"I ran. I ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. Then I ran some more.”
The Mid-State Mile 2023. I walked away the last person standing, and a new Course Record with 121 loops, 133.1 miles, 41,120ft of gain/loss, for a total time of 41 hours and 20 minutes. This was my 4th year at MidState, and 3rd year of really understanding what it takes to be “out there” for a long time. This race is truly magical. The amount of growth and self-improvement that comes out of its participants is unmatched. I have grown so much over the years with this race from completely clueless, to ego-driven maniac, to being served a piece of humble pie, to being the last runner standing. I approached this race very differently this year, and I tried to simplify it as much as possible. 'How far can I possibly go when there’s an aid station every mile?' That was what I played in my head over and over in training. I also learned to be a listener and not a talker. Actions speak louder than words. I chose not to post about goals, or talk about what I planned to do at MidState. I will work harder than anyone else out there, and results will happen organically. MidState is a game of patience and preventative maintenance. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I cooled before I was hot. I took salt before there were cramps. I drank before I needed it. Rinse and repeat. I stayed present and repeated things in my head to keep me present. I’d say 'Who am I in this pain? Who am I at my level of existence of my soul, and energy in the universe? I am not my physical appearance, and my body is not mine. The body is merely a vehicle. The vehicle feels pain, but the soul does not. The soul is driving this vehicle.' I stayed present this entire race. I listened to my coaches and crew. All I had to do is go, and I did. I am so grateful for this race. Thank you to everyone who helped me on this journey."