HABANERO 100

ERICK DEL ANGEL

The Habanero 100 is one of the most demanding endurance races in Texas. Held in the middle of summer, the race combines triple-digit heat, deep sand, intense humidity, and virtually no shade. This is what Erick had been training for.

The race began at noon. From the very first loop, Erick knew the deep sand was going to become a problem later in the race. He was right. By Loop 12, his left ankle began to feel the effects of running through the deep sand, eventually forcing him to walk the final two loops.

Around the same time, Erick noticed something was wrong. The mileage on his watch wasn’t matching the mileage being tracked by the race. According to his watch, he was a full loop ahead.

The discrepancy took a mental toll. After pushing his body for more than 80 miles, the frustration of not knowing exactly where he stood added another challenge to an already brutal race.

During the final loop, Erick began vomiting as severe dehydration began to take its toll. After crossing the finish line, medics immediately worked to stabilize him and bring his body temperature back down.

100 miles is more than a physical challenge. It’s a test of how far you’re willing to push when everything in you is telling you to stop. Erick kept moving.

Against the heat, the sand, the pain, the dehydration, and everything else the race threw at him, he made it to the finish.

Of the 79 athletes who started the 100-mile race, only 18 finished. Erick finished 7th in the men's division and 10th overall.

PHOTOS BY NATALIE HOANG

WHY 100 MILES?

The Habanero Hundred isn’t just a race. It’s a test of what’s possible when you refuse to stop pushing.

Two jobs. Full-time training. 100-mile weeks in the brutal Texas heat. The physical pain. The mental battles. The sacrifices.

All for one goal: 100 miles in 100° heat.

The work is done. Now it’s time to execute.

LADY BIRD ULTRA

ERICK DEL ANGEL

This is the story of how fitness completely changed a life. Erick’s life.

At some point, many of us feel stuck. Life hits hard. Anxiety, depression, failure—it all piles up. And when we don’t know how to process it, we look for ways to escape. Alcohol. Drugs. Anything to numb the pain. That was Erick.

Throughout most of his 20s, he faced constant hardships and a failed relationship. Feeling trapped and unsure of his direction, he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope—until it nearly cost him his life. After an overdose, he knew something had to change.

Erick’s brother was an active runner, so he decided to give running a try. That decision changed everything.

Running quickly became more than exercise. It became his passion. And it turned out he wasn’t just good at it…he was great. Running made him feel unstoppable. It became his way of fighting the demons within and, most importantly, replaced the drugs and alcohol that once controlled him.

In February 2025, Erick began running with real intent. He joined run clubs, met like-minded athletes, and learned how to train properly from his newfound running community. By May 2025, he committed to his first major challenge: a 50-mile ultra.

September 2025, just a couple weeks before race day, Erick received news that nobody ever wants to hear. His mother had been diagnosed with cancer. Heartbroken and overwhelmed, he leaned on the one thing that had saved him before. He ran.

November 1, 2026: Race day. Over 80 athletes lined up. Erick finished 6th overall. Waiting for him at the finish line were his friends, his family, and most importantly, his mother.

We can’t always control the cards we’re dealt, but we can control how we respond. Erick chose action. He chose to run. He chose to PERSEVERE. Running saved him.

Let your story fuel STRENGTH.