On November 5, before the leaves had fallen from the Cottonwood that line my favorite trail in Boulder, Colorado, before they had turned orange and yellow, before snow covered the landscape day after day I set out on an open-ended challenge to do as many consecutive 50ks as possible. Little did I know at that time that I did not have a limit, that my body would not break, but that it would breakthrough.
Early on I struggled with a lot of injuries and pain but my mind never once in those first 100 days wanted to quit. I didn't falter. I wanted to continue, with all my heart. In the midst of extreme shin pain that was so bad I couldn't put on a sock without agony, I asked my friend Adam, "Do you think I'd be able to use crutches or do you think that is not allowed for Guinness World Records?" It wasn't a joke, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to even walk. We decided it would not be allowed and if I got to that point I would have to quit.
As the pain came on slowly, so did it leave. Just barely less pain at first, enough that I allowed myself to hope that I could eventually be pain free. Once that pain was gone though, other pain came. It was as if pain would just move around and settle somewhere in my right leg. I wanted to finish the streak and set a world record on my own terms, without injury, but I wasn't sure if it was possible.
"How did you keep going when you wanted to stop?" People asked me those first 100 days of the world record runs. "I never wanted to stop," I answered.
As the HURT 100 mile race approached in January, my body became stronger and I only had lingering achilles and pelvis pain, both which were manageable. After the race and some serious post-race soreness from the intense climbs and descents, I had my fastest month yet in February, just as I was hitting 100 days. The second set of 100 days was to be much harder mentally as I entered a nearly 100 days of doldrums and a mental jail cell. The doldrums were as if I was a sailboat in the middle of the sea with no wind. I couldn't see the land, I was adrift and day after day it seems as though progress yielded nothing. Every day I still had to start anew with another 50k. The runs felt long and boring and many days I struggled with fatigue.
Yet, every day I found beauty in the struggle. Suffering is not without beauty.
Not a day went by when I didn't slather my feet in Aquaphor, pull on my compression socks, fold them down to my ankles, pull on a pair of bright Nike Alphafly all while sipping coffee to head out the door for 200 days in a row. For no less than an entire 50k run. Whether it was a Monday, Saturday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or I was flying to Hawaii to race the HURT 100. I ran. Often I'd get up very early so as to finish early enough to celebrate the holiday or special occasion, or to catch a plane on my way to Hawaii, or to conquer the snow or sub zero temps.
On May 23, 2023 after over 6.5 months of running a daily 50k/32 miles I finally hit my mark of 200 days-- a record that beat the previous world record by 177 days. I didn't want to just get a world record, which I could've easily done and completed before the latest world record was event started (I was 40 days in when the current record of 23 days began, previous to that it was 22 days). No, setting a world record was second to my real goal. I wanted to truly test my own capabilities and set the record at a number that I believed showed both the wonderful insanity of ultra runners but also the ability we have to continue on despite anything the world, weather, and our bodies and minds toss at us. I wanted to enter the storm, revel in it, be conquered and conquer in return. I wanted all the feelings and experiences.
When I say insanity, I mean it in all the best ways. I respect, no, I deeply admire those who disregard societal norms in order to set their own bar. Or who throw away the bar and show that above a bar is a sky and above that a whole universe of possibility. Can you see that the sky is infinite? It just metamorphosis into something else as you go out farther and farther!
Day 200 marked my final 50k for the world record. 200 has a deep meaning to me. It's the distance that I have popularized in my business with Destination Trail having created the first three non-repetitive 200 milers in the USA. Before the Tahoe 200 in 2014, 200s were not really considered a standard distance in ultra running. But there was a hunger for them, a hunger for races that went beyond 100 miles. There were certainly races that went beyond 100 miles but you didn't see elite runners getting famous doing them (Courtney D on Joe Rogan talking about my Moab 240) or 200 milers with lottery entry processes because they are so popular. I could talk about this for quite some time, but suffice to say that 200 was the distance that I am known for and that has defined my life for the past 10 years. It is a very special number.
What was particularly hard about stopping at 200 was that I felt really good. I had no injuries and I knew that physically I could continue. For how long? I think a very long time. However, back when I decided to go beyond 100 ultras in 100 days, I promised my family that I'd stop at 200. I promised my witnesses (for the Guinness Record) and my friends that. I promised my employees that. It was becoming increasingly important for me to get back to many of the tasks that I put aside during the streak.
I continued to work every day while running an ultra, but I was not able to work on the development side of my business and several events were sitting in an unfinished phase the entire time. I'm excited to complete them and offer them to the world but event creation is extremely time consuming and would require me to work on it more than full time. I'm sure no explanation is really needed to let you know why I needed to put more of my focus on my work after 200 days of ultras.
Juggling life, work and running was the norm during the run streak, but it often felt like a few balls were being dropped at any given time. I'd finish my run, throw a massive pot of water on the stove on boil, chop onions and sauté them. Sit down briefly to remove my shoes and socks and put on a pair of crocs (my feet expanded so much none of my old shoes fit after a couple months, overall my shoe size expanded over a full size!). I'd throw on a puffy jacket as my core temp plummeted, wash my hands jump back into stirring the onions while added ground beef and spices while eating brie and cheese on plantain chips and sipping a bubbly glass of Topo Chico water.
I've learned that to achieve something big one must juggle more balls that most people think is possible. A normal comment during my world record attempt was that I must "not work" or "not have kids". Both of which I do - I do work and I do have teenagers (full time!). There was distain from those that thought I just ran all the time "get a job!" and those who thought I must not have a family "If I didn't have kids I could do that too." Disbelief: "No way she's actually running that much." And disgust, "This is mental illness." It began with "You're going to ruin your knees!" Which quickly turned into "You're going to ruin your whole body!" To: "You're going to DROP DEAD!" (Actual comments) I was called a frostbitten anorexic and told "well, maybe someone finds that attractive." All the while I was also met with enough disbelief that people would accuse me of making up the whole thing. We set all kinds of limits on ourselves, don't we? We make all kinds of assumptions about those achieving unusual feats around us, don't we?
These assumptions limit us. And herein lies a secret for you: Be curious, not critical. Those who condemn and criticize won't realize their own potential. These comments don't bother me or concern me. Heck, they aren't about me. They are about the limitations within other people. You have to recognize that others are going to have all kinds of opinions about you if you share yourself with the world and are doing something insane. Back to that word I love so much. Insanity that expands human potential is actually the most sane thing we humans do.
I'd planned to just cut and paste the "Day 200 post" for this but I began writing and wanted to reflect today, not day 200. Day 200 was still the whirlwind of the world record. The big, heavy and intense emotions of saying goodbye to my insanity for a bit. Goodbye to a daily exploration of my limits. At some point, yes, you must take break and rest to find the next insanity.
It wouldn't be right to close this post without thanking the thousands of people who inspired me before, during and after this record. I was stunned by the support from both within the trail and ultrarunning community and outside of it. In fact, I found more support from those outside the world I've lived in for so long than I did from inside of it. The encouragement and inspiration I gained daily from all of you who watched, read and commented on my posts is massive. I had so much fun sharing long posts about each day, my emotional and physical state and the beauty and hardship. Without you it not only wouldn't have been as fun to share, but I don't think I would have written so much. I have hundreds of pages in my notes -- much more than instagram would let me share in a caption. It is a gift to have written every single day although it was very difficult many days as I'd be writing at 9pm, 10pm or even at midnight when I just wanted to relax or sleep.
Hats off to you, thank you ❤️🔥
What's next: This summer I will try to get into a 100miler, if not I may choose an FKT route to test my fitness. Next year I am going to tackle a trans-con and run across the USA!
It’s crazy how much one can inspire so many others by their dedication and commitment to an adventure…. These reads are so inspiring and Candice’s dedication just keeps on giving…
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK with your endeavors CANDICE 🍃 what a morning read! only set to truely inspire keep on keeping on! phew 😅 i'm over here in NZ that's a one "HELL" of a good start to the day - GOD BLESS 🌅
ReplyDeleteSuch an achievement
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I'm training for a long MTB ride in Leadville and your story inspired me to keep pushing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings on your grand adventure! Your dedication and relentless fortitude are a thing to both admire and behold! Good luck with your future endeavors!
ReplyDeletewonderful stuff; very much appreciate your simply doing what conventional wisdom says we can't; I'm a long term barefooter and wholly applaud this outside the current box approach to life! cheers
ReplyDeleteI'm training for my first 100 miler! Watching you has definitely peaked my interest in the distance more than I already was!! Thank you for being an inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteI especially appreciate your view of others’ criticism. Just one more example of your ability to rise above! So many of us will go that much further just from knowing what you have done. Thank you for that!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing accomplishment Candice, congratulations! I am in awe of your determination and mental toughness. Your response to those negative comments tells a lot about your mindset and character. Thank you for being an inspiration! I hope to one day run one of your races :)
ReplyDeleteCandice, your spirit and drive are inspiring, I loved reading your posts each day, you are amazing 🤩
ReplyDeleteJust amazing...People may criticise but all I can say is wow...So many questions like what were you even thinking about during all those runs to how you recovered each day to continue the day to day grind....Just salute you!...Your line "Even in suffering there is beauty" is carved in my mind
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, and thanks, Candice, for the inspiration you provided in your posts everyday... Wow!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. You are a huge inspiration, even for this 59 year old just trying to run 5 or 6 a day!
ReplyDeleteI’ve been following your streak since Day 1. Warmest congrats, your insanity is beautiful and a gift to this world and beyond. Thank you
ReplyDeleteIncredible Journey! You are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Maybe you could add ‘write a book’ to that list of things to do? We’d all love it!
ReplyDeleteThoughtful writing. These journeys are personal probably because no one can do thiem for you. I started running in 2020 at 62 and kinda settled on half marathons as I could complete before breakfast. Some in my running club think I am insane because in 2021 I did 3 a week. I just felt healthy and difficult to explain the satisfaction of the routine and the sound of the birds accompanying the dawn light, listening to the body but knowing it might take 10km to get into the rhythm. I think a friend on mine is insane because he finished a 245km race yesterday and came out to swept tonight's 8km club run. Another did MDS and UTMM. So I find myself revelling in the insanity and admire the achievements of others and in a small way proud to be counted amongst the insane. Your words will help me explain to my 90 year old mum that her son is not the only crazy one
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and inspiring, thank you! I've just completed my first ultra (53km) - and first marathon 😂 - and I've been watching your journey with interest and increasing amazement at your strength and resilience. You are incredible 🙌.
ReplyDeleteSimply inspirational. Amazing achievement.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I am trying to run a marathon in every state. I am close but getting older and it is all just harder. Your journey inspired me to keep pushing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say that the most amazing thing I’ve seen you do is eat a bagel egg sandwich mid run? Incredible!!! I’m lucky if I get some Spring gels and plain water down.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and being so transparent. I have loved watching and reading your journey.
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing accomplishment!!! It was an incredible inspiration watching your journey!!
ReplyDeleteYou inspired so many people and thank you for that. When I don’t want to go out and run I now think about your 50k runs and tell myself 6 miles is nothing.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I have Loved your videos and the scenery.
Still remember your growth on distance on Whidbey island 15 miles after two kids. Then more. Best from ld
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written! I have been honored to be part of your fantastic journey of 200 ultra 50k world record runs and to have offered as much support as I could from afar. Testing the limits of ourselves is both gratifying to us and inspiring for others. Ignore the negativity that unfortunately permiates social media. Keep on being true to yourself and showing what can be done if we have the ability and can make the effort. We don't have to do what you did but just do something more than we thought possible. That is enough and that is the message you are telling us. Be the best you can be. Do a little more tomorrow than you did today. Set a goal and do your best to achieve it. Thanks for sharing some of your experiences over the last 200 days and the next adventure to come.
ReplyDeleteYou are a natural beauty and an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYour teenage kids probably cannot comprehend just how amazing you are. Yet. This post was very well written and I look forward to buying your book
ReplyDeleteYes 👍
DeleteYour discipline, integrity and ability to rise above the noise have been tested and proven long before this WR attempt so I had no doubts. Congrats on a finely executed achievement. The low-key breaking the tape neighborhood finish line was a perfect way to seal the deal!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome accomplishment and thanks for the inspiration
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post and sharing your journey. I checked Twitter daily to see your posts, I loved seeing your dogs at the start and finish. Your start day of the streak is one calendar day after mine, I started a run streak 11/4/2009 when my wife was pregnant with our daughter to keep focused throughout the long Iowa winters and sympathy eating ice cream. I last to this day for 13 years, which for streak runners still makes me a novice, but I understand some of the insanity you speak of, pre trip 3am runs, airport runs, 11:30pm that last till the next day runs, runs day after an ultra, all part of the mental focus needed each day. To take this to your level and see you grow stronger was so cool to see what is possible. The fact you finished with gas in the tank to continue shows your problem solving ability and why you have made 200 mile races possible for the rest of us to dream about. I hope to meet you at the Tahoe 200 some day, looking at Cowboy Trail 200 in September as my first. Keep running those beautiful dogs on your daily adventure, it is such a beautiful gift.
ReplyDeleteYes, dido.
DeleteSo beautifully written and from the heart. It was such an amazing time to be able to read your posts each day and cheer you on from afar. You and your amazing accomplishment have truly inspired me to reach even deeper into myself and my strength to continue my journey with running. I have often told my running friends and particularly people attempting to do something they never have that the body will give you what the mind says it can't. Seeing what you did only makes that an even greater reality. Thank you on behalf of all of us who continue to push ourselves through the years to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
ReplyDeleteFascinating read! So many areas to comment on. I think the accomplishment is greater than most Can realize. Looking forward to the continuing journey!
ReplyDeleteYour journey has been such an inspiration and learning experience on what our bodies can be capable of. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your future adventures!
ReplyDeleteI followed you run streak from about Feb/ March. Reads like you have lot more to say than the written words above.I mentioned before you have very natural lyrical cadence to your voice , when get time you want think about recording your story for podcast. Jim, Scotland UK
ReplyDeleteI hope that none of my comments had appeared to be negative , because i assure you anything I had to say was out of curiosity.
ReplyDeleteI know of Noone who could pull off what you just did. The demands of life are just overwhelming for most. I think having an entrepreneurial spirit aids you in obtaining the focus required.
I personally struggled in my only streak of 6 months of just running each day . And doing the minimum at that. Keep it up its been fun
I'll admit I was a doubter about this at first, when I heard about it. Narrow-minded, and likely a bit jealous as I have always had injuries that were too much to run through. But I was curious to see how long you would go. And you kept going. And going. And it was pretty amazing. Congratulations, well done, and enjoy the extra time and rest! Best wishes on your next endeavors.
ReplyDeleteYOU.FREAKING.GO.GIRL! I don't even know you, but reading this, and getting a slight glimpse in to your mindset with the entire 200 days and also how you tackled the negative comments, I'm just SO proud of you for doing all of it! 200 congratulations on your WORLD RECORD!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Incredible that you were able to juggle all of that. I love it. Great work pushing your limits.
ReplyDeleteThank you Candice for sharing your amazing story and your many inspirational thoughts. I will miss looking for the daily reports,
ReplyDeleteThis is truly a gift in nature. I remember training so many races short or long at various times late into the night or extremely early in mornings. The weather during different seasons and the joy of seeing sun rise. I still train at age 66. I remember training with different dogs even a Great Dane. I truly loved reading your post. My 37 year old son at age 6 would ride his bike next to me as I ran. So many beautiful running memories. And tomorrow another beautiful morning to do it again. I can’t wait to read your book.
ReplyDeleteAmazing. Over the winter I didn’t want to run when it was snowing and so cold out but I would see your post. You were out in the same conditions running a lot more miles I got dressed and went for the run. Your inspirational. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. I mean, there's really no other word that comes to mind. Awesome, Candice! Or rather, Awesome Candice 😉
ReplyDeleteIncredible achievement, and incredibly inspiring
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey, all the good and all the challenging. It seems the challenging was more than from the physical, but how your mindset allowed you to overcome. What you have shared has inspired so many and if that in turn doesn't give you satisfaction Ican't imagine what does. I hope runners are sharing with you how you have impacted them. I'm on day 30 of a 10k streak and I think of you to keep going. There is so much to be discovered in the breakthroughs!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you had supportive comments to balance off the negative folks. I feel bad for them, no joy or adventure in their lives. Sad. Wonderful accomplishment, looking forward to whatever you put your mind and body to next.
ReplyDeleteIncredible and inspiring achievement!
ReplyDeleteSo inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThis was a true pleasure to read. These multi month efforts can be a lonely place. I ran across Canada last year (105kms a day for 67 days) and understand where you are coming from. Thank you for sharing this and it brought me joy to reminisce a little. You are a true champion
ReplyDeleteWoohoo
ReplyDeleteGreat to read and absolutely amazed! As a runner myself, I am in awe of what you’ve done. Congratulations. I am looking forward to reading more about the struggles and how you just kept pushing - nothing sexy, nothing romantic, just one foot in-front of the other!
ReplyDeleteYou are simply amazing!
ReplyDeleteSo many lessons to be learnt. Thanks for sharing them with us. I feel priviledged to have witnessed the journey.
ReplyDelete“Be curious not critical” is such a perfect expression - and kudos on all of this as well
ReplyDelete