However these very same things were also a blessing. I felt overwhelmed at times as to when the day began or when it ended. From getting used to working from home to having four kids virtually attend school (including two who had been away at college), all my routines were thrown into chaos. Unfortunately I had plenty of new challenges that provided excuses to not run. Races are an essential part of my daily motivation to get out and run. It was difficult as running is a big part of my life and my mental well-being. ( Photo Credit: After Disappointment But Then OpportunityĪs the virus spread across the world, I felt the sting of disappointment as events everywhere were cancelled. Unfortunately it was cancelled in 2019 due to massive damage and safety concerns caused by avalanches and cancelled this year due to COVID-19.Īwesome views of the first half of the course captured by an amazingly gifted photographer

Based on the statistics from previous years, I had almost guaranteed odds to get in. I was excited for him when he organized the event and ran in it for the first time in 2019.Īfter multiple failed attempts to get in to Hardrock, I was selected as #3 on the waitlist in 2019. When he shared his concept for this race years ago, it sounded incredible, insane, and a race that I would never do. Logan Rhodes is one of those volunteers who has become a good friend and is the Race Director for the HighFive 100. These amazing people are an incredible example of the type of individuals who drew me into this sport 9 years ago. They make up a community of individuals who love the outdoors and welcome visitors like me with open arms and big smiles. My time there has introduced me to a wonderful group of friends from Lake City.

To increase my odds of getting into the race, I volunteered at the Sherman Aid Station for the past few years. Running Hardrock has been my dream since 2013. Ultimately I would never have signed up if it hadn’t been for pandemic. It exposes runners to beauty and difficulty unparalleled in any other ultra-event I know. It’s a race like no other that stretches across some of the storied terrain of the HardRock 100 course. Although that accomplishment is worth celebrating, you can not when realizing that you are only half-way through the HighFive 100 in Lake City, CO. Summiting five amazing 14’ers in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains is an awesome feeling. Getting To The HIGHFIVE 100 Endurance Event While I still have a lot to learn, I pray the positive lessons, opportunities, and friendships from this race and throughout all of 2020 extend far into my future. As I reflect on this this race and entire year, I’m reminded that what matters most when encountering challenges from massive mountains, difficult people, or unrest in the world is how I chose to respond and hopefully change for the better as a result. Many thoughts, anecdotes, and bible verses went through my mind during the two day journey in the Rockies. I hope you’ll enjoy the following story about this adventure and the many individuals who played a role in helping me along the way.

The HighFive 100 was the greatest challenge and most amazing 100 Mile Ultramarathon I’ve tackled. The pandemic of 2020 has been that way for all of us and the following is about an experience that would have never happened if it had not been for Covid-19. BREATHTAKING: Defines this course in more than one way ( Photo Credit: changing events are rare and often unexpected as I learned this summer.

Highfive challenge