OCTOBER 2026 RACE REPORTS
We have had several athletes having their “A” Race Goal in August and September. As well as some who are just taking on races as help to prep them for their big goals. Check out below to see what these amazing athletes have accomplished.
Madi - Payette Lake Run 30k Race Report
What race did you just run and why did you choose this race?
I just ran the Payette Lake 30K in McCall! It's such a gorgeous local event, and after running it last year, I was excited to challenge myself on the course again.
What did your training look like leading up to the race?
I followed the schedule that Ryan had made for me, which balanced consistent running with strength training. I have always liked structure so this was a nice balance to focus on. Ryan also helped me with fueling during the run which had always been somewhat of a mystery to me.
During the race, when faced with an obstacle, how did you get through it?
Whenever the tough spots hit (hello hills on the west side!), I just kept reminding myself that I had trained on this route all summer and had already completed it last year - surely I could do it again!
What was the highlight of the race?
Feeling strong throughout the entire 30K (thank you gels)! It felt amazing to cross the finish line knowing my body held up well.
What was it like working with Coach Ryan?
Working with Ryan was great! I really looked forward to and enjoyed our monthly chats—he was supportive and encouraging and helped chat through difficult spots in the training.
Madi with her race bib. Ready for her race.
Did you feel prepared for the race?
As best as possible! There's always nervousness before an event but I guess that's just where you trust yourself.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about doing this race?
Do it! It is easily the prettiest run in town, and the views around the lake make every single mile worth it.
What is next for you?
Taking some time to recover, enjoy a few fun outdoor adventures before summer fades away and getting ready for skate ski season. I hope to do the Remaster race in McCall this year!
Ruby and Dixie enjoying the mountains of McCall
Ruby - Payette Lake Run 30k Race Report
What race did you just run and why did you choose this race?
I ran the Payette Lake Run 30k right here in McCall. I chose this specific race because it was the perfect way to get my long run mileage in on a holiday weekend that already had a completely full calendar.
What did your training look like leading up to the race?
My training has been trail-focused and this race was a fun challenge because of the change of pace.
During the race, when faced with an obstacle, how did you get through it?
The miles after east side drive are where my legs really felt it. To push through, I relied heavily on my mental toolset: breaking the course down into tiny, bite-sized goals and focusing on running the mile I was in, one at at a time.
What was the highlight of the race?
The ultimate highlight was the lake view of the glassy water in the morning, combined with the amazing opportunity to share the miles with friends and the cheer squad all around the lake.
What is it like working with Coach Ryan?
Working with Coach Ryan has been a great way to get in to trail running. He doesn't just hand over a cookie-cutter schedule; he truly listens, customizes workouts around my life, and balances performance with avoiding burnout or injury. His steady encouragement keeps me focused through the entire block.
Did you feel prepared for the race?
I did! Thanks to the intentional build-up and focusing on my hydration and nutrition plan during long runs, I stepped up to the start feeling confident, healthy, and ready to tackle the full loop.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about doing this race?
Absolutely go for it! Whether you choose the 5k, 14k, or the full 30k, the community spirit, the stunning lake backdrops, and the race organization make it an absolute must-do mountain town event.
What is next for you?
Up next is the Seven Devils Mountain loop!
Dan - Chicago Super Sprint Triathlon Race Report
Why did you choose this triathlon distance?
The SuperSprint was a great introductory to both Triathlon and organized races. I had never done either before.
What were some fears you had leading up to the race?
The swim was definitely intimidating. For me the logistics of how the race functions, arrival, packet pick up, port-a-potty availability is much more stress inducing than the physical exertion.
What were some difficulties you had to overcome during the race?
During the race I knew I had to survive the swim, it was a real “head down and get the job done.” It did not help that they paused the entry chute for 15 minutes when I was 7 away from starting.
During the run portion I wanted to walk or just take a break, but my goals had been to keep moving at a jog pace. I had to tell myself “you trained for this, you want to achieve your goal, you only have x more minutes until you can stop”
What was the biggest highlight of the race?
I think completing the swim. My family there cheering me on. Oddly enough ringing the “First Timers Bell” at the finish line.
How did Coach Ryan prepare you for the race?
Coach’s programming was amazing. I had been training by myself for several months, just kind of making it up. Coach Ryan was able to see where I was wasting energy and build a program designed to get more results, with less wasted energy. Additionally after the initial program was laid out, we were able to make adjustments to make the program tailored to my lifestyle and availability, which helped me achieve.
Dan and his banana pistol after his first triathlon.
What was it like working with Coach Ryan?
Coach is an incredibly positive person. His experience running ultras really helped me when I didn’t think I would be able to achieve a certain distance/speed/duration. He would assure me that my body would handle it, and he was not wrong.
What advice would you give yourself if we were to rewind to one year ago?
Enjoy the training, and your body is gonna look so good in 12 months.
What is next for you?
Keeping the gains I have gotten through the winter, then doing bigger distances next summer.