Today we pushed through a 10k hilly route an amazing soul that kept us motivated.
It was a hilly course, and our team worked together to push Caitlyn all the way to the finish. Tough race. Great energy. Incredible people.
After the race, while helping load the racing chairs and strollers, I started talking with one of the athletes — a young man in his mid-20s who had just finished racing under his own power, pedaling with his arms.
He told me he’s completed marathons, half marathons, and countless 5Ks and 10Ks.
When I asked what’s hardest, his answer surprised me.
“Temperature.”
Cougar - not todays picture, but a soul to learn from.
After a life-threatening accident 12 years ago, he lost the ability to regulate his body heat. He doesn’t sweat. In hot conditions, he risks passing out. In cold weather, hypothermia. He can feel everything — his body just can’t manage it.
A few minutes later, his mom walked up and said:
“Happy 12th life day, son. Congrats on your race.”
Twelve years ago, he nearly lost his life.
Today, he was out there racing — and winning his category.
That moment stayed with me.
It reminded me how quickly life can change… and how powerful resilience can be.
I’ve been fortunate to spend time with athletes and families who face challenges most of us never will — and who still show up with courage, gratitude, and determination. Every interaction teaches me something about perspective and purpose.
This is why I built Run Slick.
Not just to prevent chafing.
But to help more people move.
To make running more accessible.
To remove one more barrier — however small — from someone’s journey.
If our products help even one person train longer, race more comfortably, or feel more confident showing up…
Then we’re doing something right.
I’m also grateful for communities like Ainsley's Angels, and for athletes like Maddie and Callie and their families, who continue to inspire me with what true strength looks like.
This race wasn’t just another event on the calendar.
It was a reminder:
Movement matters.
Community matters.
And every mile means something — no matter how you travel it.
Stay slick.
Stay grateful.
Keep showing up. 💙 - 🏃♂️
- Felipe