So…this past weekend was THE hardest run I’ve ever done in my life, ok that’s only a true statement if I exclude Speedgoat 2015 but anyways REALLY hard! Emotions grow strong the more miles you pound out during the day. My goal 34 miles, piece of cake right?! I had already run 42 miles and felt great a few weeks ago! At one point during the last 10 miles of my run, I sat on a rock and cried. I wanted to jump in the creek and meander my way downstream to Jenny’s Lake so I wouldn’t have to take another step.

I continued on because I had to. No one was going to come rescue me and my poor knee. I had to put one foot in front of the other. I did NOT get a sense of accomplishment as I ran across the bridge at String Lake. But what I did feel was gratitude. I can do hard things. I mentally can do hard things. I realize most people are not as stupid as me and sign up for a 100-mile trail run but really, we can push ourselves a lot further than what we think we can.

My dad was waiting there for me and I was never so happy to see someone. I’m blessed to have many people behind me, encouraging me to continue on and reach my goal. I’m slow. Really, SLOW. But I put one foot in front of the other and know my mom would have loved to be on top of Hurricane Pass that day and that’s what keeps me going.

Don’t give up. Challenges make us better human beings. Some of us sign up for races bringing on those struggles ourselves, but most people have challenges without asking or wanting them in their lives. Keep going, one foot in front of the other. I know I can do it and so can you. As Babe Ruth said: ‘It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.’

Teton Crest Trail | Grand Teton National Park | Trail Running 

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