50 year old Plus Size Runner - My Javelina Jundred 100 Mile Race Journey

Introduction to Sandra's Journey

Who is Sandra?

• Sandra introduces herself as a 250lb runner, aged 50, determined to run a 100-mile race in Havalina 2025 without waiting to lose weight.

Purpose of the Documentary

• She aims to inspire others by demonstrating that one doesn't need to be in an ideal body shape to embark on a journey of movement.

The Evolution of Her Running Journey

Starting Small

• Sandra emphasizes that her running journey began with small steps seven years ago, gradually increasing her running time from just a few minutes.

Milestones Achieved

• In 2018, she completed her first marathon and notes that for those with an addictive personality, completing one marathon often leads to pursuing more challenges.

Mental Challenges During Races

Anticipating Doubts

• She discusses the mental hurdles she expects during the race, particularly thoughts suggesting she could stop after three loops instead of completing the full distance.

Overcoming Mental Barriers

• Sandra looks forward to overcoming these doubts and acknowledges her growth not only physically but also mentally throughout her training process.

Training Without Conventional Methods

Self-Motivation and Tools

• She mentions not following a formal training plan or having a coach but has developed personal strategies for dealing with self-doubt during long runs.

Support System

• Having pacers for later loops provides her reassurance; she plans to focus on their feet as motivation during challenging moments.

Reflections on Commitment and Family

Balancing Personal Goals and Family Time

• Sandra expresses concerns about whether pursuing this goal is selfish due to the time commitment it takes away from family life.

Role Modeling for Children

• She believes it's essential to show her children that overcoming obstacles is possible, reinforcing the idea that parents should model resilience and courage.

Emotional Struggles Before the Race

Dealing with Anxiety

• As race day approaches, she experiences intense emotions including buyer's remorse about committing to such a significant challenge within a strict time limit.

Mind vs. Body Dynamics

• Sandra reflects on how physical limitations often yield before mental resolve does, highlighting the importance of mindset in endurance sports.

Personal Triumphs in Endurance Running

Overcoming Physical and Mental Challenges

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of mental strength over physical limitations, celebrating a personal achievement of completing a 50k run in under 9 hours, which is a significant milestone for them.

• The speaker reflects on their experience at the race, noting the emotional impact of running long distances and how it connects to personal milestones like turning 50.

Support Systems in Endurance Events

• Carrie introduces herself as Sandra's crew chief and pacer, highlighting the supportive community that surrounds endurance events and their shared journey from Canada to support Sandra's 100-mile run.

• Carrie discusses strategies for keeping Sandra motivated during the race, focusing on nutrition, hydration, and addressing any physical ailments that arise.

Race Atmosphere and Community Spirit

• The atmosphere at Havalina is described as electric with camaraderie among participants; everyone supports each other through cheers and assistance.

• The speaker shares insights about body positivity in endurance sports, challenging societal norms about size and capability. They advocate for embracing one's current state rather than waiting for an idealized version of oneself.

Personal Philosophy on Pain and Limits

• The speaker expresses a belief that pain can be seen as a privilege when it comes with purpose. They encourage others to recognize their limits while still striving to achieve their goals.

• Emphasizing self-acceptance, they stress acting within one’s physical capabilities while continuing to push forward one step at a time without worrying about future challenges.

Inspirational Stories from the Running Community

• A reflection on meeting an inspiring woman after last year's event who exemplified kindness and resilience. This encounter highlights how personal journeys can inspire others beyond just finishing races.

• The narrative shifts to Sandra's transformative journey through running—showing how her actions reflect her growth into a confident individual who inspires others by embodying perseverance through daily efforts.

Race Reflections and Personal Growth

Overcoming Challenges in the Race

• The speaker shares their physical discomfort, mentioning blisters but emphasizes a positive mental state after meeting fellow racers and receiving support.

• They express pride in being three hours ahead of their previous year's 100K finish time, highlighting personal growth through adaptability and resilience.

• Acknowledges missing the 12-hour cut-off but remains optimistic about finishing strong, viewing it as significant progress rather than failure.

The Importance of Support and Mindset

• Discusses how having a crew made a difference in efficiency at aid stations compared to last year, emphasizing the privilege of support during challenging times.

• Reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive mindset to avoid self-sabotage, suggesting that this approach can lead to stronger future performances.

Learning from Experience

• Shares insights on pivoting during challenges and finding silver linings; they note a shift in mental state from earlier struggles to newfound determination.

• Expresses gratitude for small victories, framing unfinished races as opportunities for growth rather than failures (e.g., "Did Not Finish Yet").

Community and Shared Experiences

• Highlights camaraderie within the running community, sharing stories of others who have faced similar challenges, reinforcing that setbacks are part of the journey.

• Emphasizes joy found in shared experiences with fellow runners, showcasing how community support enhances motivation and resilience.

Strategies for Success

• Describes successful strategies used during the race such as pacing well due to cooler temperatures and proper nutrition at aid stations.

• Notes that each race is unique; understanding what works may vary each time but encourages persistence regardless of outcomes.

Havalina 100 Race Experience

Embracing Change and Opportunity

• The speaker reflects on the importance of being at peace with decisions made during challenging times, noting that this mindset significantly improved morale during loop 2 of the race.

• They emphasize that pivoting in life creates new opportunities, suggesting that even small miracles are valuable.

Overwhelming Fear Before the Race

• The speaker describes an overwhelming fear experienced the day before the Havalina 100-mile race, which they struggled to manage despite support from their crew chief, Carrie.

• On race morning, emotions surged unexpectedly, leading to tears and uncertainty about their readiness for such a long distance.

Nervous System and Emotional Layers

• The speaker discusses their journey of recalibrating their nervous system over seven years but acknowledges that deep emotional layers can resurface unexpectedly.

• Each year of running represented overcoming obstacles; it wasn't until year five that they fully embraced their identity as a runner without justification.

Doubts and Internal Struggles

• Despite completing previous races successfully, self-doubt resurfaced before attempting the 100-mile race. Thoughts like "Who do you think you are?" plagued them.

• The speaker felt guilt about dedicating time to running instead of family responsibilities, which intensified anxiety leading up to the race.

Race Day Decisions and Challenges

• On race day, they tried new products (lube and socks), which led to discomfort. This change contributed to feelings of unease as they began the first loop.

• During loop one, concerns about foot comfort overshadowed confidence despite finishing under six hours. Worry set a negative tone for subsequent loops.

Loop Two Realizations

• In loop two's first half, doubts about completing the race grew stronger due to preoccupation with discomfort from earlier choices regarding gear.

• After meeting another runner named Danny in loop two's second half, confidence returned momentarily despite physical pain from blisters forming on feet.

Self-Talk and Its Impact on Performance

The Role of Self-Talk in Achieving Goals

• The speaker reflects on the negative impact of self-talk, suggesting that what we tell ourselves can significantly influence our performance.

• They mention experiencing "mom guilt" and how their mind can create obstacles, indicating a struggle with mental barriers during challenges.

• The phrase "what we believe, we achieve" is emphasized; the speaker did not have faith in their abilities, which contributed to not completing a 100-mile distance.

Positive Moments Despite Challenges

• Despite setbacks, the speaker acknowledges many positive experiences during the race that highlighted personal achievements.

• Notable accomplishments include completing loop one in 5 hours and 44 minutes at 22 miles and achieving a personal best of 4 hours for 100 km.

• Gratitude is expressed towards their crew chief Carrie for support during transitions, underscoring the importance of teamwork in endurance events.