Words and video can’t even do justice to the beauty that was the Grayson Highlands 50K course. I couldn’t have picked a better Ultra for my first! Yes, it was not an easy one. It was challenging and I really had to push myself. But that’s part of it, too, right? I was running on euphoria atop and around the most beautiful mountains, hanging out with ponies and longhorns, traveling along rushing, whitewater creeks, being surrounded by an amazing trail running community, crewed by the best boyfriend in the world, and supported 200% from some damn good friends from afar. Thank you for a perfect day! Oh, and did I mention I’m officially an ULTRARUNNER now?!

Song credit to Widespread Panic with “Surprise Valley.” Which I found to be completely appropriate!