Forget luck.

A few weeks from ultra running's Big Dance, I met and ran a bit with Jim Walmsley along the Tahoe Rim Trail. He was in the region coaching campers with Mountain Pulse Running Adventures. Despite having no one but a bicycling photographer to run with that day, he had no business "sitting" on my pace and chatting through the miles and aid stations.

But he did. After parting from the post-run taco truck, I chatted with my mates and ruminated on the guy's personality and undeniable talent. He's had an incredible streak this year. I wasn't really sure how to articulate my view of his chances heading into Western States. We were in Tahoe, after all, and he was not spending his days acclimating to the canyons and the heat and the region. While his shoestring travel plans might not have allowed for it, I imagined a choice between counseling and prepping must've emerged. Why this choice?

Well, if you missed the race's details, the dude's running wrote an incredible and absolutely maddening story. I remain flabbergasted by his performance throughout the day, and as much as I ache when I think about his final hours outside Auburn, I'm even more impressed by the way he finished his race and reflects on the experience.

I feel privileged to have spent actual time with someone that inspires through being, not just running. It's my hope that all run lovers find similar worthwhile moments in between the aches and pains.

And for a visual journey, the ongoing work of that bicycling photographer, Myke Hermsmeyer, comprises a fantastic photo essay in the new edition of Outside Magazine.