Why TSP Solo?

Once I sign-up for a race, I build a planning tool using a template that I’ve refined for the last 5 years that includes pacing predictions, packing list, crew information, maps, directions, budget, and training plan. I love using the planning time to visualize as many aspects of the race as I can, all while knowing that things can change in a moment's notice. As a runner, I’m able to use it to help me break down an incredibly long race into smaller sections, which helps me understand how to set goals for myself and how to hit them. The planning process helps me think about my priorities for the races and helps me organize my thoughts and motivations. Given how important mindset is in ultras, I find the planning process as important as the time I spend training. Under the Runner page, at the bottom, you can see a variety of planning tools for my last several years of races. I love sharing my process with others and have helped several other runners and crews plan their own races.

I’ve just begun my work on the TSP Solo Planning Tool and can’t wait to dig into Google Maps and other resources to complete it. Applying for the Ciele grant and building my TSP Solo website has been a key part of the planning process for me.

My extensive planning means that during the race, I can focus on executing my plan. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. During Rocky Raccoon 100 in 2021, I was able to execute my planned pacing nearly perfectly. My tool predicted that I’d finish in 21:52:00 and I finished in 21:50:06 - not a bad margin of error in a 100-mile race. Because of my extensive planning and research, I felt confident that I could hit the splits I had laid out and that I could meet my goal of a sub-22 hour 100 miler.

During the race, crew members are able to use the tool to adjust timing predictions for their runners in real time. I’ve found real joy in being able to share the planning tool with other racers - it’s been used in Utah, Texas, Nebraska, California, Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Italy. As races get longer, this becomes even more important; it helps the crew predict when they will be able to see the runner next, take a nap, grab some food, or when they need to be ready to problem-solve because a runner is really behind their estimates.

I can’t wait to see how my crew and I are able to come together to execute on our plan during TSP. I want to do as much work as I can ahead of time so that their experience is smooth and filled with joy. I’m hoping that I get to run into Vegas with a crew of people who have helped me accomplish something huge and that I’m able to do so safely while still pushing the limits of my running ability and executing the plan that we’ve laid out together. I know that executing a race as long as TSP Solo will be a whole new beast and will push me (and my crew) in a new way.

While it would be great if every race could be executed exactly as planned, this isn’t always the case. And, in fact, that’s part of the draw of ultras for me. The planning happens so that when something unexpected comes up, I’m able to focus on adapting and working through it. I plan for the known knowns (things I know) and the known unknowns (things I know that I don’t know) so that I can be ready to adapt and problem-solve for the unknown unknowns (things that I don’t know that I don’t know).

Problem-solving is one of my greatest strengths and favorite muscles to exercise. I’ve never DNFed a race, despite running some really tough ones and digging out of some really big holes. Each race feels like a learning opportunity for how to troubleshoot future challenges. During the Mogollon Monster 100, around mile 30, I started puking and couldn’t stop. I couldn’t keep any food or much water down and continued to trudge forward for 8 hours. At every aid station, I made an effort to find food that I could stomach. I tried every remedy I could think of: tums, pepto, ginger candies, ginger ale, crackers, chips, etc. As I continued to move through the race with my teammate and friend, I worried about calories, hydration, and safety but just focused on moving from aid station to aid station. Finally, the sun set and I was able to get down some mashed potatoes. The race took 35 hours but I was able to count myself among the 59% who finished and that’s what matters to me.

TSP Solo, without a doubt, will be an exercise in problem-solving and adaptation. I can plan and research but how my body and mind respond to the task of running from LA to Vegas is unknown. All I can do is believe in my own ability and the ability of my crew to problem-solve.

Ultras are a real testament to determination. Runners are managing so many variables: fatigue, muscle soreness, fueling, hydration, blisters, etc. Physical training can only do so much - the rest is mental. Before my races, as a part of my planning, I think about why I’m choosing to compete. The ‘Why’ helps fuel me when things get tough in a race. If I didn’t have my determination, I probably would have DNFed at Mogollon Monster. Instead, I just repeated my mantra for that race and pushed forward, counting down the miles until I could see my crew. I’ve got a few mantras that I use: Be brave, not perfect (particularly good when a race plan is out the window). I like to do hard things (most useful when trudging up a mountain with tired legs). Smile when it hurts (because science says that helps). Constant forward progress (even walking moves you forward).

Beyond saying (and believing) these statements to myself, my determination is also fueled by the people that I surround myself with. In every race, aid stations with my crew (or total strangers) help buoy my spirits and belief in myself.

Once I’m in a race, I’m determined to finish, regardless of how tough it gets. I want to push my own boundaries and show myself and others what’s possible. TSP Solo will require more determination than anything I’ve tried before but I’m confident that I’ll be able to achieve my goals, especially with the right crew of people with me.

There is something so unique about community that comes from running (especially long distances). TSP Virtual, TSP Relay, and the 100-milers that I’ve completed have been the result of the team that surrounded me: the people who I shared training miles with in the months leading up to the races, the people who ran next to me during the race, the people manning the aid stations and giving me soup in the middle of the night, and friends who stayed awake to cheer me on in the toughest moments at night.

Running side-by-side with someone for hours as you both push your limits or try to accomplish something that seems impossible builds a connection that is hard to replicate. One year of Rocky Raccoon 100, I ran with two friends for the entire race. One of them went through some really low moments and told us to leave him behind but we pushed him to stick with us, made hours of silly jokes, and told him to get out of his own head. Nearly 22 hours later, he finished with a 6-hour PR after DNFing at the same race the year before. It was a powerful testament to the importance of the community that you surround yourself with. The race was made even more special by the teamwork we used to help each other reach our goals. I’ve been lucky enough to help others push through challenges and also been pushed myself by friends, strangers, crew, and other runners dozens of times.

TSP Solo is about creating more and more of those connections as an even more extreme version of the challenges that I’ve already taken on. To complete TSP Solo, I want to bring the right team together and share a life changing experience with them. I’ve decided to fill my crew with other powerful, talented, smart, and caring women.

Having an all-female crew for TSP Solo will make the adventure even more special because the world of sports is dominated by men in so many ways. Check out my crew page to learn more.