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Adventures in Breaking Impossible

We're all about ordinary people overcoming big, difficult challenges!

Join Chris and Michael as we train, travel and, step by step, build up to The Big One(s)

Previously we walked around Lake Washington (in 24 hours), ran marathons (and ultra-marathons), flipped a tire for a mile (twice), all to prepare for our biggest, most difficult challenge yet . . .

the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge

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Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge

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Chris Toepker

Nov 12, 20228 min read

Breaking Impossible: Method Me Up!

“You’re on the same road, I’m just a little further ahead” my kung fu brother Ben Hunter once said. He was referring to how he’d met Lam,...

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Chris Toepker

Sep 19, 20227 min read

Sormlands 100: After Action Report

I had hoped that finishing the Sormlands100 (in time) would be the playoffs. That it would qualify me for the post-season: Hong Kong Four T

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Chris Toepker

May 12, 20203 min read

Its Quiet. Too Quiet!

The past few weeks have been quiet ones, like with many of you I’m sure. While I had been taking advantage of the exceptions for outdoor...

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Michael Van Elsberg

Apr 4, 20203 min read

The MacLehose Trail Part Two

The MacLehose trail is the longest trail in Hong Kong and it covers most of the highest peaks from one side of the New Territories to the...

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Michael Van Elsberg

Mar 28, 20203 min read

Lantau Island

At the beginning of my second trip to Hong Kong in February I stayed in Tung Chung for several days and got my first taste of the Lantau...

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Chris Toepker

Mar 5, 20204 min read

Ocala Recces

Exploring Ocala National Forest, preparing for a self-supported, self-directed ultra along the Florida Trail.

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Michael Van Elsberg

Jan 9, 20203 min read

The MacLehose Trail

I'm going back to Hong Kong in about a week to face the MacLehose trail for my third time. It's a daunting prospect. The Mac is the...

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Michael Van Elsberg

Dec 12, 20193 min read

Hong Kong

I fell in love with Hong Kong when I made my first trip there in November to train for the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (and get...

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Michael Van Elsberg

Oct 11, 20192 min read

Secret Beach Lessons

So, Chris and I agreed that the Secret Beach run at Gold Beach, Oregon, would be a "training run" and a "nice day on the beach" if...

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Chris Toepker

Oct 11, 20192 min read

Secret Beach, Getting Ready!

The night before the Secret Beach Ultra, getting ready and putting it all in context of Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge.

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Chris Toepker

Oct 11, 20198 min read

Secret Beach 50M, After Action Report

Tales from the trail, running the Secret Beach 50 mile, and qualifying for the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge

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Michael Van Elsberg

Aug 14, 20192 min read

On Running

I started running at the beginning of the first big running craze that followed the publication of the Complete Book of Running by Jim...

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Michael Van Elsberg

Aug 10, 20191 min read

Naysayers and Setting Big Goals

Helen Keller said, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." Every day we are confronted with the choice of comfort vs growth and...

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Chris Toepker

Jul 28, 20192 min read

Trials: First 1/3rd to The Pass

Trial, and trail, report for attempt to get to Snoqualmie Pass.

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Michael Van Elsberg

Jul 26, 20192 min read

24-Hour Challenge

When Chris and I first started to prepare for the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC), we decided to start with a 24-hour...

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Chris Toepker

Jul 25, 20191 min read

What's With The Mailbox?

For 2025, the impossibility we're aiming for is the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (see the map video below for the breakdown)....

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Chris Toepker

Jul 24, 20192 min read

The Start: Adventure Awaits

The start of an abiding adventure in getting out there, going further and breaking through impossible situations.

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Chris Toepker

Jul 23, 20192 min read

Snoqualmie Pass, Scouting Outings

Scouting outing for going from Lake Washington to Snoqualmie Pass.

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Chris Toepker

Jul 19, 20191 min read

Hello World!

Welcome to "Breaking Impossible," your encouraging source in all things challenging. We've set our sights on the Hong Kong Four Trails...

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