EDITOR’S LETTER
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the fifth installment of East Coa
This issue is particularly special as we cel ng. We’re thrilled to feature Courtney Olsen, w feat that exemplifies not only her incredible talent but also her unwavering dedication to the sport. Additionally, we spotlight Liz Myers, who set a new women’s fastest known time (FKT) on the Across Florida route, demonstrating the grit and determination that defines ultrarunners
These stories are just a glimpse into the extraordinary accomplishments within our community. Each runner featured in this issue has faced unique challenges and has pushed beyond limits in ways that inspire us all. Their journeys remind us that in ultrarunning, success is not solely measured by records and times but by the spirit of perseverance and the passion for the trail.
We are also incredibly grateful for all the support we have received from our readers, contributors, and the ultrarunning community. Your enthusiasm fuels our commitment to bring you the best content and celebrate the achievements of athletes pushing the boundaries of what is possible
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the exciting world of ultrarunning. We hope you find inspiration in the pages ahead
Happy trails,
Brandley Krisher Editor-in-Chiefs
East Coast Ultra Running Magazine
BY: JOEY BROWN
Capturing the Spirit of the Trail
BY: BROCK ROTTER
Trail Enthusiasts for Burning River
BY: NICK MAZZINO
BY: LIZ MYERS
Her Life’s Work: Courtney Olsen’s RecordBreaking Race
BY: LAURA ADAMS
NEGATIVE HEAD SPACE: A DNF STORY
By: Joey Brown
By Nick Morgan
Photo
Photo By Nick Morgan
October 25th marked a day I’d been eagerly awaiting since December 31st, when I first received the approval to take part in the No Business 100. My heart raced with anticipation, but my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. This wasn’t just another race; it was my first attempt at a 100-miler, a journey I had dreamed of after pacing my friend Matt Cook through the last 24 miles of this race the previous year. It filled me with envy to watch those runners receive cheers of encouragement, their spirits soaring as they dashed into each aid station. I wanted to experience that; I wanted to be a part of that electrifying atmosphere. Now, the day was finally here, and I was ready to step into the limelight.
As I woke that morning, a peculiar numbness enveloped me. I was surrounded by my friends, Matt and Cory, while Theresa and Ashli prepared for their day of crewing. I meticulously checked my gear—my bottle filled with my favorite electrolyte drink, my running vest stocked with headlamps, batteries, gloves, and gels. I had everything planned out: my pacing with Matt, my strategy to skip the aid stations quickly, my determination to execute a perfect race plan. I felt prepared—yet, somehow, that numbness lingered, casting a shadow over my excitement.
When we arrived at Group Camp, my dad, Ted, and my children, D’Mitri and Natalia, were there to send me off on this monumental journey. Surrounded by friends and family, standing with Matt and Cory at the starting line, I felt buoyed by their support. The atmosphere pulsed with energy as the Race Director fired us up with anticipation, the countdown echoing in my heart—“It’s Business Time!”—and we were off!
The first few miles were exhilarating, running with the lead pack, every cheer from the crowd igniting a fire within me. I felt invincible, buoyed by the thrill of the race and the camaraderie of my fellow runners. I could keep this pace forever! As we arrived at the first aid station, a sense of community washed over us, and I could still feel the adrenaline pumping strong. Taking a moment to refuel with Matt, we made a strategic decision to slow our pace; it felt like the right call.
But then, around mile 21, I hit a wall. The hills that had once seemed manageable turned into daunting obstacles, and I felt the grip of fatigue wrapping around me tighter. As we took a break after Bandy, I could feel my mental state begin to fray. Matt had been battling plantar fasciitis, and as we discussed the possibility of stopping at just 25 miles, my heart sank deeper into that uncomfortable place—the feeling of inadequacy creeping in. But Matt's warrior spirit won over; he encouraged me to push on to Duncan Hollow. With every step, however, I was stepping further into doubt.
As we moved on from Bandy into the next stretches, my thoughts grew darker. I found myself lagging behind, caught in a battle between desire and despair. Each mile that passed felt like an eternity. The joyous energy that had once lifted me began to fade, replaced by frustration and anger. I had entered that dreaded negative headspace, and as much as I tried to shake it off, it adorned itself like a heavy cloak.
I finally reached Duncan Hollow, desperately hoping for a glimmer of motivation in the form of familiar faces, only to find disappointment instead. Matt had pushed ahead, and Ashli was returning from the aid station. No one was there to lift my spirits, no encouragement to reignite my drive. With evening approaching and the realization that I had left my headlamp behind, panic washed over me. I had not anticipated this moment; everything I’d planned was crumbling before my eyes.
In that moment of vulnerability, a toxic mix of self-doubt and disappointment took hold. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was a failure, feeling defeated without the chance to recover. All my hopes of finishing strong fell to the wayside, leaving me in a profound sense of loss. I no longer believed I could overcome this mountain of negativity in my mind. And just like that, my race came to an abrupt end—DNF.
As I sit here reflecting on that day, I recognize the lessons hidden beneath the difficulty. A negative headspace isn’t merely an obstacle but a teacher, urging us to confront our vulnerabilities. This experience, while painful, reminds me of the power of resilience and the importance of mental fortitude.
Redemption awaits, and I know that the following year holds a promise of growth and renewed strength. I’m learning to embrace the journey, recognizing that even in defeat, there are valuable lessons to be uncovered. Next time, I will prepare not just my body, but my mind, ready to tackle whatever challenges come my way. Because ultimately, every setback carries the seeds of a comeback—and I’m ready to grow.
Photo By Nick Morgan
MARCH 8th, 2025
WHITE SPRINGS, FL
Capturing the Spirit of the Trail: A Journey
from Runner to Photographer
By:Brock Rotter
I didn’t set out to photograph trail races. I used to run. I ran for almost 30 years, rarely signing up for races because I didn’t enjoy the competitive feelings I’d get in road races, until Tim McKenzie introduced me to ultra trail races, where I discovered a really cool crowd of people. Running had been a way to keep me in shape for my true adventure love: backpacking. Mix that with the fact that I’ve had a camera since before I started running, and you get someone who loves documenting adventures in the wild. I participated in my first ultra on my birthday in 2023—the Blood Rock 50k—and enjoyed not only the race but the people. Though I’m just a speed hiker, I learned to turn the competitive feelings inward, to push myself against myself instead of against others. When the fellow racers you pass or the racers who pass you encourage you along the way, you learn that quickly. You learn it doesn’t have to be you versus them. It becomes me versus me—in an attempt to achieve my goals. Months later, Ben Callaway forwarded me Jamie Henderson’s Facebook post, looking for a photographer for the Rockin’ Choccolocco 50k, so I responded and ended up loving the challenge of documenting the race. It tapped into the things I love: being in the forest and taking photos (and videos). After that, Jamie asked me to show up for Rebecca Mountain 50 and then the Pinhoti 100.
Tim and Chad have been part of my photo “crew” these past few races. They’ve helped me with navigation, logistics, and have already documented some excellent race moments for me. Suddenly, this whole thing has turned into something I really enjoy doing. I try to fill my weekends with as much wilderness time as I can because during the week my “real” job is a high school teacher. I have two fun, highly active ways of “working.” But I don’t kid myself; the really hard work is about the important things: the people I surround myself with—my incredible wife and two daughters. We work for each other; we support one another’s shenanigans; but we are the priority: family and friends. Though I have plenty of room for growth, perhaps that’s what I’m pointing my camera at too: the experiences of our humanity. The race itself is a conduit. What you experience— and witness others experience—are priceless lessons for personal growth and making positive connections with others. We need more of that.
Brock Rotter
Trail Enthusiasts for Burning River:
MORE THAN JUST A RUNNING GROUP
The Birth of TEFBR
By Nick Mazzino
A trail running group is far more than just a collection of individuals meeting to hit the trails. It is a vibrant, transformative force that can profoundly impact lives and entire communities. Beyond the physical act of running, these groups foster personal growth, lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging. Northeast Ohio’s Trail Enthusiasts for Burning River (TEFBR) is a shining example of how a running group can transcend mere exercise to create a powerful and supportive community.
TEFBR was founded in 2015 by Anthony Balasco, affectionately known as “Papa Tony” to his trail-running friends. Tony’s journey into trail running began relatively late in life. At the age of 62, he completed his first trail race a half marathon. Inspired, he progressively tackled longer distances, conquering several 50Ks and eventually moving on to 50-mile and 100-mile ultramarathons. But, Tony quickly realized that running such immense distances required more than just physical endurance; it demanded knowledge, strategy, and community support. Thus, TEFBR was born. Back then, ultra-running wasn’t the popular sport it is today. Few people in the Cleveland and Akron area of Ohio, where TEFBR is based, had attempted the daunting 100-mile distance. Tony’s vision was to create a space where runners of all abilities could connect, learn, and push their limits together. He invited local ultrarunning veterans to share their expertise, and a small group of friends began running together. What started as an innocent experiment quickly grew into a thriving community with over 3,000 members.
A Community for All Walks of Life
TEFBR is now a diverse and inclusive group that welcomes runners of all ages and backgrounds. Members range from teenagers to mid-70s and represent a wide variety of occupations mechanics, brain surgeons, artists, and everything in between. On the trails, however, these differences disappear. Running serves as a great equalizer, bringing everyone together in pursuit of shared goals. The group accommodates runners of all fitness levels, from beginners to elite ultra-runners. For new members, the supportive environment makes daunting goals feel attainable. Over the years, countless individuals have achieved milestones they once thought impossible from their first 50K to winning a 200-mile race. The group ’ s camaraderie and encouragement have also helped members grow in confidence, a transformation that often spills over into their personal and professional lives.
Tony’s Legacy of Inspiration
Tony’s own running achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. In 2016, at the age of 65, he completed the Burning River 100 a Western States qualifier in just 23 hours and 24 minutes, earning a coveted gold buckle for finishing under 24 hours. He has since completed three additional 100-mile ultras, proving that age is no barrier to incredible accomplishments.
But Tony’s true passion lies not in his own accolades but in the success of others. He has mentored countless runners, offering guidance, encouragement, and a paternal sense of care. Many members attribute their achievements to Tony’s unwavering support and the welcoming atmosphere he has cultivated within TEFBR. As I was sitting down with Tony in a coffee shop talking to him about this article it was so fitting that randomly a TEFBR member who just completed his first 50k walked in and joined our conversation.
Beyond the Trails
TEFBR’s impact extends far beyond running. The group has become a space for people to forge deep connections, both platonic and romantic. Members share stories, celebrate each other’s victories, and provide a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Friendships formed on the trails often blossom into lifelong bonds, creating a true sense of family. The group ’ s influence has even reached into the professional lives of its members. Many have credited TEFBR with helping them develop the confidence and resilience needed to tackle challenges in their careers. The lessons learned on the trails perseverance, adaptability, and the power of community translate seamlessly into other areas of life.
The Power of Influence
TEFBR’s success lies in its organic growth and the authenticity of its mission Every Saturday and Sunday morning rain, snow or shine (emphasis on the rain and snow in Ohio) members gather for group runs The group takes a photo together before the run to commemorate the experience These moments, shared on social media, inspire others to join and spread the message of inclusivity and support Ultimately, TEFBR is more than a running group; it is a testament to the transformative power of community By helping individuals discover strengths they didn’t know they had, TEFBR has changed countless lives As Tony reflects on the group ’ s journey, he is reminded of the profound impact that a shared passion can have “We’ve become family,” he says And for the thousands of people whose lives have been touched by TEFBR, that sense of family is the greatest achievement of all
Nick Mazzino
THE EAST COASTS MOST SCENIC TRAIL RACES
BY RICHARD HISRICH
PHOTO BY NICK MORGAN
MY CLOUDLAND CANYON 50-MILE ADVENTURE
BY RICHARD HISRICH
The journey down six hundred metal steps into Sitton’s Gulch leads to one of the most stunning trails I’ve ever run. The path hugs a boulder-strewn creek, where the roar of rushing water drowns out all other sounds It’s a constant battle to keep your footing while soaking in the views In those moments, it feels as if the gulch swallows you whole But let’s start from the beginning. It was a bonechilling 22 degrees at the start line on December 7th at Georgia’s Cloudland Canyon State Park. Nearly 300 runners 50-mile and 50K alike gathered in the dark, their breath visible in the cold morning air This was my second time running the 50mile distance, and I knew the day would be filled with a mix of challenges and exhilaration some expected, others yet to be discovered.
Cloudland Canyon has a way of calling you back Its breathtaking overlooks, waterfalls, and rugged backcountry offer a little bit of everything for trail runners. For me, the appeal of its beauty and runnable terrain was irresistible, despite the inevitable hardships of a 50-mile race. The race started near the park’s Main Overlook on the park roads, giving runners ample space to settle into a rhythm before hitting the trails The downside? An immediate uphill climb a rude awakening for cold legs The first five miles were spent on pavement, enough time to establish a comfortable pace and reflect on the absurdity of running such distances in freezing weather That’s part of the allure of trail running: every race is an unpredictable adventure, demanding adaptation and grit in equal measure.
PHOTO BY NICK MORGAN
PHOTO BY MISTY HERRON
When we reached the West Rim Loop Trail, headlamps flicked off as dawn broke. This trail, with its tangle of roots and rocks, offers the first glimpses of the canyon. The sun’s rays finally pierced the cold, but that warmth was quickly forgotten at the top of the stairs leading into Sitton’s Gulch.
Descending those six hundred steps was a spectacle in itself. Icicles adorned the canyon walls, some spilling onto the walkway, creating a surreal winter wonderland, without the snow! At the canyon floor, the first aid station appeared at the mouth of the canyon and the end of the trail. After a quick refuel, it was time to retrace our steps literally. The climb back up those stairs was mercifully interrupted by a detour to Cherokee Falls, a momentary distraction from the burning in my legs.
Emerging from the canyon, I reached the second aid station at the start/finish line around mile 13. As I was running without a crew, this stop was critical. I swapped out a few layers, restocked my gear, and grabbed some bacon and oranges before heading back out. The next 37 miles would be a test of my preparation and resolve, relying on what I carried and the aid stations along the course
The backcountry trails beyond the start/finish lack the dramatic vistas of the canyon, but they invite introspection The rolling, runnable terrain allowed my mind to wander I found myself reflecting on why I run these races it’s more than fitness. For me, it’s spiritual, a way to test my inner strength and reaffirm my commitment to my goals, no matter how daunting the path may seem.
As I wound along the Cloudland Connector Trail, passing the aid station at Highway 189, my legs began to feel the strain The aptly named Can’t Hardly Trail pushed me further into the red zone, and by the time it rejoined the Connector, I was questioning my decision to tackle the 50-mile distance At this juncture, 50K runners turned left toward the finish, while 50-mile runners turned right into what felt like oblivion. At the Ascalon aid station, I replenished my supplies from my drop bag and fueled up with help from the volunteers. The next stretch nearly 20 miles would take me far from any sense of comfort. My mantra, “Always Step Forward,” became a lifeline. No matter how tough the miles ahead, I reminded myself that progress, however slow, was still progress Fatigue set in, and I slowed considerably Each aid station became a mental checkpoint, a place to reassess and ask myself if I should continue But I refused to give up This race was more than a challenge; it was a step in my journey toward personal growth I wasn’t about to quit on myself By the time I returned to Ascalon just before dark, I was exhausted I lingered there, eating as much as I could and gearing up for the final push The temperature plummeted as the sun set, and soon my headlamp was my only guide. My world shrank into a small circle of light, isolating me in the cold, quiet darkness. The trail was empty; no runners were visible ahead or behind. It was a solitary, humbling experience. Loneliness accompanied me to the finish, but I stayed focused, taking it one step at a time. Eventually, a distant light appeared the Group Lodge. Hearing voices singing Christmas carols as I passed by was a surreal yet uplifting moment That brief burst of energy carried me down the final stretch to the finish line
Crossing that line, I felt a mix of relief and pride It hadn’t been the race I envisioned, but I’d persevered through the highs and lows The course had swallowed me whole, chewed me up and spat me out – but I emerged stronger for it Another Cloudland Canyon 50-mile adventure was in the books This race, like all others, reminded me that even when the journey is grueling, the reward of pushing beyond your limits is worth every step.
PHOTO BY NICK MORGAN
ACROSS FLORIDA 200
BY LIZ MYERS
PHOTOS BY LIZZIE FOWLER
ACROSS FLORIDA 200
B Y L I Z M Y E R S
Do you remember hearing about ultra-running for the first time? I do It was right after running my first 10k The adrenaline was still pumping through my veins I was experiencing my first runners High I was hooked, and I wanted more So I did what anyone in this day and age does I jumped online and dove into the sport of running I remember seeing this one race and thinking it was absolutely insane I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of running so many miles I didn’t even drive that far (remember I was new to running and didn’t grasp the whole ultra world) This race included some road and trail running I had never run on a trail before and the idea of cruising through the trails sounded amazing I started to wonder if I could do this race It was obviously possible to run far, but 200 miles that's a long distance Yet I wanted to see if I could do it The race I saw online was the Across Florida (AF) 200
But before I attempted AF 200, I knew I needed to run more I completed my first 10k, Half, and Full Marathon shortly after I finally ran my first Ultra in 2023 I was hooked I wanted to learn and grow as much as I could, so I got a coach, signed up for some races, got involved in the community, started a running podcast (The Tribe of Runners), and became a coach
2024 was a HUGE race year for me I ran my first 50 miler in February (Forgotten Florida) and my first 100 Miler in October (Javelina 100) I originally wanted to run AF in 2025, but I found out the race was not going to be virtual I always envisioned myself doing it that way So, I started looking at the end of 2024 I realized this December there was a Friday the 13th As soon as I realized this, I officially decided to run AF 200 on this date Honestly, for two reasons; It was my birthday, and it was a Friday the 13th Which is the day I was born Yes, I was born on a Friday the 13th It was meant to be I would run AF 200 a little under six weeks after my first 100 Miler
Now, to the part of the story, everyone is waiting to hear about my attempt to complete the AF 200 The beginning started a little crazy I went to the wrong area to start Thankfully, I was not completely consumed by this error and was able to get to the true start quickly with the help of Gregg Lawson. He was meeting me at the start so he helped get me to the pier on the West Coast Walking up to the start I wouldn’t allow myself to think about what I was about to endure. I knew the whole distance was going to be way too much to consume at one time. So my strategy was to think about this race into smaller segments I would break up the 200 miles per pacer As I was standing at the start with only my crew, I realized how much I had put into this race. The hours of training, tons of strategic planning, and research on the course, but now it was my time to shine And all I had to do was start my live tracker and take the first step
The first segment of the run was solo, and it blew by. I was downing my food and hydration and enjoying every step of this unknown journey Starting off down the paved trail, to the trail, over and around the berm, jumping the fence at the lowest point, and landing on some back roads When I picked up my first pacer, Chris Margetto we were running along mostly roads. I was hating every moment of it. The roads had a little shoulder to run on - if that We were on and off the should of the road due to the traffic and lack of care in the drivers on the road The side along the road was slanted to the point where running on it for a few yards was driving me nuts. The closer we were to getting to Pruitt Trailhead, the worse the traffic was getting Luckily, the grass on the side of the road started to become a little easier to run But I was cursing the roads and ready to get on the trails and be in the woods! When I picked up my next pacer, Sean, I was struggling with being nauseous I had no problem getting the food down, but I was not trying to throw it back up Before I knew it, I suddenly got the notorious feeling… I was going to throw up. The only thing I could think of during this moment was that I was going to throw up for the first time in over 7 years
And I did. I threw up. I think I did due to consuming too much water, and my body was not having it After I got it all out of me, I was a whole new person Ready to take on the race.
I spent the majority of the second day with Lizzy Fowler, who kept my spirit alive during all the ups and downs of our adventure. Our conversations kept me going, and we explored so many amazing sections together She pulled me along the HWY to Hell where we ran the downs and walked the up of this endless clay/dirt road. I imagined this section to be a lot worse than it actually was But say it was my amazing pacer keeping me going. Casey Sparks picked me up after and introduced me to using poles. Realizing I had no clue what to do with the poles, I winded it and felt like I grasped on quickly. Once I got the hang of using the poles, I felt unstoppable. Casey and John Reid helped me maneuver through the fallen trees right before the reroute at Juniper Springs. Once we hit the actual reroute, I was struggling. I was moving, but not very fast I felt this section sucking the soul out of me. Another endless clay/dirt road, and it was dark. We had the full moon shining along the trail, but I couldn’t get out of the funk.
As we were about to get to another aid stop (they were all blurring together at this point), I saw a full-sized Spiderman in the distance Instantly, I thought I was hallucinating. Then I realized my pacers had stopped talking, and we were all staring at the same figure To our surprise, it was my next pacer, Charlie Poblenz. I wasn't seeing things! I’m not sure if I was more relieved to know that or to see Charlie
Charles's section was such a high for me. He got me moving again. He started by seeing if I could run for a few seconds We moved to running a full minute. Then, running a full length of a song. We were jamming out the songs in my playlist. And they were bringing out a side of me I didn’t think would show up this late in the race. I was singing and having the best time.
I was running to one song and fastwalking to another song. The paces varied from 9:30 min/miles when I was running and jamming out the music to 15:00 min/miles when I was fast walking. During this section, Jesus and Lindsey joined. At the Buckman Locks, I picked up my final pacer Kirk Blevins. He lives in this area and was ready to get me to the finish. Sadly, my mind was not in the right place. I was still hanging in there but fading quicker than I wanted.
During the final 40-ish miles, I struggled the most I’ve ever struggled mentally. Running was something I kept telling myself I couldn’t do. My mind was in control right now, and I couldn’t get myself out of the funk. I knew my crew was struggling from all the work they had been doing as well.
Consumed by the worries of my crew and feeling like I was not performing to my fullest, I was struggling. Kirk tried his best but could not get me back. My mind was in full control and was taking over my every thought.
As we were getting closer to the end, Jesus approached me while sitting on the curb. We were roughly 12 miles from the finish and asked if I wanted to know where I was time-wise. At this point in the race, I was not 100% certain of my time anymore. I was in the pain cave and struggling to get out. But I nodded, waiting for his response. He told me I could hit a sub-70hour finish if I started to push it right now. I stood up and told Kirk we had to go. I was going to push.
We got going, and Kirk gave me a few things to look forward to. He told me I had three red lights till I would be on the final stretch to the finish. I was counting down the lights. Still, in a fast death march, we passed one light and another. We were approaching the last red light. Kirk started to run up in front to hit the button to cross the road. At this moment, I had this feeling to go moving. So I took off.
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Breaking my thought of what I needed to do next, my phone flashed my official time I had a finishing time of 69:07:51 I was officially the fastest female to complete the AF 200 I had done it! I threw my head back and took the biggest deep breath I could I had accomplished my goal of sub-70
But I still had a very important thing to do I asked my partner, Kristin to marry me Luckily, after dealing with all the ups and downs of chasing me around for 200 miles, she said Yes! Officially I completed all my goals for the Across Florida 200
I will end this amazing experience by saying I could not have done this without the amazing support and help from my crew and pacers. Every one of them helped me in ways I will never be able to repay them for. A huge thank you to Susan (mom), Natalie (sister), Jesus (brother), Kristin (my fiancé), Chris (stepdad), Gregg, Chris, Sean, Lizzy, Casey, John, Charlie, Lindsey, and Kirk. I could not have done this without the support and guidance of my coach Joe Corcione. And thank you for all the support from everyone else. We did it!
Liz Myers
Photos By: Ryan Cox
ON NOVEMBER 9, 2024, ON A TRAIL IN VIENNA, ILLINOIS, COURTNEY OLSEN CROSSED ANOTHER FINISH LINE FOR A 50-MILE RACE. THE WORLD RECORD BOOKS SAY IT TOOK HER 5:40:18 TO GET THERE. BUT IF YOU ASKED OLSEN, IT TOOK HER ABOUT 37 YEARS.
Olsen grew up in an athletic family. “A life of sports was probable,” she tells me. Her mom is a 5'0'’ sub 5-miler and a 6’3” basketballing father. Growing up, Olsen did gymnastics, played volleyball, and basketball the latter 2 of which stuck with her through highschool In college at Western Washington University, she shifted her focus to running, but that didn't really bear fruit until her 5th year, when she was on her way out. “After college I felt aimless, in life in general, but specifically with running,” she tells me
Part of what left her feeling stray was the lack of community she had in college in 2007 there just weren’t the kinds of clubs and opportunities that there are today. She moved to Boulder and began training with a group of older men record holders from the 70’s and 80’s who kept her running. “I mourn the time I spent there,” she tells me. “I wasn’t in the right headspace to appreciate it.”
Olsen, who struggles with debilitating depression, didn’t find her sense of purpose in running until 2014 after the Boston Marathon bombing. Before then, she’d never run a marathon. During that training, her brain went quiet for the first time in years. She was encouraged and given focus in her training For several years she focused on marathons and was seeing progress including qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathons in 2016 and 2020. But Olsen would tell you the most important aspect of her training wasn’t the accolades it was the relief and peace she sought from the depression that had plagued her for years
When she found herself stagnating she went further 50k’s at first, then 100k’s. “I was told by a few that I was probably a better ultrarunner than a marathoner,” she says. In 2022 she placed fourth at the IAU 100k world Championships in Berlin, in 7:15:29 and helping Team USA earn gold Last December she finished 14th at the IAU 50K World Championships in Hyderabad, India despite having a torn calf muscle. “In the end, with hindsight, I probably should have just moved to the ultra sooner it does feel with my particular set of skills, I do better the longer I go. ”
Handing Over the Wheel
About 4 years ago, Olsen secured sponsorship from Hoka and started working with a coach for the first time Jay Sloane. Sloane, who had seen previous success at Mount Baker High School, Nooksack High School, and Whatcom Community College’s cross-country programs, had helped other runners prepare for the Olympics. “Our relationship was special,” Olsen tells me. “He’s local. He could watch me on workouts and evolve the plan based on what he witnessed Plus, we are close friends ”
Having Sloane develop her training plan,
and having someone to collaborate with, to observe her and coach back from injuries helped Olsen find her stride She says ultimately, she handed over the wheel to him while they worked together and she followed his plan even if she didn’t always love it. For instance, a training stint she did in Cozumel on his recommendation this past spring She started thinking about going for the record at Tunnel Hill after finishing third at Comrades.
The course of the Tunnel Hill, which is on a former 19th century railroad, is known for its smooth, flat dirt surface which for Olsen, and many others, is ideal The storied course has been the setting of many legendary and recordbreaking efforts in the ultra community. In 2017 Camille Herron set a 100-mile world record there. Zach Bitter followed up with a record of his own in 2018. Olsen says her decision to go for it at Tunnel Hill was also solidified by the helpfulness and incredible communication of Race Director Steve Durbin helped her decide on Tunnel Hill. For her, everything seemed to line up.
To help her prepare, Sloane had Olsen spend the summer in full recovery doing easy base work for much longer than she wanted to Olsen hated it In her words, she spent “many months doing the boring safe work and complaining about loss of fitness, until one day in the fall, per design, I felt like my old self, capable and ready.” Something about the doubles, short temples, hill strides, speedwork and long runs (which only got up in the mid 20’s) worked.
Through her work with Sloane, Olsen discovered that she performs better when she’s sustaining higher volumes with a shorter taper window As she built up her mileage she would race some a half marathon, a 10k, a relay, a couple of marathons just to keep things interesting. Focusing on planning, nutrition, and tactics also helped her stay engaged. “We didn’t do anything new or flashy leading up to Tunnel Hill ”
A Different Mindset
About a year before the race, after facing some difficulties with switching medications, Olsen, with the support of family and friends, decided to try life unmedicated for the first time in over a decade. “My thinking didn’t feel as numbed out,” she tells me. “I feel more alert maybe too alert.” Though she does find herself falling into old patterns of overthinking, she’s also found herself able to think more creatively which has been a big help in her visualization “I visualize a lot,” she says. She gained more awareness of when her mind would stray from focusing on her goal beating the world record and winning the race and self-correct “I'd retract and get back to a general feeling of flow and effort. It felt too delicious to feed the ego, and I'd naturally pivot towards simplicity and curiosity,” she says. “I spent more time thinking, ‘Is this possible?’ Rather than, ‘I can do this ’”
Her mental resilience was put to the test when it came time to negotiate her contract with Hoka. Going in, after placing third at the 2024 Comrades Marathon, and knowing she was going for the world-record, she was feeling confident. But 2 weeks prior to the race, in the midst of her negotiations, she was told she’d be let go at the end of the year. “It was a little shocking,” she says “I felt like surely that would have cemented a sort of worth ”
Despite that, Olsen found the mental endurance necessary to keep her focus on the goal. “I’m grateful for something like that, the timing of it, didn’t affect my mental and emotional health leading to and racing Tunnel Hill, especially being someone who operates on tepid landscapes of such.” That toughness would come in handy, because as it turned out, Olsen wasn’t the only woman with the goal of beating the world record at Tunnel Hill Andrea Pomaranski, Olsen’s teammate from the 2023 IAU 50K, was also going for the record.
“We seemed to be choosing the same string of races,” she said The two also raced Comrades together. “I danced between excitement in the thought we could push each other to better results, and fear because I wanted to do it alone, unaffected or uninfluenced by anyone else.”
This may come as a surprise, but for the first two-thirds of the race, Olsen had come to peace with the fact that she was going to come in second. After running the first two miles together, Pomaranski shot ahead For the first 30 miles Andrea was majority on her own and mentally conceding that she may not come in first. “I spent many miles telling myself there wasn’t anything more I could do that if what I was doing wasn’t good enough, if it was only good enough for second, even if we both went under [the previous record] and it was just her first and fastest, then good for her.” Those self-talks, and the support and joy she found from her husband, Matthew, who crewed the race for her, kept her in a positive mindset.
“He has this incredible guttural yell, something akin to Eastbound and Down’s Kenny Powers or Will Ferrell, and he’d yell stuff like, ‘MAKE A DIFFERENCE OLSEN!’ which would make those around him laugh,” she says “It brought an incredible light and funny spirit to a serious exploit, and I do better when it’s light and funny.”
Once caught up and passing her former teammate, Olsen ran with fear and concentrated preservation cognizant of not overdoing it on her calf and keeping up her nutrition for the sake of her ultimate goal. Despite a dramatic setback from her toe in the final mile of the race, Olsen was able to shave 8 minutes and 22 seconds off Ann Trason’s record from 1991, averaging at a 6:36 pace for the 50mile course.
So what does it feel like to have reset a world record for the first time in 33 years? Olsen wants you to know it didn’t change much, but it did also change everything. “It didn’t open doors, it didn’t get me a sponsorship, I didn’t change my world, except that I worked hard for something,” she says After getting the record, Olsen didn’t stop, immediately going back to India for theIAU 100k World Championships on December 7, in Bangalore, India
But what did the race do for her? “It showed me that I can do big things despite working from a deficit and, it felt good to get dropped and still show up ready to do the work, possibly with a small chip on my shoulder, but still showing up, for me,” she says “It’s not easy. It’s not always fun, you can get stuck and it might take your whole life. But even if it’s all of those things or worse imagine what it would feel like if it all comes together?”
BY: LAURA ADAMS
THE STUFF OF LEGENDS: THE JFK 50 MILER
THE JFK 50
THE MAGIC THAT SETS IT APART
What is the magic of the JFK 50 Miler that sets it apart? Is it its storied history? The volunteers?
The fact that it’s a trail race that’s relatively flat? Just something about Boonesboro? Race Director Mike Spinnler and his incredible race management team? (Spoiler alert: it’s all of the above.)
Mike Spinnler, the Race Director of the JFK50, does his best to remind his runners of a simple statistic: Less than one tenth of 1% of the United States has ever finished a 50 mile footrace. He is wowed by what people prove to be capable of, year after year, on his course. Needless to say, he was floored by David Sinclair’s first place finish this year at 5:08:27. For Sinclair, part of the appeal of the JFK 50 Miler was its legacy. “I got so excited the night before the race reading about the crazy weather of past editions and seeing all of the incredible athletes that had won or run historic times here,” he shared. “It’s clear the local community cares so much about this race from dedicated runners who come back year after year to those hosting the aid stations.” Sinclair, who’s an avid cross-country skier, attributes plenty of cross-training and breaks from running for his success. He encourages other runners to be patient with their progress and to expect the progress to be as winding as the trails we navigate. “Ten years ago, I didn’t even know that ultra running existed and my marathon PB was 2:36,” he shares. “I never dreamed I’d be able to run faster at the end of a 50miler.”
For Carolyn Showalter, who has finished the JFK 50-miler over 30 times over six decades and set the course record for the Women 70-79 age group this year, the magic is in the people who keep coming back “In some ways coming back to run the JFK year after year seems like a bit of a family reunion,” she says. “You see many of the same people and share a common goal of finishing the race.”
THE OLDEST ULTRAMARATHON IN HISTORY
The JFK is the only ultramarathon she’s done but she’s won it six times She remembers when the race had no aid stations and started in the athletic fields of Boonsboro High “We left the Appalachian Trail at Weverton went up a steep bank climbed over a guard rail, went down a steep bank, and then crossed a four-lane highway to get to the C&O Canal Towpath,” she says “Now we go under the highway ”
One of her favorite finishes was in 2003, when she ran with her two brothers for the first time They hadn’t trained together at all, but during the first half of the race they pretty much stayed together The three split ways for a while, but ultimately reunited to finish the race together in a three-way tie Spinnler, who took over as Race Director in 1992, can rattle off finish times, names, and countless stories about the JFK 50 His own involvement with the race dates back 54 of its 63 year history when he ran it with three of his own brothers though they didn’t cross the line together In fact, some would say it was sibling rivalry and brotherly affection that got him across the course ’ s finish line for the first time when he was 12 When he first signed up, it was to impress his older brother, 17 years older than him It was 1971 “The packet was just sitting there on the kitchen table, I read through it and saw there was no age limit and anyone could do it with a parent signature ” By the end of the day four of his five brothers were registered his father running the crew for them all At the end of the race the youngest and only Spinnler to make it to the end of the race Spinnler told his father he would win the race for the family someday 12 years later, in 1982 he did just that, breaking Max White’s course record in the process
Equally amazing to him is the number of people who are able to finish this year, of the 1,200 folks at the starting line, 1,020 made it to the finish that’s 85% To Mike, the mental endurance of the people who finish in the back of the pack are the most impressive “These are everyday folks who’ve got family, kids, careers they’ve got all kinds of obligations But they found the time to train, and found the strength to suffer through it ”
Together Spinnler his wife Maria Pazarentzos-Spinnler (a legendary runner and coach in her own right) and their incredible race management team Andy Mason, Tim Mason, Casey Baker, Swipe, Adam and Katie Lowe and the countless volunteers who run their 14 aid stations, are the magic that make this footrace happen And they show no sign of stopping “My dream is 100,” Spinnler says “We’re looking at November 2062 I’m just focused on getting to the next mile marker ”
BY LAURA ADAMS
