Client Spotlight - Bailey Jo Carter the ULTRAmarathoner

Bailey Jo trained with me many mooons ago and reached out earlier this year to start back up with some lofty goals.  After months of training she conquered a 17ish (probably more) mile Spartan race with insane obstacles. I knew then she was ready to accomplish her big goals, which was to become an ultramarathoner at Hell Mary, AND THAT SHE DID.  31 miles later - this girl IS an ultramarathoner, and there's no stopping her.  Let me be clear in saying Hell Mary s a 1 mile trail loop you run AS MANY TIMES AS YOU CAN within a 12 or 24 hour period. (Hell yes!!)

I asked her a few questions to share about the experience, and this is what she said...

-What made you want to do an ultra?

I can be easily convinced if you believe in me— which may be a blessing in disguise for my self confidence. I thankfully have a laundry list of people who inspired me to even toe the line: Megan, Haylee, Kasey, Aaron, Austin, Lauren (squared), Melanie, Jordan, Elma, Adria, Chance, my late Papa and so many more. I have been constantly mesmerized by my friends doing these distances, and I started to believe if they could do it I could do it too. The power of belief made me want to go further, and I think one day I can go even more than I just did!

-What was the hardest part?

Nutrition has been a big barrier due to my constant lack of appetite and food aversion when I run— fueling was definitely the hardest part of the race. I had a good crew and friends who helped me keep fueling even when I didn’t want to. The heat is a close second. At one point it looked like we were all overheated zombies in a woodsy horror movie, who happened to be running in a circle for hours.

-Did you learn anything on this journey or while you were running? 

I learned a lot about the difference between shorter distances and longer distances, as well as growing to believe “forward is a pace”. The amount of gear, grit and determination I needed to have to go further came from a place that was created by countless hours of training. I did most of my training alone and during some of the hardest (and hottest) days this year, it really gave me an outlet and mission. And while I do believe it was the hardest training cycle I’ve done, it was the most successful. I grew to believe there was no way I couldn’t do what I wanted to do, and crazy talk confidence may be my new go to. 

-What is one thing you'd say to people thinking about starting to train for a goal?  

Just show up and see what happens, you will surprise yourself. 

 I'm so proud of you Bailey Jo!!! You've already inspired others out there to think about doing an ultra, including your coach. :)