What a spectacular day! Two days ago I ran my first 50-mile race in Boulder City, Nevada – Running From an Angel 50-miler. The event was so well-organized, the volunteers at the aid stations were unbelievable, and my fellow runners were all super supportive.

We ran an out and back course in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Forty-eight of us started at 6 a.m. (in the dark), and many of us ran for most of the day. I finished a little after 4 p.m. – about 45 minutes before it got dark again. Can you think of anything more fun than running through the desert from sun up to sun down? Man, what a day!

I thought about a lot of things while I was out there for 10 hours. The one recurring theme off and on during the day was all the people who have inspired me throughout my running years.

I know it’s cliché but… “You can’t do it alone.” Although I went to this race by myself and was the only soul in sight for many miles, I was never alone. How many times have I been inspired by folks who were completing their first race? How many people’s stories have inspired me to go that extra mile even when it’s really hard? How many times have I crossed the finish line with someone who was accomplishing something they once thought impossible?

Everyone we encounter has some impact on our lives – we just don’t know what it is at the time. Everything that happens along our path is a part of where we are at this moment – both the good and the bad.

I am so grateful for all the people who have encouraged, supported, and inspired me in all aspects of my life, not just my running. You were all out there with me during my 50 miles, and you will be with me on future paths, trails, and hills.