Hard Things

by Marc Hopkins

In Hard Things, Marc Hopkins takes readers on a journey through the grueling Bigfoot 200-mile ultramarathon and, more importantly, through the uncharted terrain of his inner landscape. What begins as a personal challenge to prove his worth becomes a profound odyssey of self-discovery as he navigates the punishing trails of the Cascade Mountains and the deeply ingrained patterns that have shaped his life. From scorching desert to freezing river crossings, from hallucinations to moments of startling clarity, Marc's physical journey mirrors his emotional one.

As he pushes his body beyond what seems humanly possible, Marc confronts the truth about why he runs—not merely to demonstrate endurance, but to escape the anxiety that has chased him since childhood. With each punishing mile, he unravels the complex relationship dynamics, family patterns, and personal struggles he's spent a lifetime avoiding, revealing the strength he's always projected as both his greatest asset and his heaviest burden.

Hard Things is a powerful memoir about what it means to be authentically strong, vulnerable, and worthy of love. For anyone who has ever doubted themselves, it offers a gripping, inspiring testament to perseverance, self-discovery, and the truth that the hardest trails aren’t always measured in miles.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2026

About the author

Marc Hopkins has completed numerous endurance events, including the Bigfoot 200, eight Ironman-distance triathlons, and more than 200 other races—from 5Ks to triathlons to marathons to ultras. He holds a BA in Philosophy from San José State University and an Executive MBA from Washington State University, and brings extensive experience in sales and leadership. Marc has coached hundreds of athletes across their own finish lines, from first-time 5Ks to triathlons, ultramarathons, and the mental barriers that often prove hardest to overcome.

Beyond the miles, Marc is drawn to the deeper questions endurance exposes—why we push, what we carry, and who we become when there is nowhere left to hide. In this book, he pairs the physical and mental demands of a 200-mile ultramarathon with a candid exploration of the relationships that have shaped him, vulnerably examining his bonds with his mother, siblings, children, and partner.

Marc lives in the Portland, Oregon area, where he enjoys the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer. When he isn’t on the trails, he can be found reading, woodworking, and pursuing other creative endeavors.