When I push my endurance limits, it puts me in touch with my soul. I love running. Sometimes I don’t really want to do it, but I drag myself out the door anyway. It is in those times that I probably find the most joy – pushing myself when I think I can go no more. I am an ultra runner, ironman triathlete and cyclist. I completed my first marathon in 1999 and my first triathlon in 2000. I have been competing in endurance events for over 14 years now. I started running ultra marathons in 2011. In the process of training, I was completing marathon plus distances almost every weekend. The running achievements I am most proud of include the Delirium 24 Hour Marathon this past year (2013) where I ran 91 miles within 24 Hours and my first 50 mile marathon at McNaughton Park in 2012 where the steep hills, water crossings and deep, deep mud made one of the most challenging race experiences I have ever encountered. The Indian Trail 50 this past year presented many challenges with its mud and water crossings too, but it wasn’t as bad as McNaughton. When a friend mentioned that she was running two marathons within 15 days to qualify for Marathon Maniacs, I thought that sounded like a great idea. While I do not usually race multiple weekends in a row, I am usually doing long distance training anyway. I had a couple of local races I was thinking about so I decided to go ahead and do it - 2 marathons within 7 days. I completed 24 events this past year which included ultra marathons, ultra distance triathlons, long distance cycling and shorter races. So here I am, thinking and planning what I would like to accomplish in 2014. I am very inspired by the Marathon Maniacs and am looking for new ideas on how I can challenge myself. On a different note, my training and racing have also contributed to me increasing my height by 1.5 inches within the past 3-4 years. Running has helped me reach new heights in more ways than one.