community Archives

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.…

A Wayward Report: All Out Trail Racing’s “Pick & Shovel” (2023)

Jan 27, 2023Nicholas Richardsrunningallouttrailracing, community, hfxhares, mental wellness, novascotiatrailrunning, sinister7, start running, trail running, training for 100 miles, ultramarathon

An introspective account of All Out Trail Racing’s “Pick & Shovel” event that saw unprecedented rainfall during their 8 hour Endurance event. A valuable step towards the goal of another 100-Mile event – training starts HERE!

Believe the Belief and Doubt the Doubt; 105km, 24 hours, and $1,250 Later…

May 27, 2022Nicholas Richardsmental health, runningbeunlimited, community, gratitude, how to start running, marathon, ultramarathon

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.” – Bernard Meltzer I was never much of a runner. Truly. In fact, I was more likely to quit something growing up than stick with it – with a few exceptions of course. It…

My First Marathon: An Unexpected 42km Journey

Aug 4, 2021Nicholas Richardsrunningcommunity, first marathon, how to run, marathon, Nova Scotia Remembers

“I run because long after my footprints fade away, maybe I will have inspired a few to reject the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot in front of the other, and come to the same conclusion I did: I run because it always takes me where I want to go.” – Dean Karnazes…