Wayward Words

The Raven’s Song: 100 Miles in Cape Chignecto

Oct 13, 2024Nicholas Richards2 CommentsChignecto100 miles, chiggy ultra 2024, ultramarathons

The Chiggy Ultra 2024, hosted by Wentworth Valley Trailrunners, challenged participants mentally, emotionally, and spiritually amidst the rugged terrain of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. Overcoming self-doubt and exhaustion, the runner experienced internal battles during three demanding loops that tested their resilience. Each step illuminated the importance of embracing darkness to foster personal growth. Support from loved ones and a connection with nature provided motivation, culminating in a transformative journey. Ultimately, the race emphasized the value of trusting the process and highlighting growth beyond physical achievements.

Destination: Pain

Sep 30, 2024Nicholas RichardsUncategorized

Making Friends with Pain: My Ultramarathon Journey In my 4 years as a runner, 3 of those have been dabbling in Ultramarathons. The lessons have not been few. The one that stands out amongst them all is that you must make friends with pain. Not in a morbid sense. It has to be pain with…

The Buildup to Triple Chignecto

Sep 28, 2024Nicholas RichardsChignecto

Dark. Soggy. The weather is getting cooler. Grey. Unmotivated. Overwhelmed by the enormity of the plan. Full day of work. I’m late getting to hill – late to start. Home at 9:30pm. I’m just in time to get ready to do it again. Training for 100 miles isn’t supposed to be easy. The shitty feelings…

Appreciate the Light

Sep 28, 2024Nicholas RichardsChignectochiggy ultra 2024, ultramarathons

The lighthouse is a perfect metaphor for life. Selflessly standing firm in the service of others despite the trials it’s faced. There are no ulterior motives. Only to shine so that others may see the way through hazards that it knows are there. How noble. In defiance of storms, relentless in its purpose. Never wavering…

Dragon Fire: The Wayward Way’s Quest for 3rd Buckle

Sep 28, 2024Nicholas RichardsChignectochiggy ultra 2024, ultramarathons

Preparing to run 100 miles is no joke. My latest training week was 116km & 5400m elevation. My next goal: 100 Miles and 3 loops of Cape Chignecto. A monumental challenge and one that we are just getting warmed up for. A supreme trust in my training and preparation has helped me earn 2 buckles in…

Unleashing Unstoppable: The Power of Ultramarathon Crews in Runner Success

Feb 14, 2024Nicholas Richardsrunningdivide 200, how to crew an ultra, trailrunning, ultramarathon crew, ultramarathons

Introduction With rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and relentless ascents, trail running, and Ultramarathons may be a solitary pursuit for runners. Yet, behind some of my own longer events, I found true value in something far greater. More than just my own experience and effort. It was a silent force, unsung heroes that made the experience…

Call of the Wild: A Trail Runner’s 5-Stage Journey to the Bathroom in the Woods

Feb 4, 2024Nicholas Richardsrunningbathroom in the woods, how to run, leave no trace, trail running, trail running bathroom, training for 100 miles, ultramarathon

Exploring the comical journey many trail runners face when nature calls in the great outdoors. Additionally we look at the mental game as well as offer some tips to ‘leave no trace’ and preserve the beauty of the trails we all love to enjoy as we find an impromptu bathroom while trail running. Introduction Trail…

What is the Wayward Way? Reflecting on 2023 and How I Transcended My Identity.

Jan 1, 2024Nicholas Richardsmental healthaddiction, community, freedom, growth, healing, life, love, mental wellness, personal-growth, recovery, sobriety, spiritual healing, transcendence, ultramarathon

Nicholas Richards describes his transformative journey of healing, overcoming substance abuse, and pursuing personal growth in 2023. Termed ‘The Wayward Way’, his philosophy led to overcoming self-defeating thoughts, adopting sobriety, career shifts, and completing a 200-mile ultramarathon. This year marked the culmination of an 8-year plan initiated after leaving the Navy. His deliberate word of the year, “Transcend”, epitomized rising above perceived limitations and embracing change. By embracing discomfort, challenging relationships, and self-discovery, he exemplified resilience and determination to live authentically.

Part 2: The Divide 200 Reflection

Oct 28, 2023Nicholas Richardsultramarathonscommunity, how to run, how to start running, marathon, mental wellness, running, start running, trail running, ultramarathon

It begins. Start – CP01 (15km 250m elevation) The Calm Before the Storm We went into the Hall where I finalised my gear in my pack and visited the washroom one last time. We made it to the start line with several minutes to spare, and I kissed Amy good-bye. Oh boy, this is it.…

The Divide 200 Ultramarathon: The Journey of a Million Steps

Oct 28, 2023Nicholas Richardsultramarathons200 miles, mountain running, the divide 200, trail running, training for 200 miles, ultramarathon

A 2nd year trailrunner attempts Sinister Sports’ inaugural 200-Mile event – the Divide 200. This is an in-depth look into the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical training and reflection on what made it a successful, and enjoyable, adventure. Running is just the tip of the iceberg and Nicholas Richards is still just finding his footing as a human, father, husband, brother, runner, writer… and trail Wizard!

A Way with Words. Wayward Words. The Wayward Way.