I've long been an avid runner, but more recently discovered the allure of long distances. When a friend proposed the idea of running 100km in a race in the mountains of Patagonia, I was intrigued.

In December 2021, I was part of a group of Stanford students to run El Cruce - a race of 100 km and ca 4500 m of elevation split across 3 days. The race started in Villa La Angostura, starting the first day running up the slope of a ski resort before being rewarded by a phenomenal view of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Between the race days, we camped along the shores of some of the pristine mountain lakes along the path before finishing back in Villa La Angostura. 

The race was a test of both physical and mental endurance. As the race went on, injuries piled on, and the only thing overpowering the pain was a desire to finish and intermittent reminders of the beauty of the area we were running through.

This much is sure: I will be back next year. 

More on El Cruce.

Ever since I've been a small child I've dreamt of flying. Throughout my childhood I built everything from model airplanes and rockets to small scale Zeppelins. At age 16 I first took control of a glider aircraft and have not looked back since. I currently hold both an EASA and FAA private pilot's license.