It has been almost a month since I ran the Looking Glass 100k, and I was finally able to sit down (with myself) and detail out my experience leading up to the race and throughout that day. What a day it was, and I am so so grateful to Brandon of Tanawha Adventures and every single volunteer for putting on such a great race despite so many obstacles. Also, thank you to Marisa Romeo, my pacer extraordinaire, for getting me through the last 30 miles. I literally would not have been able to push through if it if had not been for you. Thank you is not enough. And to my crew (my husband, Jonathan and my youngest daughter, Kayda) for putting up with me at the aid stations, refueling me, and pushing and encouraging me to continue. Lastly, thank you to all the other athletes out there giving it there all in this race. I absolutely LOVED being able to see so many of you out on the course. Thank you for your words of encouragement, your high fives, and huge smiles. Nothing better than this community. And so sorry in advance for anyone I did not mention that I saw (including Andrew, Jake and Wes to name a few!).

I am in awe of what our bodies are capable of, what our minds are capable of, and I am more in awe of the Creator who made each and every one of us to do things that seem to us as impossible. To Jesus, my Savior, I give all the glory. Without Him, these capabilities would not even exist. And WOW, what a way He has given me to see His creation and be enamored. Psalm 19:1-5

Thank you for listening as always. Who knows what will be next for me...

Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Looking Glass 100K (Tanawha) website: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/

This podcast is so much more than talking to someone new about a race that they conquered. I had never officially met Natasha Castro, but with every picture she would post on Strava or Instagram I felt drawn to her. I can't really explain why that is, but I think her smile made me smile, and you could see the rawness of her emotions with every capture. So when I saw that she had completed the No Business 100, I knew the timing was perfect. Not far into our podcast, Natasha opened up and gave me glimpse into her life story, and I began to quickly see how and why she can dive deep into the pain cave but still find the strength to continue. She had been to much more painful places than these, and she is so much tougher than I could ever dream to be. Nastasha is BEAUTIFUL, like really stunning, but she doesn't even see it. She is so strong, but doesn't seem to realize it. She is such a light, but doesn't realize its' brightness. And for goodness sake, Natasha Castro is a RUNNER who belongs in this sport, and she is finally starting to believe it.

Gosh, I feel truly honored to have met her and for her to share pieces of her life with me. Yes, we talk about her crazy No Business adventure and you will get sucked into this journey, But you will see...it is about so much more than completing a 100 mile race, and that's why I treasure the stories on Facing Vert.

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Natasha's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/99434860

Natasha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncc04/

Natasha's performance coach: Marisa Romeo https://www.marisaromeo.com

Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Mountain Running Company: https://mountainrunningcompany

Jen Kurtz joined me on the podcast in August to talk about her creatine study on endurance athletes. She reached back out as she is in need for more runners to participate in her study that are doing the Looking Glass 100k race. If you are at all interested in this, and want to get an additional $250 in your pocket, please reach out to Jen for all the details. BUT, this was not the only reason for this podcast. Jen recently completed her very first 100 miler, and I wanted to dive into every detail. Join us as we walk through her training, her gear and her journey through this very memorable race. Little did I know what an impact her story would have on me. Her joy both in the difficult times and the celebratory ones is so palpable. The way she spoke made me feel as if I was right beside her enduring it all and soaking it all in. As I go into my next race, I will be repeating her mantra...I am strong, I am capable and I am made to do this. Thank you, Jen, for sharing your light.

For more information on Dr. Jennifer Kurtz's study: https://sites.google.com/appstate.edu/creatine-trail-running-study-/home

Episode 074 with Jen Kurtz: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Y779yJSyNls8xVEZoP9eX?si=d6xG5JeTTYSym1hOznSVnA

Jen's email: kurtzja@appstate.edu

Jen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.kurtz.phd/

Rim to River 100: https://www.rimtoriverendurance.com

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Thank you for listening!