Issue 019:
Around The World
Each time I visit Vietnam, I’m met with the lines of people assembling piles of bags in every shape and size of every familiar brand one would find at any major outdoor retailer. This trip was about reviewing the third round of samples across a range of concepts as I prepare for launching in 2026. I want to arrive on the scene with a bang and these products are very ambitious—the kind of ideas that have me scratching my head.
I’ve been questioning every component, reimagining construction from the inside out, merging layers and dividing others with a focus on how the product moves with the body. So, as I bring these ideas to life, I’m running into my fair share of roadblocks—with many of the bigger problems becoming happy discoveries—signs that I’m onto something genuinely new, uncovering challenges I believe no one has faced before.
In collaboration with my factory partner, they offer comprehensive work from early-stage development to manufacturing. In essence, they’re committed to evolving and developing with new and emerging brands and ideas. Willing to take on the challenges along side risk takers.
When working with the factory, product development has always been done with a collaborative approach as we work in close proximity through loose concepts at first until eventually reaching the products’ optimal and final form. Each detail is meticulously considered – placing care into the fabric choices, fitting, and placement of every detail to ensure comfort, breathability, and above all, performance.
From Vietnam onto Japan, the journey wasn’t over. During the brief time there, I met up with Tabisuke Tabizo in their home town of Kamakura, a quite beach town located about two hours south of Tokyo. Connected through our love of product design and running, these two passions motivate us and give us a valuable reset. I’m truly grateful. to have friends in far away places who make the effort to connect.
We toured a classic route that connected the seven major peaks across lush single track trails: 11.5 miles and 2,400ft of elevation gain. The weather was beautiful and overcast as we swept over rolling hills within dense forests, exchanged stories, gifts, and insights. While running, we shared conversations about the town’s history. Making pit stops into local vendors shops to grab food and water.
Espresso at Ishikawa Coffee
Smoothie at Amazake Stand
Now for some reflection — this is the real reason you should pursue your dreams. It doesn’t matter if it’s a marathon, an Ironman, an ultra, whatever. For me, it’s always been about building a community around the things I love most, turning my passions into something that gives back and grows into something bigger than me. Sure, having a race on the calendar is exciting. Finishing is a big deal, something to be genuinely proud of — but that’s not the real reason to run it.
The goal gives you a deadline, and that deadline gives you months of preparation — months of practicing discipline. Early alarms, eating right, saying no to plans, getting to bed on time. Every choice you make is a small win, and that’s the point. Stack enough of those wins and you start to see yourself differently. You build a pile of evidence that you are exactly who you claim to be. Every day of showing up is proof. Every sacrifice is proof. Every plan followed through is proof.
And when you finally cross the finish line, that’s the moment all the proof comes together — the moment you see that you can make things happen, that you’re in control, and that your actions create results you can carry into every part of your life.
-CB