Dig From the Bottomless Well: 2017 Javelina Jundred Race Report

We were about 4 miles out from the finish line with about 45 minutes to spare in order for me to finish under 21 hours at the 2017 Javelina Jundred. I was in a dark place. John, my husband and pacer, was trying to pull me out of it. “Dig deep, Maria,” he said. “Your well of reserves is bottomless. Keep pulling from it.” Ms. Cranky-Pants wasn’t really feeling the guru session. “I’m at mile 96 of a 100 mile race. I AM digging deep,” I pouted. I might as well have stomped my feet, but at that point, I …

Attitude of Gratitude: 2015 Javelina Jundred Race Report

[This post is my 2015 Javelina Jundred race report which is the narrative of my experience for this race. If you are looking for a detailed course overview that will be posted separately.] “It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.” ~ Eckhart Tolle Gratitude. If I only had one word, that would be the one to summarize my first 100 mile race. I’ve raced many times, and had many great experiences. Even still, there are a precious few races that have made me feel the way I feel now. Grateful. Joyful. Peaceful. I have …

Burning Nomads

One of the things that I like about big goals and dreaming big is the way the thought of the goal itself sets a spark that lights a fire in my core. The fire focuses me. It excites me. It lets me know I’m alive. The last big fire went out the second the announcer at Ironman Louisville said my name to step right up and grab my golden ticket to the big show in Kona. The relief washed over me with the same intensity as the fire that burned to get me there. Since that day, however, I haven’t even …