2025 Icy PHUNT25k

1.18.25 ❄️Icy PHUNT❄️

Such a PHUN day at PHUNT with so many PHRIENDS!! This has become one of my favorite races - from Carl’s emails & posts, voluncheering, the DJ playing “Highway to Hell” at go-time, the super fun aid stations with photo ops, fire-pit, all the ultra treats (like bacon pancakes, pierogis, tots, quesadillas, potatoes, home baked peanut butter cookies, chocolate covered coffee beans, and more), and an epic gathering of the best running community - I love getting to see so many friends and always LOVE meeting new ones!!

This year, the trails were icy and I opted for Yak Trax on my Cliftons. Felt so safe from slipping that I ran fast. However, after about 5 miles the straps were pushing down on my toe nails and my feet were hurting!!

I enjoyed conversations with Vanessa and Jon, Matt, and Alissa for the final couple miles. Grateful for Matt for capturing a photo of me running as proof that I do more than talk & eat 🤣

Another runner gave me an idea for next week’s 50k and pretty sure the trail conditions will be similar. She had 3/8” hex washer sheet metal screws on the bottom of her trail shoes. Will report back on how that works out!

Comments

Bull Run Run 50-miler

Official Time: 12:31:31 ( a 50-miler PR) I did it. I’m not sure how, but I crossed the finish line yesterday of the Bull Run Run 50-miler. It had been an intimidating race from the moment I shared with others who had run it in the past. I heard all sorts of stories - the infamous Do Loop, the rolling hills, the unpredictable weather, the tough cutoff, the rocky sections that might trip you up later on. I also heard about how it was one of the most beautiful races with the BEST volunteers. I chose to keep the latter in my mind! Although the “BRR” makes me think of cold weather, and years past it has snowed and stormed and apparently gone through all 4 seasons in a day one year, yesterday’s weather was not what anybody was prepared for. It was hot and humid with cloud coverage most of the day … until the sun came out at 3:30pm and scorched your left side as you ran along the waterline of Occoquan River. It being early April, I was not acclimated to 90% humidity. For a few mile...

Saying No is Strength

Yesterday, I received the invitation I had been waiting for 5 months. I already knew what I was going to do but seeing that I had now been officially given an opportunity to Accept or Decline was surreal. I paused. All of the reasons why this is not the right time for me completely left my mind. I wanted so badly to click the green button. Unpause. The mystique of the Laurel Highlands Ultra must have something to do with the logistics just as much as the distance (70.5 miles). A point-to-point race with a finish in a small town of 1 hotel. It takes place the same time as another event, making it nearly impossible to find any affordable accommodations. Someone posted a Seven Springs condo for 12 people at $419/night. I asked about any camping options, and the RD never responded. Camping wouldn't be ideal anyways. But to pay nearly $1000 for 2 nights when I would sleep maybe 8 hours total Friday night through Sunday morning, seems ridiculous. Remembering this, I then pressed the red...

26.TRUE Marathon

If you ever lose faith in humanity, go experience the 26.TRUE Marathon in Boston. It’s diverse, it’s supportive, it’s accepting, it’s JOY … it’s what this world needs and everything we want to raise our daughter to embrace, to spread and to be. The vibes Pioneers Run Crew brought on Saturday were fire!! Running is an intimidating sport. It can make you think you have to be a certain body type, have the right gear, be a certain speed, and live somewhere safe or have $ for a treadmill or gym membership. Running is supposed to be inclusive and bring joy, make you feel worthy just the way and where you are. After hearing about this event from Alison M. Desir's book "Running While Black," I began following the Pioneers Run Crew on Instagram. Alison talks a lot about the exclusivity of the sport. Races that require qualifying times, ridiculous registration fees, routes that intentionally avoid certain neighborhoods, and not seeing yourself reflected in photos, social media and...

Michelle Runs With It

Search This Blog