“There is something magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what you have before you, laid bare, is the soul.” - Kristen Armstrong
It's just before 8 a.m. and we are about to start. In comparison to all of my other races, this is a late start, and although I’m excited, I’m not actually as nervous as I usually am. No idea why: running 100 miles is crazy and should definitely make you nervous.
There is a little Willie Nelson playing and off we go. We climb about 3500 ft. in the first 4 miles, but the sunrise is beautiful and the crisp fall air, perfect.
I felt really good when I saw my crew at mile 16. I was smiling and having a blast. At this point I was thinking I could finish in the top 5 women and beat my time goal of 30 hours, that definitely did not happen.
As I made my way through the flash of gold trail I was overcome with a sense of gratitude and joy that my legs have carried me to so many incredible places. The training that went into this race was grueling at times but also so much fun. 70 mile weeks felt good and I looked forward to 4:30 am golf course runs. And that flash of gold trail as the sun was beginning to set is one of the more beautiful things I’ve seen.
Then came the dark, literally and figuratively, at mile 50. That’s when things really went downhill, even though I was still climbing thousands of feet.
I was feeling nauseous and running all night was much harder than I expected. My mom ran from mile 50-70 with me and was definitely the only thing keeping me going at that point. She was patient and wonderful, despite my not being very pleasant during those hours.
We came to mile 70 greeted by a beautiful sunrise and the promise of a new day.
I spent quite a bit of time at this aid station and seriously debated quitting. I knew I wouldn’t make my 30 hr time goal at this point, but I was still pretty sure I could make the 36 hr cutoff if I just kept going. I was still nauseous and throwing up, however I’m too damn hardheaded and I was determined to finish this thing unless I was being taken away in an ambulance.
Almost 24 hrs after the start Andi and I started out to run, more like walk, the last 30 plus miles. Andi was incredible and knew things that I needed even when I didn’t. I was moving slow, but she kept me in good spirits.
After getting sick, yet again, around mile 80, I decided to stop trying to eat anything and just make sure I could keep liquids down. That seemed to work!
As we were on the final climb, which felt like it lasted forever, I began to get slightly nervous about making the cutoff. Andi was there to make sure that that we did in fact make that 36 hr cutoff.
Mile 90-something was the last aid station and it was down the ski area from there. I looked at Andi and said let’s run! Despite the fact that everything hurt, I was elated that be so close to finishing. It was again golden hour and the fall colors of steamboat springs were lovely.
I could see the finish line, my mom was there with tears in her eyes, Monica was there to capture the moment and I had a feeling come over me that no words can describe!
I crossed the finish line, got that hard earned buckle, and promptly collapsed.
Running 100 miles through the mountains of Steamboat Springs took everything I had and then some, but even through all the pain I’m really glad I did it. There is something truly magical about pushing past limits that you think you have. It is incredibly good for the mind and soul, even if it is really tough on the body.
Running has always brought an immense amount of joy to my life and it has also brought some of the most incredible people into my life.
I would not have finished this run or even made it to the starting line without those people.
From the numerous early mornings on the golf course with a group of runners who have no doubt made me stronger to the most amazing summer of training and playing in the San Juans with the best friends that a woman could ask for, I am Beyond blessed and oh so grateful.
Thank you Gerhardt, Adrienne, Mela, Tim, Miranda, Spencer, Alyssa and the rest of the Thursday evening run club and my early morning crew for all of your love and support!
As for race day, I could not have done it without my amazing parents as well as Andi and Monica who crewed for me, ran with me, stayed up all night and were the best support team out there. I love you guys so much and thank you for all that you do.
Now it’s time to get back to training and apply for that Hardrock lottery.
Lots of love and gratitude,
Maya
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