OC Half. It was a tough training cycle—having to continue straight from the full LA Marathon—but we did it. This one was dedicated to Auntie MaryAnn, a dedicated marathoner and one of the sweetest human beings I know. You are loved and missed 🙏🏽 Thank you for guiding us through the entire course and allowing me to PR.
Shoutout to my partners at @on for supporting me on this journey, @eaglerockrunclub , @danfaughnder for welcoming me into your community, to my teammate @amfitnessla for all the trail runs, and my team @earnednotgivenclub , as well as my family and friends who continue to show love. Most importantly, I’m thankful for this body for keeping me injury-free.
Time to take a break until the end of summer. I’ll still be running and working on getting faster, but here’s to more time on the saddle! 🚲
Los Angeles Marathon 2026 -> 26.2
January 1st, I was on a text chain with the @earnednotgivenclub fam and randomly decided to sign up for the @lamarathon .. I remember hesitating, because I hurt my MCL in November and just had a rough patch of injuries the last few years. Fast forward, I shook it off and took a deep dive and went in.
Race day-I slept about 3 hours the night before due to nerves and kept thinking of my strategy. I stuck to the plan and started slow on the climbs and turned it up a notch at mile 10. I was buzzin off the energy and was cruising at this point. Felt so good seeing my guy @jaiechai at mile 21 pacing together. My nutrition and hydration felt on point until Mile 23. Legs felt heavy and my heart rate started going up. Not to mention the weather conditions started kickin my ass and all I wanted to do was stop. Anyways at mile 24.5 my legs cramped (quads/hamstrings lol) and I ended up on the ground getting massaged by a sweet random woman. I wanted to keep going so bad, but my leg just didn’t want to move without seizing up. After about 15-20 mins I got up and fought through my cramps and just walked. As I was getting started I saw @nicolescruggs_ (I love you!) which she kindly helped boost me for 20 seconds before I had to stop again lol. At this point I just couldn’t run anymore. I walked it out and finally crossed the finished line with the support of some random guy pushing me through. So grateful to everyone on that course and for the experience. I need to let go of my ego and just be proud of myself for finishing. Grateful for NO INJURIES!! What a time! I have now officially completed 26.2 miles in my hometown. Ain’t nothing sweeter than that.
Huge huge shoutout to my @on family! Y’all took care of your boy and had me feelin fly. Appreciate yall so much!
Ill be back 💯
PS
A few pictures from a shake out run event we did with the best humans at @freaksofnature___@granada_echopark .. Super dope time and down to run it back! Shoutout @__miija__ for being the MVP.
📸 @carlnard 🐐
Full circle moment
Before @tameimpala left on tour, I told him how the last concert I attended before the world shutdown(Covid days) was his last show at the Kia forum for “The Slow Rush” tour back in March 2020. Fast forward, I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Kevin. Still a fan of his music, but I am much more a fan of him as a human. One for the books 🫡 thank you Kevin “mfin” Parker
A huge part of the @earnednotgivenclub family just moved east, however I know I will always see @bennydrama7 when he’s back. It just hits different when your home is missing a family member you see everyday. Life goes on, but it feels right to highlight an important member of @earnednotgivenclub
Anyways, I am lucky to have witness you bust your ass in the space and completely change. Confidence at an all time high, but the quality of a human being you are remains top tier. Despite the flashing lights and what the internet or TV sees, no one knows how normal and REAL as fu*k you are. Thanks for allowing me to see that side 🤝🏼 Thank you for trusting me through the years. It has been a journey! From back issues to life’s roller coaster, we have gone through it all. Just as much you say you learn from me, I learned so much from you. You brought so much light, love, kindness, and laughter in the space. I only hope everyone around you now pumps that energy back at ya… truly, or else 👊🏽 A true unicorn and a person I am lucky to call family. See you soon brother. Benny Drama ♾️
Spent a lot of time being present and gave myself time limits being on my phone. It’s been all about balance these days.
I’ve observed that a lot of people I’ve come across have a hard time making eye contact and have a hard time sitting still. People often interrupt conversations and subjects constantly change. Not sure how much being on our phones affects all this, but there has to be some type of influence. The constant scrolling, comparing, information overload etc. has to affect people. I ain’t no expert but it has been something I’ve been noticing. Anyways, no shade being on here. After all, social has definitely helped my business etc .. but this is just a reminder that…
The world looks better with your eyes up
