Reflections from a DNF at the Leadville 100
Failing is hard—and human.
Life doesn’t always go the way we plan, train, or hope. I chose this challenge partly to honor those living with mental illness, who don’t choose their hard journey. They fight every day, and sometimes still “fail” despite doing everything right. I expected the race to be hard, but I didn’t expect to fail. That’s been painful and humbling.
For perspective: the finish rate for those 60+ at Leadville is only 15%.
The odds for those living with mental illness can feel just as overwhelming.
The story behind Thirst’s first initiative.
Unexpected events in my life shook me to the core. Running and training became the only space where I could process and work through my mental and emotional struggles. It wasn’t just about physical endurance anymore—running became essential to my mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Somewhere along that journey, a question took root in my mind: Could I actually attempt the iconic Leadville 100-mile race?