Showing Up Different at This 100-Miler

There is something about the second time.

The first 100-miler is often about survival. Finishing. Proving to yourself you belong in the club. It’s about white knuckling through the unknown, facing the darkness inside and out and hoping your body, your mind, and you will not give out before you reach that finish line.

But the second time?

The second time is different.

I’m showing up to this 100-miler with less to prove and more to give.

Less noise, more intention.

Less chasing, more choosing.

Same Distance. New Approach.

I used to think showing up meant grit. Toughness. Charging forward no matter what. But I’ve come to believe that true grit sometimes looks quieter: slowing down when it’s smart, listening instead of overriding, staying present when your mind wants to drift to mile 80 or 90, or “What if I can’t?”

This time, I’m not here to finish I’m here to run my race.

That means honoring the training I put in, not just logging miles but building mental reps. It means carrying the strength I’ve earned in silence, in sweat, in setbacks. It means letting go of the old narratives and meeting each mile with who I’ve become.

Training Was Different Because I’m Different

I’ve trained for this 100 with less ego and more humility. I’ve given space to recovery, trusted the plan, and learned to say no when overreaching tempted me. I’ve lifted weights, yes but also lifted my perspective. I’ve practiced showing up on the hard days, not just the heroic ones.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that consistency will carry me further than bravado ever could.

The Goal? Show Up Fully.

This time around, the goal isn’t a buckle a finish time, or a social media post.

The goal is to run with presence.

To stay open to the lessons the trail wants to teach.

To respond with grace when things get hard, and they will.

This time, I’m keeping gratitude on the forefront, remembering that I got into this sport to have a deeper connection with nature. And if I find myself in the pain cave again, I will remind myself:

You’ve been here before. But you are not the same runner anymore.

This Time, It’s Not Just About the Finish Line

It’s about who I’m becoming mile after mile.

It’s about honoring the version of me who started this journey.

It’s about running free, running smart, and running with heart.

This is how I’m showing up differently at this 100-miler.

This time finish or not; I’m showing up different I’m showing up for MYSELF.

Yours from the trail, Joe

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