Let’s talk about the concept of a misogi. If you haven’t heard of it, a misogi is a Japanese tradition rooted in ritual purification—a chance to push yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually in a way that’s raw and transformative. It’s about stepping into something so big and so uncomfortable that it changes you. That’s the kind of challenge I’ve decided to take on this year, and let me tell you, it’s a big one.
At the end of this summer, I’m running a 100-mile ultra marathon. Yeah, you read that right—100 miles. Even typing that feels surreal. It’s not the kind of decision you make lightly, but it’s something that’s been calling to me for a while now. I’ve done my share of challenging things in life—from summiting Kilimanjaro to firefighting and leading expeditions—but this is different. This isn’t about an external adventure; it’s about diving deep inside myself.
The idea behind a misogi is that it should be something you’re not 100% sure you can do. It’s meant to stretch you, to force you into that space where you’re questioning everything. That’s where the growth happens. For me, running 100 miles fits the bill perfectly. It’s not something I’ve ever done, and honestly, it scares the hell out of me. But that’s exactly why I’m doing it.
There’s something profoundly humbling about taking on a challenge this big. It strips away all the noise and forces you to confront your limits, your doubts, and ultimately, your own strength. Training for this has already taught me so much about patience, discipline, and the power of showing up—even on the days when you’d rather do anything else.
What I love about the misogi mindset is that it’s not about winning or being the best. It’s about the journey, the effort, and the transformation that happens along the way. That’s what I’m chasing with this ultra marathon. It’s not about crossing the finish line (although that would be amazing). It’s about the person I’ll become in the process—the lessons I’ll learn, the resilience I’ll build, and the stories I’ll have to share.
As I prepare for this misogi, I’ve been reflecting a lot on what it means to step into the unknown. It’s uncomfortable, sure, but it’s also exhilarating. It reminds me of why I’ve always been drawn to big adventures and bold goals. There’s a kind of magic in daring to do something that feels impossible. It’s where life’s richest experiences are born.
So here I am, lacing up my running shoes and logging the miles, one step at a time. There are days when it feels impossible, but there are also moments of clarity and joy that make it all worth it. This summer, when I step up to the starting line of that 100-mile race, I’ll carry with me everything I’ve learned along the way. And no matter what happens, I know this journey will leave me changed.
If you’ve ever thought about taking on your own misogi, I can’t recommend it enough. It doesn’t have to be a 100-mile run—it could be anything that feels just out of reach. The point is to challenge yourself in a way that’s meaningful and real. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
Thanks for coming along on this journey with me. I can’t wait to share more about the ups, the downs, and everything in between as I train for this misogi. Here’s to pushing limits and discovering new depths—let’s see where this road takes us.
Photo by Brian Erickson
