Running ultra marathons has been an incredible journey for me, full of challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. Since I started distance running in 2006 with marathons, and then transitioned to ultra marathons in 2010, I’ve experienced firsthand just how much this sport teaches you—not just about physical endurance, but about mental toughness, perseverance, and personal growth. 

I started running ultra distances because I wanted a new challenge. I found that the longer the race, the more I excelled. My first big milestone came in 2013 when I won the Long Haul 100 Mile, setting a 6 hour course record. That victory was special not just because it was my first 100-mile race, but also because I had once sworn I’d never run such a long distance. I was so proud to prove myself wrong! Over the years, I’ve achieved numerous victories, most notably including Overall wins and course records at the Lighthouse 100 Mile in 2017 and Blackbeard’s Revenge 100 Mile in 2021, and setting the Kansas State Female 100 Mile Record in 2017. But my most cherished memory is from the Desert Solstice 24 Hour, where I ran 139.72 miles in 2020 to qualify for, and eventually be named to, the U.S. 24-Hour National Team in 2021. I spent six years chasing that dream - in the midst of having two babies. It was mentally the hardest, but most satisfying, race I’ve ever run.

Despite all these awards, what I’ve learned through this sport is what truly keeps me going. First and foremost, I’ve learned that I am far stronger than I ever thought I was. The ultra marathon world has shown me my own limits—and then how to push beyond them. You need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It takes a lot of mental toughness to train for and race these long distances, especially when things get tough or don’t go according to plan - like the time I nearly dropped out of the Umstead 100 Mile race at mile 50 due to dizziness. Thanks to a little chicken broth and encouragement from the race staff, I pushed through, eventually finishing 2nd Female. I’ve had my fair share of painful race injuries, like when I broke my elbow during my out and back Capitol Trail Fastest Known Time in 2020 and broke two ribs at mile 15 of a 50k in 2024. Yet surprisingly, it’s the mental battles in races that have been harder to overcome. Sometimes, the best victories are not the ones you plan for, but the ones you dig deep for when you’re at your lowest.

What I love most about ultra running, though, are the smaller, unforgettable moments - volunteering at an aid station and convincing runners to continue onward, making new friends for life who “get” me, turning off my light at mile 75 of a trail race to see the stars at night, getting good luck cards from my kids, and crossing the finish line holding their precious hands. 

The road to success is not always smooth, but the highs and lows are what make it so rewarding. And while awards are wonderful, it’s the lessons I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve built along the way that mean the most. If I could give one piece of advice to someone looking to get into ultra running, it’s this: Each challenge is an opportunity to grow and become stronger. You’ll never know unless you try.