Attempting Her First 100km Ultramarathon (Brutal)

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[SantaCruzRunner]

This is one of my favorite videos. A brutally honest recap of an incredibly brave attempt. Thank you for sharing!

[alane]

No race, event, or challenge, whether you’re an amateur or professional, is worth risking significant long term injury. You’re so right that making sensible decisions is a skill. I have had to make them while seeking summits and everybody comes home. That’s the most important thing.

[abbyschwendler]

The quote at the end summarizes everything so nicely. You're an inspiration. Congratulations on your 60km run. You're a superstar

[matthewferguson]

Such a good and brave call to not finish. So important to listen to you body and allow yourself to have a chance at your other goals. So many people totally break themselves running when injured. Such an important video reinforcing a really important message. Plus you still did an ultra distance despite everything! Amazing!

[IssieAndLife]

Oh, Mary, you’re an absolute trooper for going so far in so much discomfort. Well done. Looking forward to hearing about the exciting upcoming events.

[leahneff]

Thank you for sharing this raw, honest experience, Mary! I find it truly inspiring to see even the best navigating hard times. Most of all, I appreciate how you honored your body above all else. We are so often taught to ignore what our body is telling us so thank you for providing a much healthier and self compassionate example!! ❤

[kennethsmeby]

I`m a little suprized you choose to do a 100K so short after Chicago. I also ran Chicago and I always take 2 weeks off and than slowly build up my long runs again. I think you need a longer build up for a 100K to avoid injury, it`s a little risky. At the same time I know anything is possible, and sometimes you need to go for what you want. That beeing said, I think you would have had a better experience if you did a proper build. Good luck going forward. :)

[dorohmc]

Thank you for sharing this experience! That last part with the voice over was magical - so much wisdom and positivity- especially like ‘I know my progress will not be linear.’ I wish you a great recovery and success in the upcoming endeavors.

[robdevine]

Definitely the right decision. Head up, move forward and congrats on the great effort 😎

[lydiagould]

DNF isn't failing. You have a positive attitude!
It takes time for your body to build the resilience for ultra. Good luck in your future challenges!😊🏃‍♀🏃‍♀🏃‍♀

[andersonteo]

At least you dare to try!

Now that's a big statement coming from you that rings deep into me. I have done some 50 km races, but til now I have not dare to venture into the 100km.

You somehow manage to infuse the "dare to try" spirit into us. Thank you Mary.

[JohnBirtchetSharpe]

Never forget you grinding it out past me just as were getting to first avenue in New York last year .. so there is no doubt you left it all out there you hero. . You made the right call, the race will be there for you again next time.

[geoffwnz]

Know the feeling. Attempted a trail 100 in Feb with my previous longest being 50km. Also DNF'd at 60km (58.8 at the aid station), but like you, took the positives and lessons from it. Decided that the only negative was the dnf itself, but all the wins like it being my longest run to date, only 6 weeks after a covid dose etc were worth the attempt. I knew it was going to be a maybe going in but decided that I'd rather give it a shot and potentially succeed than not try at all and definitely fail.
This coming Feb, I have unfinished business and will go in better prepared. 🙂

[kimdecker]

All the emotions, right? All the emotions...

Mary, this video is so powerful, and the fact that you made and shared it with us demonstrates YOUR power. Ya gotta be strong to do that, ya know?

And for what it's worth, on a day when I wasn't looking forward to going out for my scheduled run, you and your video helped remind me what a gift even a few steps are. So I'm going into that run with appreciation, openness and acceptance of whatever it brings. We're lucky to be doing this at all, right?

Thank you!

[midlandmatt]

If you're a fan of hiking, it may interest you that the most useful training for my 100 km ultra wasn't running but a 9 day hike. Each day I had about 8 hrs or more on feet.

[LJ-ksvl]

Fail forward!! Failure is the foundation of success. And by getting out there and consistently putting in the work means you are winning. True success is just getting up and doing the thing every day regardless of outcome. Along the way you learn a lot about life and yourself. Congratulations for doing something amazing.

[theslowrunner]

Well done on achieving 60k, that's a win in my opinion.
There will be plenty of time to complete a 100k on another day.
Thanks for sharing, Mary ❤

[kenknepper]

The wrap up at end of the video 100% agree with and my conclusion when I had my first DNF this year at 75 miles going for 100. Unusual hot day, blisters did me in. Always love watching your videos for the inspiration.

[chloebenn]

Oh Mary, thank you for sharing this, I'm signed up for my first 100km, & 1 know it's a big jump from 50k, but I'm being brave, g while I hope to enjoy it I need to prepare myself for a bad day too.
Like you said, run today to run tomorrow 💪

[ameliecook]

Love this video, great message, really needed it :)