Heartland 100K – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

As the lights of Battle Creek aid station appeared, a surge of excitement swept through me. In spite of everything, could I still manage a strong finish time? Everything felt so hard. All I could think was, “Oh dear God, please help me get done!”

A Fierce Battle at Run Rabbit Run 100

A fierce battle was raging in my mind. Missing the cutoff meant I could stop. I could be done. I could go climb into bed and forget this digestive nightmare. But part of me refused to give up and continued to propel me forward with the best effort I could muster.

Overcoming at Outlaw 100

Problem solving on the fly is part of running 100 miles, but how many unexpected challenges was this race going to throw at me?

Safely Through

There was one thing I really, REALLY hoped would not happen during Cry Me a River. One thing I was afraid to face during this particular race…

Preparations: Cry Me a River 100

Pre-race decisions; 100-mile training; fueling plan for a 100; shoe choices; tapering; packing list for a summer 100; and other ultrarunning stuff leading up to the race.

Expectations

It became apparent that my husband was not going to be able to crew for me as planned. Was it possible to do my 100K birthday run self-supported?

Reach Up and Overcome

I shuffled my feet nervously as I waited in the brisk October morning air. I hoped what I had brought to the starting line would be enough. No, I reminded myself. I would not run this race on hope. I would run it on determination. It would be enough.

Undone

How do you deal with a devastating setback? How do you respond when a precious dream is so close to unfolding, but is suddenly torn from your hands?