Finish an ultra-endurance race

“The 20-30 mile section was perhaps my lowest point - I was still running further away from the finish line, the forest scenery gave way to industrial parks, my nausea was making me uncomfortable, and it began snowing and the wind picked up. Finally at around mile 30, I couldn't hold it together any longer. I dry heaved twice and then threw up a banana I'd eaten at the last aid station. Funnily enough, after I got that out of my system, I felt much better and continued run/walking at a good pace, between 11-13 min/miles.”

“After about 8 hours, I'd run 40 miles. At this point my ankles/shins were starting to ache pretty badly. Weirdly, if I ran, the pain would subside a bit, and walking hurt more, so I used that as motivation to keep running. Once I heard someone say, "If it hurts to run and it hurts to walk, then run." Finally, after 10 hours and 22 minutes, I crossed the finish line. I finished strong the last half mile or so, although I don't know if I'd be able to keep going.”

“Ultra running crowds are truly something else. The support from other runners, aid-stations, and crews was incredible. The energy running through an aid-station was uplifting and made me look forward to getting to the next milestone. My mantra throughout the day was to just make it to the next aid-station. Walk .5 miles out of each station allowed me to eat, reload Tailwind, and focus on my next objective.”