Join me as I take you through the mind of a newly crowned 50 year old. Yes, it is just a number but, for me, it was a stark reminder of how fast this little stint called "life" truly is.

As part of my yearlong celebration, I took on the Cruel Jewel 100, one of the most grueling 100-milers on the east coast!

It lived up to its "cruel" reputation but was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, especially since I got to share the experience with a good friend of mine. It's not always where you are, but who you're with.

The Cruel Jewel 100 is a 104-mile foot race which takes place in the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest of the North Georgia Mountains. The race comes equipped with rocks, roots, waterfalls, lush green hardwood forests, spectacular wildlife and 33,000 feet of climbing along the way!

I'll walk you through my preparation and race day highs/lows along this extremely memorable 34 hour 23 minute journey.

I had my first crack at the Backyard Ultra format over Memorial Day weekend at the Capital Backyard in Lorton VA!

It was an incredible experience on so many levels and, if you're considering this format and on the east coast, you will NOT be disappointed! Sarah Smith, the RD, does an amazing job on this one on every single level. The food at the start/finish in the best I've ever had at a race and the overall energy is stuck in the clouds every single time you finish a yard!

The format is simple. Run a 4.167 loop (yard) at the start every hour, on the hour and run until you can't continue or just decide to quit. Roughly 60 runners lined up for this one and the winner ultimately ran nearly three days to get the win!

While the format sounds straightforward, it was an eye-opener to me on many levels!

With all that said, I wanted to share all my mistakes and save you some time from making the same ones I did.

This episode is all about the Capital Backyard!

Ever wonder what it's like to run a 200-miler?

Join another conversation, and encore appearance, with Amy Adams as she offers answers to all your questions!

Should I ever venture out into the world of 200s, I'll be sure and watch the first season of MacGyver from 1985 and pay special attention to any ditches and tents he makes!!

Enjoy!