Black Canyon Ultras 2026 - 50K

It's been over a week now and I'm still basking in the glory of the Black Canyon Ultras 50k race. What a wonderful experience that was. I've been piecing together memories of that Sunday and trying my hardest not forget a single detail.

My morning started at 3am. I had stayed at home and had an hour trek down to Deep Canyon Ranch. You never know what's waiting for you on Interstate 17 so I gave myself plenty of time to get there. I left home at 4am and made my way down the mountain towards Black Canyon City. On the ride over, I waved deuces at SR 69, Spring Valley/Mayer, the official start of the race. We talked it out. I expressed gratitude for the opportunity to do a training run and to get the chance to run the race. Every time I drive down this section SR 69 to Deep Canyon Ranch, I reflect and smile. It is quite the feat to explore this part of Arizona on your feet. I can only imagine what Cocodona 250 runners experience. I will never look at this drive in any other way than of me running through the vastness of Arizona's beauty. 

I got to Deep Canyon Ranch a bit after 5am. Nerves were kicking in. I was in wave 2 and had plenty of time to spare. I tried to eat my oatmeal but I just couldn't. I was excited. I wanted the race to start now. Luckily, Jamil and folks had created a Pop Up Burrito League Segment. I did a mile warmup while I waited for the buses to shuttle us to the start line. You know, Burrito league pushed me to do this race. Well, there were other factors as well but Burrito League was the final push I needed to sign up for this race. I gained confidence through those weeks of showing up for myself, to prove I could do difficult things. I learned so much about the limitations and stories I had been telling myself. Thank you Burrito League.

I walked for about 20 minutes. It was cool but not cold. I knew going back up to Mayer was going to be chilly so I took my coat and gloves to keep warm. As we stood in line to catch the 6:30am bus, I started to worry about the start time. The buses were late. It wasn't until our bus was loaded that someone told us the start times had been pushed 30 minutes. Whew! I had one less thing to worry about. I sat up in the front of the bus and reflected once again on that drive up the Interstate. And yes, I was all smiles and gratitude. The sun was starting to peak and show off the country land and cows. I silently recited my mantras.

We landed safely at Mayer High School and as predicted, it was chilly. People were trying to stay warm while others (probably runners from Flagstaff) had on their shorts and tank tops ready to go. I watched the tail end of wave 1 runners pass by. I tried my best to keep warm but once I took off my jacket and checked it in, I knew it was go time. I kept my gloves on because when my head and hands are warm, it doesn't matter what else I wear. I stayed near the left side of the wave 2. As we rounded the track, I started to tear up. I was starting a new chapter in my running career. I was no longer a street athlete. I was about to embark into the world of ultra running. It was no longer a dream, countless hours of scrolling through other athlete's posts about their races. It was my time to shine and be in the experience.

As we cruised through Mayer, I observed the neighborhood and people who were outside cheering us on. I had my Burrito League playlist going. My memories of segments up and down Sunset Boulevard brought a smile to face and I started singing out loud. We did this a lot while segmenting. Once we hit the BCT, I knew it was time to get to work. I had already had a preview of this section back in November so I knew what to expect. The next 7/8 miles were gonna be quick. There is a bit to technical stuff but it all depends on your stuck behind. I was behind a man that was keeping me honest. He had a pretty awesome gait. I matched his steps. I knew he knew what he was doing. Then a bit later, another runner jumped ahead of me and his gait was well, awful. He kept misstepping and taking steps in places you should not. I was getting annoyed with his footwork so I started to look elsewhere. He eventually, took off trail and passed us both. Good riddance. I continued to follow my gait buddy until about mile 6 and I took off on my own for a bit. I was looking at the edges of the Prescott National Forest, the windmill, the off the grid homes. This was the peace and quiet part of the race.

I arrived at the Antelope Mesa aid station and immediately took off my long sleeve Merino Hoodie. My nutrition was on point. I filled up with a little extra water which was a bad idea. For some reason, the water tasted like plastic. I got my water from the large water container and I immediately regretted adding it to my water flask. My other flask still had half of my Tailwind. Thankfully, I had an extra flask with water in my vest so I could add a new Tailwind at Hidden Treasure aid station. I had to force myself to take sips of the water but it was awful. This was my only gripe about this race - the drinking water. Aye. 

As we started to hit the switchback sections the BCT, I hit some pretty solid sections. I started to pass folks. I hadn't eaten any of my snacks I had packed. Tailwind was carrying me as it usually did. Oddly though, I hit a strange dead zone at mile 10/11. I felt zapped of my energy. My mind started to tell me uh-oh. But it didn't last long. By mile 12, I picked up the pace again. It was my fastest mile of the entire race. Then we hit Hidden Treasure aid station and I immediately dumped out that water and vented to one of the volunteers about it. She had me test out a few pitchers til I found one that worked. Geez, I guess I've become privy to my filtered water. I used the restroom, dunked my RunSedona hat, ate two pickles and off I went.

Those pickles were a bad idea. I got the worst side stitch from them. Other runners will tell you to stick with what works for you and don't change it on race day. Ooof! First lesson learned. I will not make that mistake again. I had to walk for about 10 minutes. It was starting to warm up a bit too. I continued to stay present and remind myself that the side stitch was just part of my experience and not a bad thing. I started to jog it out and felt relief. I recall this section from the training run being long to Bumble Bee. It felt like every switch back was the same over and over again. The chollas and cacti looked the same. I had thought we were going in circles and not getting any closer to BB. This was not the case this time. In fact, I don't recall too much from Hidden Treasure to Bumble Bee. I was in a zone. I'd run the speed of the runner in front of me. If they tired of me being on their heels, they'd step aside so I could pass. Miles 14-18 were more of my average pace out on the trails. I was on cruise control. There was no point to pushing. I knew the hardest part of the race was just up ahead. 

As I approached Bumble Bee aid station, I saw a familiar face in her car. Kyla, who I had met in Los Angeles while doing Burrito League segments, saw me first, shouted my name and I was suddenly energized. I waved and clapped back as she went by. I started to feel a bit tight in my legs. I learned from Dee to pack essentials, so I took out my menthol roller and put some on my calves and hammies. I popped two ibuprofen to help mask anything that should come up. I soaked my hat again. I did not eat anything.  Instead, I took out my organic gummy bears and took a bag of pretzels. This had worked for me in the past. I knew if I needed salt, the pretzels would work. 

I started to walk out of Bumble Bee. I recorded a little video as I ate my Precision Gel. I was planning on how to tackle the last 13 miles. I knew the terrain. I knew what was coming. Gloriana aid station seemed so far. There are endless switch backs. Lots of Saguaros. I walked a bit of that climb out of BB. I continued to be patient and not wear myself out too early. When I felt good, I'd jog small sections and walk again. My pace was steady. Just as before, I'd go the pace of the person in front of me, and when they had enough, they stepped aside so I could pass. As I would pass a Saguaro, I would "high five" it as to take in the energy they were providing all of us. I was cruising. Not taking any risks at this point.

Once I hit Gloriana Aid Station, I took a seat on a chair in the side. I sat for a minute. Not in thought, just to take it all in. The body felt good. Legs were achy but I still had life in them. I was still not hungry. I dunked my hat one final time and off I went to tackle what I deem as the most challenging section of the 50k race. Just as I left the aid station a volunteered shouted out only 8 more to go. Oh, I think he jixed it by saying that. In my mind, the thought, "Bro, if you only knew the work up ahead from here." LOL!

I worked hard in this final stretch. I had to move. I tried my best not to walk. I did a lot of shuffling. One switch back after another I'd run a bit harder. When I had to climb, I'd tackle it mindfully, not aggressively. When I hit the first long hard downhill, my quads were on fire. They screamed as a pounded the dirt. There was relief when I'd hit another section of switch back but sooner after another climb would come into play. My mind was trying to figure out where the creek section was coming. It knew it was only a few more miles to end from there. Once I hit the crossing, I talked it out with a woman from Phoenix. She was telling my about her training runs on the South Mountain. We discussed our strategy for this last bit. I reminded her to try not to slow down too often. Then she took off after we crossed the creek. I kept her in my sights and eventually caught up to her and passed her. I gave a wave and a thumbs up to keep it movin'. 

Towards the last three miles, I got stuck behind a long line of walkers. There was a younger lady that was holding us up. I was shocked no one spoke up and let her know. When she finally turned around to see the line she was shocked. I passed them up and continued to power through these last few miles. I surprised myself in how much I still had left. Legs were iffy but they were moving. Then that last downhill rocky section right before you hit the parking lot. You see the cars, tents and you know the end is close but not before one final quad killer to seal the deal. 

The end was fast approaching. The goal was just about complete. As I passed the Burrito League folks and hollered at them, I'd be back to walk some seggies, I started to tear up again. There I was, running a distance longer than a marathon. And a marathon is quite the feat in itself. I had played that game, but my soul wanted more. As I ran that final stretch, I clapped for those out there watching us run and cheering on other Beings. I gave two girls high fives as I ran by. I crossed the finish line at 6:28:47. I carried out my expectation of a finish between 6/7 hours. I was given my medal and immediately walked over to the Burrito League segment. The work does not stop simply because the race was over. I capped off my race day by walking/jogging another 11 miles. Sure why not. Burrito League made me do it. 

My January, February of 2026 was one for the record books. I ran 68, 98, 104 mile weeks and completed my first ultra marathon, oh and I won the female division of Burrito League Los Angeles. I'm still in awe of what my mind and body have accomplished. I'm proud of the effort I've put in. But honestly, I have to thank folks for their help in all this. 

To the running fam bam in LA. Thank you for the YEARS of miles and conversations. 

Thank you Jamil and Aravaipa Running for putting this all together and creating a wonderful community were runners can meet and reach goals.

Thank you to the team at Run Flagstaff. I value our talks and your expertise.

Burrito League, you have changed the game and opened people's eyes to the ultra running scene. Thank you.

To LA Friends, Dells, Indra, Vince, Michael Alexander, Patty, Sarah, thank you for crossing paths and teaching me about friendship and dedication. I appreciate you. 

Lastly, to mi azizam, Diana. Dee, I've told you many times, last summer, Bulldog was the game changer. Thank you for always inspiring, not just me but others who see your Light. 

Thank you Black Canyon Ultras. You took care of us out there. See you next year.