A Test of Resilience: Izzy’s Journey into the Running Industry

As Isabella “IzzyB” Janovick went deeper into the world of ultra running, she faced a new challenge: Ménière’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness, vertigo, and other debilitating symptoms. “I would get really sick after my long training runs,” Izzy explains. “I’d be on the ground, wanting to throw up, super nauseous and dizzy. It was almost like feeling drunk, but you can’t control it. All that spinning.”  The disease would be a test of resilience and a backdrop to bigger challenges. 

Determined to continue running, Izzy worked closely with doctors to manage her condition. She meticulously tracked her diet, hydration, and sodium intake. The process was frustrating and often isolating, as the invisible nature of the disease made it difficult for others to understand.”There were times when I would miss social events with my friends,” Izzy says. “I’d have to say, ‘I can’t go. I’m stuck in bed.’ My husband didn’t understand it at first. He thought maybe I was faking it or it was just a running thing. We just didn’t understand everything.”

Longer Distances

Despite these setbacks, Izzy’s passion for ultra running continued to grow. She set her sights on longer distances and more challenging courses. Her resilience in the face of physical adversity became a defining characteristic of her athletic career. 

As Izzy’s ultra running journey progressed, she found herself drawn to even greater challenges. The world of 200-mile races beckoned, inspired by the feats of runners she admired. “I was glued to the TV watching Cocodona,” Izzy recalls. “I wasn’t getting any work done that week because I was so fascinated. But I noticed there were hardly any females attempting these long distances. I thought, ‘Where are all the females at? What’s going on?'”

The Moab 240

This observation sparked a fire in Izzy. She volunteered at the Moab 240, a 240-mile continuous foot-race spanning multiple days. The experience was eye-opening and inspiring. “I saw the first person finish, which was Mike McKnight. And I saw the last person finish,” Izzy says. “It was so inspiring to see all different shapes and sizes, ages, all different walks of life, coming from different states, countries, nationalities. I thought, ‘I could do this. I can absolutely do this.'”

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Coldwater Rumble

With newfound determination, Izzy set her sights on running the Moab 240 herself, bringing on elite ultrarunner Jeff Browning as her coach. But first, she tackled a 100-miler, recognizing the importance of building up to such an extreme distance. She chose the Coldwater Rumble for her debut 100-mile race.

“Coldwater is five loops, so it really helped the crew and pacers. They all had a party,” Izzy laughs. “My husband did a lot better. He has improved with crewing.” Despite the finish being an unofficial one due to getting turned around on a loop, Izzy finished all 100 miles within cutoffs. The success at Coldwater gave Izzy the confidence to tackle the Moab 240. 

The race proved to be a monumental challenge, testing her physically and mentally in ways she had never experienced before. The Moab 240 climbs almost 29,000 ft of vertical gain and goes through many different microclimates, proving to be one of the toughest races on the planet.  “It was definitely a roller coaster,” Izzy admits. “But I was able to solve the problem, except for the feet issue. I’ve learned a lot from that race.”

Despite the challenges, Izzy completed the Moab 240, an achievement that solidified her place in the ultra running community. Her journey from a broken back to conquering a 240-mile race is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Life and Running

Izzy’s experiences have given her a unique perspective on life and running. “I always say life is short and life is precious,” she reflects. “Every day is a gift. Every day that I’m able to run excites me because I may not be able to run tomorrow. You never know what might happen.”

This philosophy has influenced not only Izzy’s approach to running but also her outlook on life in general. She emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and not putting off dreams or meaningful experiences. “If there’s something you want to do that’s on your bucket list, what is stopping you?” Izzy challenges. “It’s never going to be a good time. You just gotta get up and do it. We’re always going to be busy. Always.”

A Niche for Herself

As Izzy’s ultra running career flourished, she found ways to combine her passion for the sport with her professional skills. With a background in photography, graphic design, and marketing, Izzy carved out a niche for herself in the running industry. “My end goal was to only have running clients,” Izzy explains, discussing her marketing company, Janovick Communications or “JanoComm”. 

An Example

This integration of her professional life with her athletic pursuits has allowed Izzy to remain deeply connected to the running community, even when she’s not on the trails. Her unique perspective as both a marketer and an ultra runner has made her a valuable asset to race directors and running brands alike. Izzy leads by example in the sport, serving as an example for other female athletes on overcoming every test of resilience in life and sport. 

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