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5-Mile Struggles to 100-Mile Triumphs—Lessons for Every Athlete | Rachel Millman

Endurance Athlete Mental Toughness Journey: Rachel Millman's Story Run Tri Bike
Rachel Millman
Year started: 2020
Next race: October 11, 2025 / Kodiak Ultra Marathons 100 Miler / Big Bear Lake
Favorite gear:
  • Shoes:Brooks Cascadia 18 
  • Socks: Balega
  • Pack: Orange Mud Endurance Pack V3

Rachel Millman’s story begins like many others—motivated by family. “My dad got me started in running when I was in middle school,” Rachel recalls. “I did cross country and track, and that’s when I ran my first half marathon with him.” Running became a shared experience between Rachel and her father, extending into high school when they ran a full marathon together. The familial bond through running laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion, though it didn’t come without its ups and downs. Throughout her running, Rachel has learned that endurance athletes are not on just a physical journey but also a mental toughness path.

Like many young athletes, Rachel’s relationship with running fluctuated. “There were times when I loved it, but when the training runs got longer—like five to eight miles—I would think, ‘Why am I doing this? This is hard.’” Yet, despite those difficult moments, the connection she had with running remained. The break from running that followed her high school years wasn’t a sign of her giving up, but rather the result of life’s demands—college and work consumed her time.

It wasn’t until a random text message from her dad in 2022 that things changed. “He messaged me randomly and it said, ‘Let’s do a race together in April,’” Rachel says. That text reignited her love for running, and she’s been on a roll ever since, completing a race nearly every month since her return.

Rediscovering Passion: The Power of Community

The community aspect of running was a major factor in Rachel’s return to the sport. “I missed the community—the people you meet and run with,” she reflects. Being part of a running community, whether local or through races, provided Rachel with not only motivation but also a sense of belonging. “It’s completely different when you’re racing; you connect with people who are just as obsessed as you are about running,” she jokes.

Rachel’s reentry into running came at a pivotal time. She quickly discovered the joy she’d been missing, racing consistently and setting her sights on more challenging goals. Within just a few years of coming back to the sport, Rachel found herself completing ultramarathons, including the grueling Mogollon Monster 100-mile race.

But it wasn’t just about finishing races—it was about pushing her limits and learning from the experiences along the way.

Tackling Ultra Distances: The Next Challenge

The allure of endurance sports lies in the challenge. “I’m goal-oriented,” she says. “Since I’ve completed 100 miles, there are still other races I want to do, but my next goal is 200 miles. I want to see if I can push my body to that limit without backing out.”

And she’s not stopping at 200 miles. Rachel has her sights set on a 300-mile race in Arizona, a daunting feat that would test even the most seasoned ultrarunner. Yet, for her, it’s all part of the journey. “I haven’t hit a limit yet. I want to see how far I can go.”

Her drive to tackle new distances is not just about physical endurance; it’s about the mental toughness of endurance athletes. “Sometimes, it’s more of a mental challenge than a physical one,” she admits. The discipline required to train and race long distances has shaped her mindset both on and off the trails.


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Lessons from the Trail: The Ups and Downs of Racing

While Rachel’s accomplishments are impressive, she’s quick to acknowledge the lessons she’s learned through both success and failure. Her experience at the San Diego 100 is one she still reflects on. “I didn’t finish that one,” she says, a tinge of frustration in her voice. “I got to mile 75 but missed the cutoff time by just one minute.”

That race was a turning point for her. “I was so mad at myself because I knew I could have finished if I’d been more diligent. The sleepiness got to me. I wasn’t prepared for running into the night and took too many breaks.” But instead of letting the disappointment consume her, Rachel used the experience as motivation. “That failure pushed me to do better. It drove me to complete the Mogollon Monster 100.”

For beginners or those feeling burned out, Rachel offers valuable advice: “Start small and find enjoyment in running before pushing yourself too hard. Don’t make it feel like a chore.” She emphasizes the importance of having fun with running, especially when returning after a long hiatus. “Find a fun race, something you know you can finish and enjoy. It will help you rediscover why you love the sport.”

Beyond the Finish Line: Running’s Impact on Life

Running has had a profound impact on Rachel’s life, far beyond just completing races. As an introverted person, the social aspect of running has helped her come out of her shell. “Running has made me more confident, both on and off the trail,” she says. The challenges she faced in races have translated into valuable life lessons. “If I don’t finish a race, I reevaluate my approach and think about what I can do better next time. It’s made me more disciplined and resilient in everyday life.”

That newfound confidence extends to her work life as well. While Rachel doesn’t boast about her accomplishments, the mental toughness and perseverance she’s developed through running have given her a quiet strength. “It’s not about being better than anyone else,” she explains. “It’s about knowing that I can handle difficult situations, whether it’s a tough meeting at work or a grueling race.”

What’s Next for Rachel Millman?

Looking ahead, Rachel is focused on her next set of goals, including the possibility of running in prestigious ultramarathons like Western States and UTMB. But more than anything, she’s excited about continuing to push her limits. “I love the challenge of seeing how far I can go,” she says. “There’s always another race, another distance to conquer.”

For Rachel, running is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. Managing the highs and lows has given her purpose and the ability to focus on the mental toughness journey that endurance athletes go through. Her journey serves as a reminder that the real victories often come from the lessons learned along the way, not just from crossing the finish line.

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