Jon Penland – Steady on the Long Climb

CJ100 Training Update

I’m registered to run the Cruel Jewel 100 ultramarathon on May 15, 2026. That’s just over 8 weeks from today. I’ve been back to regular … Read more

For the last couple of years I’ve tried to find balance as a runner. Balance between running and training for races that inspire me while … Read more

One of the lessons I took away from 2025 was to prioritize consistency over intensity; to train each day with the goal of being able … Read more

Every year I like to set a few goals for the year. I know all the reasons why this is silly, but I still find … Read more

Over the last two years I’ve run three ultramarathons that were longer than 50 miles. I ran the Georgia Death Race in March 2023 (70 … Read more

At noon on Friday, September 21, 2024, I started the Georgia Jewel 100. I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as I set out … Read more

In June 2017, a starving, flea-and-tick covered puppy wandered into our lives. For the last 7 years she has been a member of our family. … Read more

I’ve run the Rabun Half Marathon four years in a row. It’s a great laid-back no-frills race that’s run the first Sunday of June every … Read more

Cruel Jewel 50 (CJ 50) is officially a 57.4 mile trail ultra with 17,435 feet of vert that climbs up and down the north Georgia … Read more

On Saturday morning at 8 AM I’ll embark on a 58 mile trip across the mountains of northeast Georgia. In a best-case scenario, I’ll finish … Read more