Corrie Crane Journey to the "Race Across the Sky"

By Kimberly Nicoletti

Corrie Crane got into ultramarathons late in life, and now at age 45, she’s running the Leadville 100 this August. She chose the hardest terrain possible for her first 100-mile race to be completed under 30 hours; the trail demands runners climb over Hope Pass (twice) at 12,600 feet and test themselves with a 15,744-foot elevation gain through the forested mountains.

After growing up in northern Alabama and graduating college, Crane wanted a complete change of scenery. She was always intrigued with Colorado, and when she moved to Vail, she was “just amazed by what it had to offer as far as mountains,” she says.

Prior to moving, the biggest race she had ever run was a 10K. About seven years ago, she met Emily Selonick at a yoga studio and acted as a crew member and pacer for Selonick’s 50- and 100mile races. Then, she became curious about what her body and mind were capable of. She began with a 26-mile marathon, then moved up to 50K and 100K races.

“I enjoyed being on trails. I wouldn’t do a marathon on a road; I like to be in the forest,” Crane says, adding that she likes “races that take me places,” such as the Beaverhead 100K on the Continental Divide between Idaho and Montana. She and Selonick ran it together last July, supporting one another through stormy weather, lightning strikes and mental doubts.

“She has been with me through all of my races. She just brings an incredible positive attitude and stoke. She’s always game for anything,” Selonick says. “She is just one of those people that you’re always glad to have in your corner, and she’s been with me through some of my darkest times and some of my best times in all those races. She’s just a joy to be with and spend time with in the mountains.”

Crane hadn’t seriously considered a 100-mile race until she gave up alcohol two years ago and discovered she had more free time.

“I’m clear-headed. I don’t have the anxiety I did. When I wake up, I don’t have to worry about a headache. I’m a better wife, employee and friend. I’m still the life of the party. I’m just a better person, because I’m learning to deal with the issues I have — we all have issues and work through the emotions rather than covering them up,” she says.

And, that’s when she began running longer distances.

“I didn’t think I had time before, but now that I’m on a journey of sobriety, I have more time,” she says, adding that since she and her husband don’t have kids, she trains before and after her work at East West Hospitality (which she loves, partially because they support work-life balance), often with her rescue dog, Mr. Gus. “He’s the one who motivates me to get out,” she shares.

Beyond miles of trail running, additional physical training includes interval sessions, speed workouts, hill training, skiing, skinning up the mountain and skate skiing. Spring desert trips get her running and biking on the dirt early season. In mid-summer she climbs 14ers for altitude acclimation work, and she has started fat biking in the winter months.

Recovery includes one to two rest days a week, adequate sleep, breath work, deep stretching, leg compression sleeves and a diet free of sugar and full of plenty of protein, carbs and electrolytes.

Since you can never control weather, she trains in all conditions and, at times, purposely pulls herself off her warm, cozy couch on a wintery Friday night at 9 p.m. to run outside, just to get more comfortable with discomfort.

“[Running] 100 miles is not about physical fitness. It’s about your mindset,” she says, adding that journaling, gratitude and meditation are part of her routine. “I try to pump my mind and my body with anything that’s going to further me with performing at my best. I have to stay uber-focused, trust the process and know that I’ve trained for this, which I do remind myself often through my low points of a big mileage race. I just look up at the summit and put one foot in front of the other, regulate my heart rate climbing and just keep moving. When you’re ready to quit, just go one more, whether that’s one more aid station, one more mile or one more section. Really, your race is a celebration of your training.”

After the Leadville 100 in August 2023, she plans to train for the 50K skate/53K classic American Birkebeiner in February 2024 in Wisconsin with Selonick.

Her overall goal involves living a fulfilled life while inspiring others. As her friend Katherine Bugby points out, "She vibrates at a very high frequency.”

Whether it’s a race, work or life in general, Crane focuses on the journey rather than the destination, while still pushing the boundaries of the horizon.

“Anyone who’s willing to step out of their comfort zone — that’s where growth really happens,” she says. “I want to encourage people to live an awesome, healthy life and enjoy the beautiful mountains we live in. And, if you’re struggling, reach out to a friend. There’s always hope around the next corner.” +

1. CANNONDALE HABIT CARBON 2

Feel your flow with this mid-priced, light, fast and fun trail mountain bike that's ready to climb as much as it wants to rip descents. Available in several other style, spec and price variations, the Habit is pretty ideal for Colorado riding! $4,350 cannondale.com

2. BIOLITE SITELIGHT STRING

Light up any season, inside or out, with this compact and lightweight string of lights that can be easily hung anywhere. It features a USB-rechargeable battery and a durable construction, so you can use it on an outdoor patio, to illuminate an evening yoga class or create more ambiance at a campsite. $19.95 bioliteenergy.com

3. HOLOS ORGANIC OVERNIGHT MUESLI

This delicious and nutritious breakfast option can be prepared the night before for added convenience. Made from high-quality ingredients, such as whole grains, nuts and fruits, this muesli provides a good source of fiber and protein to start your day off right. It also comes in a variety of flavors and is free from artificial additives. Starting at $4.42 per meal us.liveholos.com

4. PATAGONIA STRIDER PRO SHORTS

Go light on the trail with these high-performance shorts, available for men and women with several options for inseam length. With a range of pockets and reflective detailing, these shorts are super functional and a top choice for all types of runners. $85 patagonia.com

5. WONDERY PARKS OF THE USA WATER BOTTLE

Celebrate the wonders of the U.S. with this fun and practical accessory for those who love the great outdoors. The design features illustrations of iconic national parks, making it a great way to show off your love for the natural beauty of the United States, while staying hydrated as you roam. $58 wonderybrand.com

6. DEUTER SHORTRAIL I

Go minimal on your trail runs with this cleverly organized running belt that keeps your valuables, cell phone and soft flasks securely stashed and easily accessible. A trim-to-fit waist belt cuts down on excess weight and ensures a personalized fit. $60 deuter.com

7. EDDIE BAUER HIGH ROUTE GRID FLEECE HALF-ZIP MOCK

Next-to-skin comfort is noticeable with the grid fleece material on the interior of this essential layer. The fabric provides warmth and breathability, while also wicking away moisture. $90 eddiebauer.com

8. VIMAZI Z50

Depending on your pace, Vimazi makes a road running shoe for you. The Vimazi Z50 is specifically tuned and designed for running between 7:15-8:45 minutes per mile (4:305:25 min/km). The Z50 is optimized for quickness and max energy efficiency at pace, and a slightly wider platform is designed to enhance stability at speed. $175 vimazi.com

9. ONX BACKCOUNTRY APP

This is truly a powerful tool for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the backcountry. The app provides access to detailed maps, including topography and satellite imagery, and it has offline capabilities. The app also includes features such as waypoints, tracking and weather updates, making it a valuable companion for hikers, campers and hunters alike. $29.99-$99.99 per year membership onxmaps.com

10. THERM-A-REST HONCHO PONCHO DOWN

Hanging out at camp just got a little cozier. The Honcho Poncho is now available with down insulation (the original has synthetic insulation). This blanket-like fireside staple moves with you when you’re wearing it but packs down when you’re transporting it. $195 thermarest.com

11. KLEAN KANTEEN 14 OZ RISE MUG

Get your hefty mug fix when you’re on the go with this durable option that features a leakproof cap and comfortable handle. It’s made from post-consumer recycled stainless steel. We’ve used it at the office and on a backcountry hut trip, with hot and cold beverages, and its only downside is that it may not fit in your car cup holder. $32.95 kleankanteen.com

12. ORTOVOX PEAK LIGHT 32 PACK

For the love of mountaineering, this high-tech pack provides enough space for essential gear and features a range of pockets and attachment points for convenient storage. The backpack's lightweight and durable construction, coupled with its comfortable and adjustable fit, make it an excellent choice for alpine adventures. $200 ortovox.com

13. UCO GEAR FOUR-PIECE MESS KIT

This lightweight and durable kit is made of 90% natural materials. The plate, bowl and spork all tether for easy storage and transport. $18.99 ucogear.com

1. ORTOVOX LADIZ HYBRID JACKET

This versatile and stylish outerlayer is made for the mountains. It seamlessly blends warmth and breathability with a combination of natural and synthetic materials to offer excellent comfort and moisture management. $270 ortovox.com

2. ISLE PIONEER PRO SERIES

Isle’s new Pioneer Pro Series bridges the gap between an inflatable and hardshell watercraft, delivering performance and versatility, and offering two to three times more rigidity, durability and glide than traditional inflatable models. Isle’s stainless steel G-Hook system allows you to link up with other Isle Link compatible boards, seamlessly convert between kayak and SUP modes, and attach new Isle accessories such as coolers. $895-$1,095 islesurfandsup.com

3. PATAGONIA SWIFTCURRENT ULTRALIGHT WADERS

Ideal for travelers, hikers and warm-weather anglers, these durable yet lightweight waders roll up into a small stuff sack that weighs just 36 ounces. $499 patagonia.com

4. SEA TO SUMMIT BIG RIVER DRY BAG

Keep all your gear safe and secure in this durable and abrasion resistant dry bag that uses a strong 420D nylon fabric. Bag sizes range from 5-liter to 65-liter. Lash loops allow secure stacking or attachment to watercraft, motorcycles and other equipment, and the hypalon non-wicking roll-top closure keeps water out. $39.95-$79.95 seatosummit.com

5. SMARTWOOL MEN’S MOUNTAIN BIKE LONG SLEEVE JERSEY

Style and performance come together with this moisture-wicking and odor-resistant long sleeve that’s made from a Merino wool blend. The light fabric is paired with back vents, allowing for ideal temperature regulation. The generous fit gives you room to move and the longer back hem offers extra riding coverage. $95 smartwool.com

6. RUFFWEAR BACKTRACK DOG EVACUATION KIT

This is an essential item for any dog owner who heads into the backcountry with their furry best friend. It’s compact to carry and includes a lightweight first-aid dog muzzle and a human vest with a built-in dog carrying sling, so you’re always prepared for any unexpected evacuation or emergency situation. $119.95 ruffwear.com

7. ADIDAS SPORT SP0060 AVIATORS

Pair an active lifestyle with these lightweight sunglasses. Their stylish and practical design has modern features with a timeless look, and the high-quality KOLOR UP lenses help to enhance color. Wear them to and from yoga, on the trail or during a sunny outdoor lunch. $156 adidas.com

8. KNOG SCOUT BIKE ALARM & FINDER

This convenient and reliable device helps protect your bike from theft. With its loud alarm and real-time tracking capabilities, the Scout can deter thieves and help you locate your bike in case it gets stolen. It also features a long battery life, a waterproof design and a user-friendly app. $59.95 us.knog.com

9. KRIMSON KLOVER RORY SHORT AND VIDA JERSEY

We’re so excited that Krimson Klover is making cycling gear, especially these pieces that combine stylish flare with technical details. The Rory Short is lightweight, stretchy and available in a 5-inch and 7-inch inseam for all your mountain bike adventures. The Vida Jersey has UPF protection and can be worn on the road or the trail. Both pieces have pockets with zippers in the perfect spots. Ride on! Rory Short: $99-$105; Vida Jersey: $89 krimsonklover.com

10. OUTDOOR RESEARCH FERROSI TRANSIT PANTS

These will be your go-to pants for before, during and after outdoor activities. Stretchy, light and breathable, the pants feature a range of pockets and a durable, water-repellent finish. $89 outdoorresearch.com

11. TAILWIND ACTIVE HYDRATION

Known for fueling endurance athletes on and beyond the trails of Colorado, Durango-based Tailwind now has an electrolyte formula that also includes collagen and vitamin C. Mix the powder with water — it has a clean taste with subtle flavor and minimal sugar. $21 per 12-pack tailwindnutrition.com

12. OUTDOOR VITALS SUMMIT SLEEPING BAG

With its ultralight and compressible design, this sleeping bag is made for backpacking and camping trips. Insulation options range from -15 degrees to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmth to weight ratio on this bag is truly impressive. $285-$390 outdoorvitals.com

13. HABITUDE FAMILY & GROUP CAMPING TENT

Ideal for a small family, this tent has a high ceiling, so standing up isn’t an issue. It’s easy to pitch and dialed for ultimate camping comfort. Available in four-person and six-person sizing. $450-$530 msrgear.com