Dear runner, today I want to share a story that goes far beyond running. It’s the tale of an epic challenge, but also of how, through effort and perseverance, one can discover new dimensions of themselves. Let’s draw inspiration from the extraordinary experience of Justin Kinner and his Grand Slam of Ultrarunning: four 100-mile races in a single summer. It’s not just a physical adventure but a mental and human journey that reminds us why we run.
Indice
Four Challenges, One Goal
Imagine taking part in four of the toughest and most iconic ultramarathons in the United States, completing them within just 13 weeks. It’s not only about physical endurance but also about facing vastly different environments, each with its own challenges.
The journey begins with the Old Dominion 100 in Virginia, a course marked by stifling humidity and challenging terrain. Next, you head to California for the Western States, where scorching temperatures and dry conditions test even the best runners. The third stop is the legendary Leadville 100 in Colorado, held at over 3,000 meters above sea level, where every breath feels heavier. Finally, the Wasatch 100 in Utah, with a staggering 7,300 meters of elevation gain, concludes a journey that goes far beyond a mere athletic challenge.
When the Mind Makes the Difference
Every ultramarathon pushes the body to its limits, but it’s the mind that truly makes the difference. Justin, like many other ultrarunners, discovered that tackling such distances isn’t just about muscles and training.
Running 100 miles takes you into uncharted territories, where your inner dialogue becomes your most constant companion. Questions build up: “Why am I doing this?” “Will I make it to the finish line?” The run becomes a deep reflection, a direct confrontation with fears and insecurities. Overcoming these moments of crisis is what sets apart those who reach the finish line from those who stop along the way.
The lesson? It’s not just about winning. It’s about continuing, taking one more step when everything else tells you to stop.
The Power of Community
If there’s one thing Justin learned during his Grand Slam, it’s that no one achieves such feats alone. Every ultrarunner knows how crucial support and encouragement from others are.
Fellow competitors, volunteers, spectators, and personal crew members create a network of positive energy that lifts you up during the hardest moments. A simple cup of water offered at the right time or a smile can make all the difference when you feel on the verge of giving up.
The running community in these events demonstrates that running is never a solitary endeavor. It’s a shared experience that reminds us how interconnected we are, even when we’re focused on pushing our personal limits.
The Moments That Matter
At the end of the journey, what does it mean to have run 400 miles in a summer? Justin discovered that it’s not the numbers or the medals that give value to the experience but the small moments we live along the way.
A sunrise viewed from a remote trail, a deep breath that makes you feel alive, the taste of a cool drink after hours of sweltering heat—these are the moments that stay with you, far more than the time on the clock.
Running is about being present, living in the moment, and learning that every step has meaning, even when it feels insignificant.
Find Your Why
This story isn’t just about ultramarathons or extraordinary achievements. It’s an invitation for each of us to reflect on our own journey in running. Whether you’re running 5 kilometers or tackling a bigger challenge, the principle is the same: every step is an opportunity to discover who you are and what motivates you to keep going.
So, dear runner, are you ready to uncover your “why”? No matter how far you want to go, the important thing is to start and to remember that every step, big or small, is a milestone.