The past 3 months have gone so quickly—it’s been a blur.  I was honored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to be nominated as a Visionary of the Year candidate.  I’m humbled by the opportunity to use my ultra-running abilities to support a great cause.  Families who are impacted by blood cancers are going through the most difficult time of their life with uncertainty.  Throughout each race I would think about how difficult their fight is right now.  Running 11 marathons is nothing compared to the season they are currently facing.  I’m blessed to do this just 5 ½ years after facing my biggest fight, and why I run to support these causes like LLS.

The final race was the hardest one to finish from a physical standpoint.  This course was on asphalt through the mountains’ winding roads.  My gait never felt on point due to constant, curvy turns.  The unevenness of the turns can cause leaning and overcompensation.  I’m normally cognizant of crowning road surfaces and constantly alternate sides while attempting to run on the most even spot.  Finding an even surface on this course was as difficult as avoiding smoke at a campfire; there was nowhere to go.  I ran a solid race for the first 13 miles before slowing down.  My hips were on fire by mile 15, putting me on the struggle bus for the final 11.  Ironic the final 11 miles of 11 marathons in 11 weeks would feel like the most difficult stretch of the 297.8 mile journey.  I’ve been fortunate to finish every race I’ve started since becoming a runner.  This one could have been my first DNF (did not finish) but I kept reminding myself why I was there.  I thought of those I knew impacted which included many stories I’ve heard over the 11 week campaign.  There was no quitting.

I’d like to congratulate all the other Visionary of the Year candidates on their campaigns.  Big shout out to my team:  Ashley Nichole Jacobs, Jen Smith, Tony Brown and Rachel Magnuson.  Thanks for all your support.  And of course, thanks to all of you who donated to the campaign or provided encouraging words along the way.  I’m grateful for your support.