Tracking the Distance

“2024 Umstead 100 was my first redemption race. I had DNF’d in 2023 at 57 miles, and since had not gotten past that exact mile mark. In fact, I had two races after in which I bailed at exactly 57 miles because I just couldn’t continue. I was terrified of failure again, even though that “failure” resulted in so many opportunities and positive experiences later. I had put in more training, more time on feet, and had even more support. As a back-of-the-pack runner, the 30 hour time limit was a bit daunting, so I never lingered at any aid station and hardly stopped moving. “Quitting will hurt more” was my main mantra. I finished with 35 minutes to spare surrounded by my family and entire run club.” ______ Jen Shetler Umstead 100 Trail Ultra 29:25:38 #ultrarunning #umstead100 #ultradistance #trailrunning #umsteadstatepark #northcarolina #runnersofinstagram #womanrunner #nevergiveup

“Already having covered 50 miles of the grueling point-to-point Georgia Death Race, I hit my hardest low. I hadn’t seen anyone for a couple hours and was stuck with my own internal thoughts as they doubted the feasibility of racing for another 24 more miles. At times I even questioned if I was still on the right path despite seeing the intermittent course markings because that’s how cognitively incoherent our minds can become 13 hours into a mountain ultra. I kept persisting up and over the rugged terrain eventually crossing the finish line just past midnight - exhausted and depleted, but damn proud for sub-20h and for this being one of the most successful ultras I have ever run.” _______ Scott Perry Georgia Dealth Race 2024, 74(ish) Miler Trail Ultra 19:25:14 #GDR #georgiadeathrace #ultrarunning #trailrunning #trailraces #nopainnogain #distancerunner #distancerunning #sub20 #runnersofinstagram #run #running #globalrunningday

“Running the Boston marathon earlier this year was an incredible experience! It was my 20th marathon, my seventh since a total hip replacement and earned me my 6th @wmmajors star! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ With my younger daughter cheering me on for those final few metres on Boylston Street, crossing the finishing line was a dream come true! 🏃‍♀️❤️” ______ Janie Perry Boston Marathon 2024 3:54:41 #bostonmarathon #marathontraining #wmmajors #nolimits #womanrunner #enduranceathlete #boston128 #baa #marathon #runnersofinstagram

“Running the Boston marathon was a dream since I started my running journey. After 3 attempts and finally breaking the 3 hour barrier I qualified to run it in 2023. The day I crossed that finish line is one of my happiest days of my life. Every time I throwback and look at the pictures I can’t stop feeling proud of myself.” ______ Guillermo Covarrubias Boston Marathon 2023 2:40:49 #bostonmarathon #bqorbust #marathontraining #marathonrunner #wmmajors #baa #boston127

“I ran the 2024 Door County Half, a yearly@boys tradition- not prepared physically, but I did it for Mike (my brother) who can’t run right now and for my Running Group, who thinks they can run!“ ______ Charles Smith Door County Half Marathon 2024 2:05:11 #doorcounty #runningcommunity #halfmarathon #runnerslife #midwestrunner #running #wisconsin #marathontraining #groupfitness #peninsulastatepark #themanthemyththelegend

“I’ve dreamt of running at Hayward field my entire life. When I finally made it to Bowerman’s Curve and down the homestretch en route to an 11 minute PR and 3rd place overall, I thought back to all the lessons this sport has taught me, the injuries, the heartbreak, the highs, the lows…. it was all worth it 🥹 and we’re just getting started!” ______ Megan Connolly Eugene Marathon 2024 2:45:48 #eugenemarathon #tracktown #oregon #marathontraining #marathon #wwethebump #personalrecord #hayward #haywardfield