Chase the Moon: The First Race Back 

Angelisa Arocha is no stranger to challenges. As she gears up for the Chase the Moon 12 Hour race, part of her journey to the Javelina Jundred in October, she’s battling more than just miles.

A Wild Ride

“It’s been a wild ride, for sure,” Angelisa says, reflecting on the past few months. Since her last interview, she’s moved twice, changed jobs, and even got a new car. But life threw her a curveball she never expected. “Unfortunately, my roommate committed suicide, and I found his body,” she shares. The experience was traumatizing, forcing her to move suddenly and throwing her training schedule into disarray. “It was more just, like, how to adjust with that, you know?”

Angelisa’s Resilience

Despite the setbacks, Angelisa’s resilience shines through. She’s settled into a new home with a friend as a roommate, found new jobs she loves, and is getting back on track with her training. “Now it’s just kind of nice to be like, all right, I have a home. Everything’s good. I have a good job, and now I can focus on running.”

A Unique Challenge

The Chase the Moon race, a 12-hour event from 7 PM to 7 AM, presents a unique challenge. It’s a 10-mile loop course, giving runners the opportunity to complete as many loops as possible within the time limit. For Angelisa, it’s more than just a race – it’s a test.

The Best Test 

“This is going to be the best test, I think, to see what I can accomplish in the 12 hours I get,” she explains. Her goals are flexible, adapting to how she feels on race day. “A goal would be to get four loops done, but that’s like really pushing it. I would think my main goal, which I’m kind of leaning more to, is to get three loops done.”

A Crucial Stepping Stone

The race isn’t just about distance for Angelisa. It’s a crucial stepping stone in her recovery from knee surgery. “This will be my first post-op race,” she notes. “It’ll be five months on the 21st since the surgery, so this will be a little ahead of schedule, according to the doctors.”

Cautious But Determined 

Her approach to the race is cautious but determined. She plans to wear her knee brace for most of the race, though she’s concerned about potential chafing. “I’ve been kind of troubleshooting what I’m gonna do,” she says, considering wearing capris to protect her skin. Angelisa’s journey hasn’t been solely focused on running. She’s found solace and challenge in rock climbing, which she sees as another mental game. “It’s a nice little break from running, but it still, like, is a mental game,” she explains. This cross-training, along with bodybuilding workouts with her roommate, has helped her stay active and build strength during her recovery.

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A Deciding Factor

The Chase the Moon race is more than just another event for Angelisa. It’s a pivotal moment in her journey to the Javelina Jundred. “This race will really be like a deciding factor on whether to keep up with the training and just to see where Javelina will end up,” she says. Despite the uncertainties and challenges, Angelisa remains positive and excited. “I’m excited. This is going to be my first, like, you know, ultra attempt since, what, 2019, I think, or 2020,” she shares. Her enthusiasm is palpable as she looks forward to being back on the trail among other runners.

Not Just Chasing Miles

As Angelisa prepares for Chase the Moon, she’s not just chasing miles – she’s chasing a comeback story. She’s proving that even in the face of personal tragedy, injury, and life’s unpredictable nature, the spirit of an ultra-runner is unbreakable. “I want it that bad. I’ll make a way to make it happen,” Angelisa declares, summing up her determined attitude.

A New Chapter

With the Chase the Moon race on the horizon, Angelisa stands at the threshold of a new chapter in her running journey. Will this be the boost she needs to tackle the Javelina Jundred with confidence? Or will new challenges emerge along the way? As she laces up her shoes and steps onto the starting line, one thing is certain – Angelisa Arocha is ready to chase the moon, and whatever comes after.

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