon's Back Race which is a 6-day stage race across the length of Wales. Will definitely need lots of socks for that!

Alyssa Amos out on a training run above the clouds.

We can't wait to hear about Alyssa Amos' race across Wales and we'd love to know what helps Bobby Le stick his training plan. Check in next month to find out and see what Team Injinji is up to next!