Laurel Awald and I just ran The Naturalist 50K this past Saturday that takes place in Franklin, NC on the Bartram Trail. This race is an out and back with 8000 feet in vert, but the views at the top are worth it, especially on a gorgeous day like we had. Laurel crushed the course, coming in 1st lady and 3rd overall. Katti Jackson ran an incredible race coming in 2nd and 5th overall, and I was able to make the podium in 3rd and 7th overall! What an honor it was to race with these ladies on such a tough course. Not only did we podium, but I am so proud to say that all three of us came in under the course record (which completely blew my mind). I wanted to have Laurel on to chat about our experience, to learn about her and her running journey, but our conversation quickly became SO much more than I ever expected (or that she expected!). Laurel poured out her heart, her hurt, her pain, her joy and her tears, and it was beautiful and simultaneously heartbreaking to witness. So many lessons for all of us wrapped up into this one podcast, all because Laurel was honest and open about the struggles she has fought to overcome. Thank you, Laurel. You met me for the first time at the race, yet you were willing to open your heart over a podcast. Thank you for being so bold. 1 Corinthians 9:24

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