Written by Nicholas Richards (Nov. 13, 2025) To me Ultrarunning is not just a sport – it’s a pilgrimage. Every mile strips away illusion until only truth remains. A truth that is undeniable and impossible to hide from. Through this crucible of exhaustion and solitude, I’ve adopted three main symbols to simplify the experiences and…
A journey through endurance, stillness, and the spiritual invitation of showing up again. By Nicholas Richards A whistle breaks the silence. It’s nothing fancy, nor dramatic. In the quiet space between blasts marking 3, 2, and 1 minutes before the start of the next loop, canopies and tents are scattered throughout the start area and…
Running was once my sanctuary—until I lost myself in comparison and performance. This is how I found my way back to joy, presence, and self-worth through the simplicity of movement.
33 loops. $2,600 raised. 1 mask shed.
Keji 2025 wasn’t just a race—it was a reckoning.
I ran through rain, doubt, and past identities to find something I’d been chasing all along: myself.
When I shaved my beard, I didn’t just keep a promise—I let go of protection, fear, and silence.
This was more than running.
This was healing.
This was becoming.
There is light in the darkness.
And it’s been inside me all along. 🐉
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…