Steve Chaparro

Wishing my mom a very happy birthday. I owe much of who I am to her.

Love you to the moon, mom! - Maria Palma

Climbing mountains is hard.

A couple of weeks ago, I completed my first 50k trail race. This was about three months after my first trail marathon. Both were in the mountains at high altitude.

During both races, I questioned my sanity especially during the hardest of climbs. This picture shows me sucking wind as I persevered up Dragon’s Back in Mammoth. I am proud to say that I conquered this dragon, but not necessarily with flying colors. I finished second to last in the race after finishing dead last three months ago. I’ll call that…progress.

In life, I’ve always known that I’m somewhat addicted to climbing metaphorical mountains. I love the struggle, the perseverance it takes, and the sense of accomplishment at reaching a summit.

However, I’ve also known that a toxic trait of mine is to rush over the summit without basking in the views only to race back down in search of another mountain to conquer.

Years ago, I focused on road running where I would get lost in my head not needing to be super conscious of what lied ahead of me. Trail running is different. You have to be super focused on the terrain to plan your next several steps. It forces you to be present. Zoning out can lead to wiping out. Believe me, I’ve made the mistake.

Adversity teaches us much about ourselves. Our strong, and often hidden traits, rise to the occasion. Similarly, they also glaringly expose our weaknesses and intrusive thinking.

All in all, I’m on a journey of transformation. And for that, I am grateful to be healthy enough to use my body as a tool and the mountain trails as my laboratory.

Happy Trails.

and I proud to be parents to two runners (Ethan and Brendan) on the 2023 team.

Yesterday, the team wrapped up 10 days of mountain training up at Mammoth. They ran strong!

This next Saturday (August 26), we will be hosting our only fundraiser of the year to fund uniforms, equipment, travel, and training camps. Please join us for a 3-mile community run, pancake breakfast, and auction.

Better yet, support them by donating funds to each of their fundraising pages below. Thank you!

Ethan: https://go.rallyup.com/polybunrun2023/m/8babd5/Member/Details

Brendan: https://go.rallyup.com/polybunrun2023/m/897ad7/Crowdfunding/Details

Today was my long training run (30k/ 18 mi) in preparation for the Leadville Trail Marathon in exactly 4 weeks.

I’m still not fast but for me the idea of running a 26.2 mile course with over 6,600 of elevation at high altitude is more about finishing more than anything.

I’m excited and nervous - the best of combinations when embarking on an adventure.