I have to be honest with you. I'm sick of social media right now. The whole presentation of "this is my perfectly curated life, and my perfectly executed run" just gets old after awhile. It's not real, guys! It's just not. Most people have a LOT of hard stuff going on in their lives, and … Continue reading My 5 Most Epic Ultra Fails
A couple of days ago, I posted a photo on Facebook & Insta of a spreadsheet I've been using to [religiously] track everything I can relating to my body and training. After a couple of messages with concerned friends, I felt maybe I should clarify exactly WHY I am tracking to such an extent! Hint, … Continue reading How Stella Got Her Groove Back
Fear has never controlled me. In fact, facing and conquering it has always been quite the driving force in my life. Over the course of the last 30 years, this infatuation with fear and its ensuing adrenaline has taken many forms: diving into pools before I could swim, jumping off buildings without any kind of … Continue reading Until Then…
For the last 8 weeks or so, I've been training to run a half marathon. I know what you're thinking, if someone can run 100 miles, why would they need to prepare for 13.1? Trust me, they are NOT one and the same. Lord have mercy. Ultras I can typically survive with some redbull and … Continue reading Fate and the Missing Half
I know that most of you want to bury 2016, and I'll admit, it was kind of majorly terrible for me too, but one nice little chunk of happiness did develop in my life last year. Her name is Molly. Let me tell ya' 'bout Molly. You know that super fast friend that is always … Continue reading Mayhem with Molly
This is Part 1, of a two post series about my latest adventure- the S.M.A.W. Please note that while I was in a bit of a funk last year when this was written, I'm in a much happier place! Thanks for reading, and I hope you'll stick around for the entire story. From the outside looking … Continue reading Stuck in a Pit
At this point, I just have to smile. I really do. But while I was 103 miles into the hardest race of my life, screaming at the top of my lungs over howling mountain wind, convinced my husband had abandoned me... it really wasn't all that funny. How did I get here? Everything had been … Continue reading 40 Hours and 1 Minute
I wrote this in 2013, but finally decided to publish today. It took place at the 2013 Pinhoti 100, but it's not a race report. You can learn more about that race HERE. Thanks for reading, and happy trails! I said I'd never do it again, this 100 mile thing. Add that to my list of … Continue reading Nine Out of 100
I get these so often... And if you've ever even attempted a race longer than a marathon, I know you've gotten them too. It's not their fault they don't understand the ultra sickness. Here's an article to toss their way to help clear up any misconceptions. Q.) 100 Miles? Did you know I don't even like … Continue reading 100 Mile FAQs- For the Nonrunner
Not too long ago, I stepped in front of my full length mirror like I do every day. Post workout, drenched in sweat, no makeup, and completely undressed. As I looked, I felt what I've felt daily since I was a girl.... disappointment. I instinctively covered up my bare chest with my arms, glanced at … Continue reading I Never Ran 100 to Look Good
I was driving home from a trail run the other day, windows down, feeling amazing, listening to my favorite radio morning show on KLove. Ahh... endorphins flowing, sun shining... everything is just... right. The host began a discussion that instantly grabbed my attention: "What if you could somehow write a letter to your 15-year-old self?" … Continue reading To The 15-Year-Old Me
