From Struggling to Run a Mile to Completing 100-Mile Races
I never thought I would call myself a runner. For years, I admired runners from afar, always wanting to join their ranks but never making it past the first mile. Every time I tried, I would get frustrated, discouraged, and quit before I made any real progress. Running just wasn’t for me—or so I thought.
The Struggle to Run a Single Mile
At 34 years old, I couldn’t run a single mile. I would lace up my shoes, determined to change that, and head out to run a loop in my neighborhood. But every time, the same thing happened—I went out too fast, burned out within minutes, and found myself gasping for air. Frustration would set in, and I would give up, convinced that running just wasn’t something my body was built to do.
I tried multiple times over the years, but the outcome was always the same. I wanted to run, but my approach was all wrong. I didn’t understand pacing, and I certainly didn’t understand patience. Running was something that required consistency, but I never stuck with it long enough to see any real improvement.
The Turning Point: A 5K That Changed Everything
In 2004, a friend asked me to run a 5K with them. Without thinking, I eagerly registered, excited by the idea of finally being part of a race. But as soon as I hit the submit button, reality sank in—I had no way out. I had just committed to running 3.1 miles, something I had never been able to do before. It was both terrifying and exhilarating.
With the race on the horizon, I had no choice but to train. But this time, I took a different approach. Instead of trying to run 3 miles right away, I broke it down into small, manageable chunks. My mindset shifted from “I have to run 3 miles” to “I just need to run a quarter-mile.”
I started with short intervals—running for just 3 minutes, which was about a quarter-mile, and then walking to recover. As the weeks progressed, I increased my run time to a half-mile, then three-quarters of a mile, until finally, I ran a full mile without stopping. That was a huge milestone for me. It was the moment I realized that running wasn’t about immediate success—it was about gradual progress.
Once I conquered the mile, I continued this approach until I could run for 30 minutes straight, which was about 3 miles. The biggest shift was letting go of my obsession with pace and distance. Instead, I focused on my breathing, how my body felt, and simply getting through each interval.
Building Up to a Half Marathon and Beyond
After completing my first 5K, I was hooked. I started signing up for more races, slowly increasing my mileage. I worked my way up to a 10K, and before I knew it, I had set my sights on a half marathon.
The key was consistency and patience. I kept using the run/walk strategy when needed, ensuring that I wasn’t overloading my body too soon. I learned to love running outdoors—the fresh air, the changing scenery, and the feeling of accomplishment after every run. Running outside offered something that a treadmill never could—a connection to the world around me, a sense of freedom, and a mental escape.
Eventually, I pushed myself further. After running multiple half marathons, I decided to take the plunge and train for a full marathon. It was daunting, but I followed the same approach I used from the start—building up my mileage gradually, staying consistent, and listening to my body.
The Discovery of Trail Running and Ultra Marathons
In 2018, I stumbled across a local race on a trail. Up until that point, I had only run on roads, but something about running through the woods intrigued me. This race, the Earth Day 50K in Crystal Lake, was a 31-mile event—longer than any marathon I had done. The idea of running that distance on trails seemed crazy, but I signed up anyway.
Trail running was a completely different experience from road running. The terrain was unpredictable—roots, rocks, mud, and elevation changes forced me to slow down. I had to focus on my footing and stay in tune with my body. Unlike road races, where pace was everything, trail running required a different mindset. It wasn’t about speed; it was about endurance, adaptability, and enjoying the experience.
One of the biggest adjustments was embracing the mental shift—accepting that my pace would be much slower than on the road but that my ability to run hills and handle varying terrain would improve. Running through forests introduced me to something known as forest bathing—the calming, restorative effect of being immersed in nature. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the sight of towering trees, and the fresh air all made trail running a meditative experience.
Despite finishing the Earth Day 50K at a much slower pace than my road marathons, I was hooked. The challenge, the scenery, and the sense of accomplishment were unlike anything I had ever felt before.
Taking on Even Bigger Challenges: 100K and Beyond
After the 50K, I wanted more. I registered for a 100K race (62 miles)—the Kettle Moraine 100K. It was double the distance, but I applied the same strategy I had used when going from ¼ mile to a full mile. I broke the race into small segments, focusing on getting through each section rather than the full distance.
Since then, I have completed dozens of 50Ks, many 50-milers, and even the Hennepin 100-mile race. Each race has taught me something new about resilience, mindset, and the power of consistency. To keep my body strong, I follow a run/walk strategy, which helps me avoid injuries and inflammation. I also lift weights four times a week and walk at least 3 miles a day to maintain overall strength and endurance.
The Importance of a Running Coach
As I continued to take on bigger challenges, I realized the value of having a structured plan. Hiring a running coach helped me fine-tune my training, build a sustainable plan, and avoid overtraining. A coach provides accountability, expertise, and a personalized approach—whether you’re training for your first 5K or your first ultra-marathon.
Races Planned for This Year
At 55 years old, I have no plans of slowing down. This year, I have several races lined up, including:
✅ Earth Day 50K – A scenic trail race in Crystal Lake.
✅ Kettle Moraine 100K – A challenging ultra in the woods of Wisconsin.
✅ Hennepin 100-Mile Race – A long-distance endurance test.
✅ Galena Sky Trail Race – A 4- or 8-hour event looping through beautiful forests.
Tips for Getting Started with Running
If you’re looking to start running but feel overwhelmed, remember: I was once in your shoes. Here are my biggest takeaways:
- Start small – Focus on running for time, not speed. A quarter-mile is enough to begin. Earth Day 50k has a 5 and 15 mile option!
- Use the run/walk method – This helps prevent burnout and builds endurance gradually.
- Listen to your body – Rest when needed and avoid overtraining.
- Strength train – Lifting weights improves endurance and prevents injuries.
- Enjoy the process – Running isn’t just about races; it’s about movement, progress, and finding joy in the journey.
- Sign up to volunteer- Being part of a race is not just running it. Being there to support runners is a great way to be part of a community.
- Hire a coach– Getting started will be effortless with the right guidance.
Final Thoughts
What started as a struggle to run a single mile has turned into a lifelong journey of endurance, discovery, and achievement. Running has transformed my life, not just physically, but mentally. The road (and trail) ahead is always open, and the only way to go is forward—one step at a time.
No matter where you are in your journey, know that if I can do it, so can you.
