Anything is possible when you are willing to endure the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

My goal for 2026 is to run a 100-mile race. Here’s why I’ve chosen this goal:

The Backstory 

I’ve abused exercise for the longest time, treating it as a means to an end; a means to attaining the perfect body image. Pursuing this arbitrary goal caused me to overtrain and lose my enthusiasm for exercise. My training efforts over the last 15 years have been (mostly) aimless, leading to many overuse injuries. Fit but chronically injured is how I would describe myself in my 20s and 30s. 

Deep down, I know I need to let go of vanity and start treating my body with more respect. I have the education to know the repercussions of my actions. With a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Nutrition, you’d think I’d be smart enough to set healthier goals for myself and train more intentionally. It’s crazy how much social acceptance influences our behavior. We’ll do anything for the sake of approval. 

Fortunately, at the ripe old age of 37, I can feel something in me starting to shift. I’m shedding my concern for the opinions of others and in the process, my desire for vanity is beginning to fade. 

The events of this past year opened my eyes to how much I value exercise; not because it makes me look good, but because it makes me feel good. It’s the one thing I can count on to elevate my mood more than anything else. And when I’ve been injury-free, feeling strong, mobile, and capable of taking on any physical challenge has brought so much joy. Movement truly is the most powerful medicine. 

Over the past year, I started running more seriously. I moved to Colorado Springs last November and began a marathon training program to get myself outside, explore the area, and train more intentionally. I didn’t have a race in mind; I just had a desire to run and knew a training program would help guide my efforts and keep me accountable.  

To this day, I have yet to toe the line of a marathon. The times I’ve tried (including my attempt this past year), I’ve found myself injured and unable to put in the necessary training to complete the distance. My longest run to date is 22 miles; so close, yet so far. Even after facing failures, my desire to run a marathon (and farther) persists. What draws me? I’m not sure. Most people think distance runners are crazy. While this might be true, I’m inspired by what they do.

The Inspiration

At the end of last year, I listened to a Rich Roll podcast episode featuring David Roche — an ultramarathoner, running coach, and co-host of the Some Work, All Play podcast. The episode was all about David’s record-breaking win at the Leadville 100-mile race in 2024. 

Since hearing David’s story, I have become enthralled by ultramarathons. I’ve read memoirs, listened to endless podcasts, and watched several documentaries, all highlighting the stories of some amazing distance runners. David’s story, along with many others, has reminded me that we are capable of so much more than we think; that when we’re willing to try, despite the discomfort, self-doubt, fear, setbacks, and failures, we can achieve the unthinkable. 

Each story has left me inspired and with a growing desire to set my own (as David would call it) moonshot goal. There’s a 100-mile race in late October. I’m setting this as my goal for next year. Registration for the race doesn’t open until January 1st. The race sells out quickly, so I might not get an automatic entry. If I get put on the waitlist, I’ll set my sights on another race. 

The Motivation

It’s not the outcome of 100 miles I’m after. I’m in it for the transformation of self that’s inevitable as I strive toward this goal. Others have shown me what’s possible; now it’s time to go to work — in my own way and at my own pace. In the words of professional ultramarathoner Sally Macrae:

“Greatness is built on patient, quiet work.”

Slowly, but surely, I’ll find my way. There’s no telling what’s possible if I put everything I have into getting the best out of myself over the next year. Here’s to seeing what I can achieve in 52 weeks. Looking forward to the journey ahead!

  • A Goal: Get to the start line.
  • B Goal: Get to the finish line.
  • C Goal: Finish the race in under 24 hours.