Why I Run

“The Double” is two races in two days. Both races climb America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak, totaling 16,000 feet of elevation gain in 40 miles. I ran “The Double” two months ago and have not run since—until today. I have been lifting weights for the past few months, but it's not the same as endurance training.

Today’s run was a 3-mile easy jog. Before I ran, it was like my brain was imprisoned, and as I ran, it slowly became free. I have been in an emotional slump, but ever since I ran today, I have felt like my brain has healed. I finally feel alive again, and I guess this is why I run.

I wrote this in December 2024. Today is February 2025. I have a 6-hour mountain race in a few days that I am looking forward to!

Why We Started 55 Miles

I feel like the typical business statement would be, “I started 55 Miles because no one was offering quality ultra-running gear, so I decided to revolutionize the industry.”

That’s not true. There are plenty of great companies out there making excellent products.

My wife, Callie, has run her own business for the past five years, and I have run my own business for the past five years. I recently sold my business, and Callie is looking for a new adventure. We wanted to team up and build something together. Our skills are contrary to each other, which ironically makes them very compatible for business—in other words, my weaknesses are her strengths and vice versa.

We started 55 Miles to make money doing something we enjoy: creating specialized endurance equipment. Everything is made in the USA. The goal is not to offer a large catalog of products but rather to rival the best products.

What 55 Miles Means to Me

My second ultra race was a 55-mile mountain race that pushed me to my limits. I ran it while sick, with a fever for half the race. It was a foolish choice, but it taught me a valuable lesson. It taught me my limits.

55 Miles represents this journey: sometimes we need to push ourselves to the limit. Other times we need to take it easy. It's not about suffering but about discovering who we are and why we do what we do.

The name 55 Miles is meaningful to me, and it made sense for a business name. It rolled off the tongue nicely, and it was available.

So whether you want to run 55 miles or walk for 55 seconds, know we are rooting for you.