The Swan Valley 50K quickly became one of the most challenging races I’ve ever run. I knew it would be a low-key, grassroots event—organized by a friend as a “try out a 50K”—but nothing prepared me for how unpredictable and mentally demanding it would be. Early on, I got lost several times and had to backtrack to find the trail again. Those moments chipped away at my confidence, turning what should have been a steady effort into a fight just to stay focused and calm.

The Moment I Broke — and What Happened After

At mile 26, I hit the hardest part of the course: a brutal 700-foot climb in under a mile. By then, frustration from the wrong turns and hours on my feet had built up. That climb felt endless. Somewhere halfway up, my resolve cracked. I wasn’t thinking about finishing the race anymore; I was just trying not to quit.

When I finally reached the top, I dropped my pack, sat on a rock, and let myself feel defeated for a moment. But after a few fruit snacks and a deep breath, something shifted. I didn’t feel strong—but I did feel willing. I stood up and told myself: Get to the aid station. That’s it. Just that. From there, the next goal became the finish. Step by step, I rebuilt my momentum.

I crossed the line in 7 hours and 48 minutes, far from my original 4-hour goal—but in a strange way, more proud of this finish than almost any other. It proved that success isn’t always about speed. Sometimes it’s about refusing to stay broken.

Lesson One: Nothing in Life Is Given

During the run, I shared a few miles with another athlete who told me his story. He had once signed up for a marathon, barely trained, and finished in just under 5 hours—but felt disappointed because he knew he didn’t give his best. The next year, he trained consistently and finished in 3:30. His improvement didn’t come from talent—it came from discipline.

That conversation stuck with me. There are no shortcuts in distance running or in life. Hard work, consistency, and showing up when you don’t want to are the real difference-makers. This 50K reminded me that every mile, every climb, every result must be earned.

Lesson Two: Even With Preparation, Obstacles Happen

I trained well for this race. I felt ready. But preparation doesn’t guarantee smooth paths or predictable outcomes. Sometimes the trail disappears. Sometimes the climb is steeper than expected. Sometimes your spirit breaks even when your body doesn’t.

What matters is the choice to continue—not because you feel strong, but because the goal still matters.

Lesson Three: We Aren’t Entitled to Success—But We’re Capable of More Than We Think

Finishing far slower than planned could have felt like failure. Instead, it became a reminder that effort doesn’t entitle us to perfect results. Even when we train, work hard, and do everything “right,” life can still push back. But we’re capable of surviving those moments—and growing from them.

Ultramarathons are powerful because they strip away excuses. They show you exactly who you are when everything hurts and the plan falls apart. For me, the Swan Valley 50K proved that when I feel empty, I can still take another step. And sometimes, that’s enough.

Final Thoughts

The Swan Valley 50K pushed me harder than I expected. It broke me down, forced me to reset, and ultimately taught me that progress is built one step at a time. If you’re thinking about trying an ultramarathon—or facing any uphill battle in life—remember this:

You don’t need to feel strong to keep going.
You just need to take the next step.