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In the heart of California’s Big Bear Mountains, a remarkable journey unfolded as local runner Olivia Briggs took on the daunting Kodiak 100-Mile Ultra Marathon. Known for her adventurous spirit, Olivia initially gravitated towards running as a means of personal challenge and growth, and her return to the podcast this week revealed an inspiring tale of perseverance through extreme circumstances.
“I wasn’t a runner until I just decided to sign up for this race,” Olivia recounted, reflecting on her unexpected leap into the world of ultra marathons. “My only goal was to cross the finish line.” With months of training on the scenic Centennial Trail near Rapid City, Olivia prepared her body for the grueling miles ahead, but nothing could fully prepare her for the realities of race day.
The Kodiak 100, set amidst the breathtaking yet challenging terrain of Big Bear, includes steep elevations and unpredictable weather. Olivia described her drive to the race, stating, “I packed my Ford Taurus with everything I needed and just went. My mom and sister flew out to crew for me, but I wanted to be fully prepared.” Her meticulous preparation involved scouting the course and checking out aid stations prior to the event, where volunteers would provide crucial support along the way.
Arriving a few days early allowed Olivia to acclimatize to the higher elevation and dry conditions, yet nerves still played a part in her experience. “It was a mix of excitement and anxiety,” she admitted. “I was constantly questioning if I could really do this.”
Race day proved to be an exhilarating experience, kicking off with hundreds of runners gathered in anticipation at the starting line. With adrenaline high but conditions challenging, Olivia quickly found herself navigating through a “bottleneck” of participants, trying to maintain her pace while bypassing early aid stations to stay focused on her nutrition.
“I set my watch to remind me to take in calories every forty-five minutes, but when I got into a flow, I started neglecting that,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of consistent fueling during such an intense undertaking.
As the sun set and temperatures dropped at mile fifty, the race took a toll—not just physically but mentally. Olivia experienced moments of doubt and fatigue, battling through nausea and exhaustion as her mind played tricks on her. “By the time I hit the mid-nineties, I was in a trance-like state,” she said, recalling the surreal sensations that come with pushing one’s limits.
Yet, fueled by determination and support from her family, Olivia powered through the darkest moments. “When things got tough, my mom was right there cheering me on. It felt like a mental and emotional lifeline.”
Crossing the finish line after nearly twenty-four hours of relentless effort, Olivia emerged as a symbol of endurance and resilience. While she admitted the journey was fraught with challenges, it ultimately served as a profound reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure against the odds.
Olivia’s experience illustrates not just the physical demands of an ultra marathon but also the mental hurdles that must be overcome. As she plans for potential future challenges, including triathlons, her journey serves as inspiration for others to embrace their own goals—no matter how lofty they may seem.
“I learned a lot about myself through this process. It’s not just about running; it’s about pushing boundaries and finding strength in unexpected places,” Olivia reflected.
As she continues her journey in the ultra running community, Olivia is poised to share her insights and motivate others at the New Year’s transformation challenge at the nutrition shop where she works. Her story exemplifies the belief that anyone can achieve greatness, one mile at a time.
For those hoping to embark on a similar path, Olivia’s journey stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all that the adventure truly lies in the journey, both on and off the trails.
