this & that
it's been a while
miles
My last post was about the power of running and all the lessons I’ve learned on my own two feet. I wrote it just a couple of weeks before running my second 50k, the Speedgoat 50k in Utah. The race is a healthy 33 mile race wherein runners gain over 11,500ft of elevation throughout the course. To give you some perspective on the course, it took me 11.5 hours, which is over four hours longer than my first 50k took to complete. I had never been so nervous for anything in my life.
Though nerves and fear had been coursing through my body for a couple of weeks leading up to the race, on the morning of, it felt like all that energy and noise became one clear tone, something to the tune of, “let’s fucking go bitch!”. With over 11 hours ahead of me, there was no choice other than to focus on one foot in front of the other. The scent of wild herbs being gently crushed by hundreds of pairs of feet, the camaraderie that is organically born amongst competitors after hours of sweat and breathing together, the sunrise over the mountain, the cheer of the aid station volunteers— it was all so beautiful and special to be a part of. Any race that goes off without a major hitch is a blessing and not to be taken for granted. You can train all you want, and your stomach could betray you the day of the race. Your cardio could be in tip top shape and then elevation could hit you in a way it hasn’t before. You could simply roll an ankle on a downhill and be out. All of these things can happen—and do happen—to the best of the best. The fact that I walked away from this race feeling good and strong is everything and more than I could have asked for.
& marriage
Getting married less than a month after this race was an interesting timing choice, but nonetheless, Jed and I had an intimate wedding in Montréal, Canada just a few weeks later. I can’t wait to share pictures, but we are feeling so lucky that it was everything we dreamed of. It was A LOT of work- we did almost everything ourselves (with plenty of help from family!). But it was so, so wonderful. We felt un-rushed and at ease, surrounded by just a handful of close friends and family. I am so grateful we got to do it the way we did and feel forever thankful for the support from our people.
Reflecting on being married now is interesting. There was a time I was in such a rush for the next step. As I’ve settled well into my 32nd year on this planet, and my sixth year with my partner, I’ve found myself feeling the least urgent I ever have. I’m excited to simply enjoy where we are for the next little bit of time!
a R.E.P.O.R.T
I thought it would be fun to do a little “R.E.P.O.R.T.” as a bit of a recap of the past month or so. So here goes.
READING
Gosh, I love reading. Speaking of, please enjoy my avid reader friend Diana’s Substack (in general and) on reading. She writes in all caps and speaks to important and current issues, both nostalgic and thought-provoking.
Aside from There There by Tommy Orange which was EXCELLENT (if you are a Louise Erdrich fan and enjoy learning about Native history, check out Tommy), the past few books I’ve read have been just okay.
Penance was not for me. Not only was I confused about it being a fiction or non-fiction book (I texted Diana “I don’t know if I can handle this”, thinking it was non-fiction, despite the clear “fiction” label affixed on the binding…if you read this you’ll understand why it’s confusing), the violence felt like too much and just over the top. I’m sensitive in the first place but it left me feeling disturbed. Maybe it is an important illustration of dark corners of the internet that do exist, but I think I’m okay with knowing about them and not really taking a peek into them.
Talking at Night was alright, somewhat reminiscent of a Sally Rooney tale, it didn’t move me much.
IYDLTIWD by Lee Tilghman was illuminating in terms of her adolescence her but as Diana and I discussed, it felt less like a memoir and more like a collection of anecdotes. As an early LFA follower, I found myself wanting more in terms of understanding the integration between “then” and “now”.
I am finally getting into Martyr! which has come highly recommended and so far, so good.
Also—it’s the library, always. And it’s always been the library.
EATING
These potatoes made by the beloved Aimee France aka yungkombucha420, are simply delightful. They are smoky, tangy, unctuous and the perfect bridge between late summer and early fall. Jed and I have made them four separate times. Grill them up, or work on your grip strength via handling a cast iron skillet. A perfect side for a cozy dinner party or meal for one. A touch of white miso would be a supreme addition IMO.
PLAYING
Playing outside as much as possible! The aspens in NM this time of year are a vibrant yellow gold, “like the Wizard of Oz”, as Julia pointed out. Hiking and running in the fall are just a dream.
I’ve moved way far away from podcasts in the past year, but I do love Amy Poehler’s for some lighthearted fun—I listened to the episode with Cole Escola twice. If you need to LOL, you must listen- specifically to that episode. A year ‘round favorite music genre: frequency music to really chill out.
Finally, word games! Shoutout to our friend Andrew who brought along a compact book of word games on a recent trip. Jed and I purchased a book recently and already it’s a nice analog activity to look forward to at night or when chilling at a brewery or coffee shop.
OBSESSING
Goat’s milk caramel in my coffee. Locally made and found at our farmer’s market, this caramel has a slight grassy note to it, yet is rich and nutty. A little spoonful in hot coffee is divine.
Loving Nettle tea at night. High in minerals and vitamin C, a steamy, vegetal cup feels like the easiest way to replenish my system as we enter deep autumn.
These little stainless steel condiment cups are the perfect size for a few Unreal peanut M&Ms after dinner, or for leftover salad dressing or a handful of blueberries. If you’re a lover of small containers that are just the perfect size for specific things, these will make you happy.
RECOMMENDING
I *did* do an ad for this app but this is NOT an ad. I am genuinely so impressed by the app GEM. It aggregates results across multiple secondhand and vintage sites. There is a wildly fast image search if you’re in a pinch and want to find something without the work that comes with the hunt (and 100 tabs open on your computer). Would recommend!!!
TRYING/TRAINING FOR
Trying to get my butt to more social events this fall and winter! Making friends in Santa Fe has been a SLOW process, it seems that the young people in this city hide. I am committing to more Bumble BFF meet ups, some gallery openings, yoga classes and frequenting as many vintage pop-ups as possible.
Training for my third and final 50k of the past year! I am circling back to the first one I did in February of 2025. The past two races I’ve run, my goal has been to finish and feel good. This time around, I’m interested in beating my time from last year. It’s exciting to have a goal that is a little bit intimidating and may or may not stretch me quite a bit. After taking some informal time off in the past couple of months, having a training schedule again feels exciting and energizing. Also, might be running this one with my cousin Hanna!! Which would be so so fun <3
that’s all for now
What’s your latest REPORT?
xox
Courtney
1. MAKING THE POPOS TN 2. LOVE THE R.E.P.O.R.T. ACRONYM 3. THE CHERUB ;0)
Babers!! All the feels!