DUNES is a short documentary telling the story of my first 10K race through the sands of West Texas at Monahans Sandhills State Park.

This wasn't just a race. Running a 10K in sand tests more than your legs, it exposes your mindset, your preparation, and your purpose. In this film, I break down what it takes to step into longer distances, the mental and physical demands of racing, and the lessons learned along the way.

From learning the structure of distance races to navigating race-day nerves, weather, gear, and strategy, DUNES follows the run as it unfolded; mile by mile. I also reflect on the deeper side of running: faith, discipline, community, and the people who shaped my pursuit, including the influence of my stepdad, Jon Kelso.

If you're training for your first 5K or 10K, curious about competitive running, or simply looking for motivation to pursue something hard, this story is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:23 - Why Distance Matters (5K vs 10K Rules Explained)

03:30 - The Running Community & Contagious Positivity

08:12 - Running the Race: Faith, Purpose, and the Word

11:06 - How Running Found Me

12:40 - My Origin Story: Flaws, Focus, and Becoming More

16:25 - Jon Kelso: Inspired the Run

19:08 - The Catalyst: Proving Something the Right Way

23:11 - Lessons From My Stepdad, Jon Kelso

25:50 - Pursuit, Passion, and Self-Motivation

30:07 - Who Wins and Why: Competition, Classes, and Demographics

33:20 - DNFs, Qualifying, and Running as a Career

41:15 - Training the Right Way: Prep, Planning, and Habits

47:32 - Weather, Gear, and Adapting on Race Day

50:54 - Starting Line Nerves & Pre-Race Rituals

59:16 - The Run Unfolds: Pace, Playlist, and Strategy

1:05:40 - Alone in the Dunes: The Mental Battle of a 10K

1:10:03 - The Finish Line & Fighting Through Injury

1:14:26 - Your Harshest Judge: Finishing 4th Unexpectedly

1:18:35 - After the Race: Recovery and What Comes Next

1:21:18 - Raising the Bar: Bigger Goals and Enjoying the Spoils

1:29:31 - Facing Limits and Choosing to Push Forward

Thanks For Watching & Being A Part Of My Journey!

Check Me Out: https://www.ethanpeal.com/

Follow Me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal

X - https://x.com/ethanApeal

Resources:

https://www.maxwellleadership.com/

https://simonsinek.com/

https://jocko.com/

https://cameronhanes.com/

https://www.courtneydauwalter.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Prefontaine

Books:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shoe-Dog/Phil-Knight/9781501135927

https://a.co/d/iMgyssf

https://cameronhanes.com/products/endure-book

Products:

Garmin Instinct 3 Watch - https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1316397/

Collagen Peptides - https://orgain.com/products/collagen-peptides-pre-probiotics

Creatine - https://orgain.com/products/creatine-monohydrate-micronized-powder?srsltid=AfmBOopkl8ENy1Si5ZLSPtU_OQ83lAreppaRB_aeYuBS1j-20o-sAOj7

#TheApexMindsetPodcast #10krun #trailrunning #running #biography #firstrun @texasparksandwildlife ​