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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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"It's in the Signs," our cool new exploration travel show
Introducing: It's in the Signs. A cool new show about travel, exploration and appreciating the history right underfoot.
Chris Toepker
Oct 27, 20245 min read
112 views
0 comments
Being Wrong and DNFs: vLog 202305
A slight modification to Tool 6) Move as Much as Possible, Preferably Outside, But Not (now 90-minutes) (~) Two-hours Before Sleep (on...
Michael Van Elsberg
Mar 29, 20231 min read
67 views
0 comments
The First Four: vLog202302
This slightly longer video explains the first four of the 12 Tools that Chris and I use to maintain an active lifestyle. We've also...
Michael Van Elsberg
Feb 3, 20231 min read
145 views
2 comments
Triggers, Habits and Training: vLog 202203
In our third video we talk about the power of habits, commitment, sleep, sobriety and just getting out there. Michael was still in Hong...
Michael Van Elsberg
Jul 13, 20221 min read
122 views
0 comments
Alcohol Free? vLog 202202
In this, our second YouTube video, discover which one of us is trying to convince the other to completely give up drinking alcohol, and...
Michael Van Elsberg
May 27, 20221 min read
165 views
0 comments
YouTube Channel: vLog 202201
Hello Everyone, please click on the picture above, like and subscribe, and stay tuned for future videos. In this first one, we introduce...
Michael Van Elsberg
Jan 29, 20221 min read
134 views
0 comments
Fitting it all in!
Fit in all the important items during the important "all the rest" eight hours, left over after Work, Family, and Sleep.
Chris Toepker
Nov 28, 20213 min read
150 views
0 comments
Radical Change: 100-Days of Total Commitment
Today is the last official day of a nearly 15-year job and 10-year position (I've technically been on "vacation" for the last two weeks)...
Michael Van Elsberg
Oct 16, 20213 min read
457 views
0 comments
Hails to the Rails: Newcastle Trail
By now you’ve noticed - I really enjoy running rails to trails. It’s the way they wind through so much, connecting it all. The rails are...
Chris Toepker
Jul 2, 20212 min read
67 views
0 comments
Hails to the Rails: Cedar River Trail
By now you’ve noticed - I really enjoy running rails to trails. It’s the way they wind through so much, connecting it all. The rails are...
Chris Toepker
Jun 25, 20211 min read
84 views
0 comments
Palouse to Cascades trail
By now you’ve noticed - I really enjoy running rails to trails. It’s the way they wind through so much, connecting it all. The rails are...
Chris Toepker
Jun 11, 20212 min read
172 views
0 comments
Training, Blogging and Moving Forward
We at Breaking Impossible are currently training for the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge in 2026. The challenge is to run all four...
Michael Van Elsberg
Jun 9, 20212 min read
291 views
0 comments
Why do it at all?!
Add adventure to your mindset & toolkit to keep motivation high, get out more regularly & to be ready for anything that might #SuddenUponYou
Chris Toepker
Jun 1, 20215 min read
157 views
0 comments
Social Media Experiment
If you're reading this, you probably know me, or Chris, (or both), or maybe not (please let me know) and you've probably also read a post...
Michael Van Elsberg
May 31, 20212 min read
84 views
0 comments
Issaquah Preston Snoqualmie Trail
By now you’ve noticed - I really enjoy running rails to trails. It’s the way they wind through so much, connecting it all. The rails are...
Chris Toepker
May 28, 20212 min read
132 views
0 comments
Snoqualmie Valley Trail
By now you’ve noticed - I really enjoy running rails to trails. It’s the way they wind through so much, connecting it all. The rails are...
Chris Toepker
May 28, 20212 min read
89 views
0 comments
East Sammamish Corridor
By now you’ve noticed - I really enjoy running rails to trails. It’s the way they wind through so much, connecting it all. The rails are...
Chris Toepker
May 21, 20212 min read
87 views
0 comments
Hails to the Rails!
By now you’ve noticed - I really enjoy the rails to trails. It’s the way they wind through so much, connecting it all. The rails are...
Chris Toepker
May 14, 20212 min read
93 views
0 comments
Doing the Homework - it's fun!
I have found at least three ways from shores of the Salish Sea to Snoqualmie Pass. However, I didn’t do it the easy way. This was more fun!
Chris Toepker
Mar 25, 20214 min read
79 views
0 comments
Snoqualmie Pass or Bust, After Action Report
We are disappointed, but not discouraged. As we often joke, “Yeah, we only did a marathon!” And this time? Through the middle of the...
Chris Toepker
Mar 18, 20215 min read
66 views
0 comments
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