I have lost about 140 lbs in the last two years. I was able to start running for the first time in my life. I started watching your videos recently because I was lacking a goal. I happen to live in auburn, ironically - endurance capital and home of the western states. Ironically my mom won the horseback same race (Teva) back in the 80s. Anyway: last week I had to have a pretty intense medical surgery to prevent an imminent life-threatening condition. It was more painful than two kids, a hysterectomy and a few others. I remember crying a day after surgery in my hospital bed and just kept saying “I’m in the pain cave and it’s ok - I might not be able to get right away but I’ll be ok”. It was the first time in my life I didn’t immediately run from it. What I realized is I have been running from that kind of emotional and physical pain my ENTIRE life. This was a revelation given by God for sure. Anyway: thanks for your inspiration, your motivation for others and sharing. ❤
Way to go! I was a college athlete but didn’t run longer than 5 miles back then. After a devastating injury where I fractured my back I went from 200 lbs in great shape to 460 lbs and on deaths door in a little over a year. Over the last 14 years I’ve slowly been taking that weight off and I’m 270 today and 190 pounds lost. I’ve run the Long Island (half) Marathon twice and will run my first full marathon this April. Keep doing the work!
@@sallymcraestrength my first goal is a baby goal that doesn’t feel like a baby goal but a huge accomplishment: 5k. Never been a fan of running in my life but I’m on the start of a new and last health and fitness journey that will last forever, so I’ve done 2 weight training and 1 half hour cardio a week for 4 weeks straight. It’s the longest I’ve ever been absolutely consistent and I don’t want to stop ever again. The point is…I managed to go from running 30 seconds and walking 1 to 1 minute run and 1 minute walk. Such a baby step but I will celebrate ANY win that I can get!
I ran a 13.27 mile trail race in -15° F and there were a couple people I was keeping in mind as I was struggling in the last couple of miles and one was you and just thinking about how you would handle it and what you would say to yourself as if you were running it. You are truly inspiring!
Sally you are a true inspiration to me and you push me to achieve my running dreams by watching what you are able to do. No one has any excuses! Everytime I watch a video I want go run 20 miles
I‘ve had a couple of very bad years health wise and since a year I am now on the path of recovery. After a back injury I try to get back to walking and the distance I aim for is 1mile. For some people this might sound stupid but for me it’s like a 100mile distance. And I need to approach it with the same attitude. Your videos really give me a lot of inspiration and motivation, while I am on my little treadmill and fight with the pain on every step. Lots of love ❤
We always sell ourselves short…there is SO MUCH more that we are capable of. But the fear of that can prevent that first step. Thanks for being so transparent,honesty and inspiring…its so much more than just the physical💕🙌🏽
Sally, such a rock star and inspiration to the community. Your point about not being guaranteed tomorrow is so relevant and an important message. 2 years ago i had just finished my first 100M and was on top of the world......and looking to do more but physicallly it's likely not going to happen for me deapite such a desire to run again. Congratulations and keep getting after it!
Yesterday I was doing some hard intervals and when I didn’t think I could finish it, some reason I thought of you and it got me through it. I actually could do it, my mind was just playing tricks on me.
I just happen to stumble onto your channel, while watching another youtube Ultra runner. I am seriously glad I did, I am just now at 34 getting seriously into long distance running. Watching your 200mile vids and this one, all that comes to mind is "that is what I want to do" 😂 This year I am completeing a personal challenge of increasing my weekly distance by 1km each week. Started at 1km in the first week of January and aiming to do 52km in the last week of December. Really excited when I eventually get past the marathon distance 🥰
Really enjoyed this video and the how you phrased about negative mindset of not being good enough and that they’re just situations that need solutions. This really hit home since I’m about to train for my next HM, and I had a bad race last year. I have had some negative thoughts about how I am going to train and worries about what if I don’t beat the bad time I had last year. What you said really hit home is that I need to look at what went wrong last year and find those solutions to make this year better. This was an amazing video and thank you so much for this! 🙌
I just read your book and I was so inspired by your story. I listened all the way through on a 6 hour drive . I don’t do ultras but there is a lot to learn from what you are doing
So glad I found your videos and podcast. You are a beast! New to the long distance endurance world and your knowledge is so empowering. I’m very much looking forward to sporting the yellow runner hat this season! #Do the Work
What you did this year was amazing!! Thanks for letting us follow along. We've had 300 mile races on the east coast for a very long time now but it seems to get ignored (not calling you out, more of a general thing).
@@Kelly_Ben the most popular one is "Last Annual Race Across Tennessee" commonly referred to as Vol State. From the same RD, is "Last Annual Heart of the South" race commonly called HOTS. Last annual is just a joke tho. They are both road races of 300-350 miles and the RD is Lazarus Lake (the barkley marathons guy) Also if your in the east coast, In Florida we have a trail race called Across Florida its 200 miles. Def want to do some research. These races are unaided. Vol State has gotten popular with locals so they set up tents in their yards and food/drink but theyre not officially part of the race. HOTS has anew course every year. Fl Coast to Coast - you can do it anytime in December.
As a cyclist I'll tell ya that Running is Stupid. 😆 But I love being an aid station captain for our local 50/100 trail run. And as I start to dabble with the ultra side of cycling, both road and offroad, your videos and commentaries have been great inspiration. In fact in a couple months I plan to ride our local 100 mile course, though there will be plenty of hike-a-bike.
I really enjoy your videos because of your candidness and attitude in general. I am wondering, how do you know that you're not causing permanent damage to your feet, or how do you know you're not suffering from horrific heat stroke when you push through your pain? Put simply, how do you know that you're pushing through pain that isn't dangerous? Thank you.
thank you for watching! I get this question a lot and I touched on it in the video briefly- it is very personal to each individual. I have been a competitive athlete my entire life and have patiently discovered how to listen to my body in every situation. There were seasons in the past where I was fearful and I would stop because of fear, but not anymore. As I sit here typing my feet are fine; and I have been training for the past 3 months. I have learned how to recover strong and take time to assess my body and give it what it needs each day. Race day is where I push and push to see how far I can go and I will be honest- I don't regret a single thing I pushed through because I am here today, stronger than when I started. My hope is to encourage ppl to discover what is possible for themselves but to do the honest work it requires to keep pushing out of the comfort zone. it's taken decades to build up to this and I will always respect the fact that I still have so much to learn and so much more to discover.
And, just re-watched. I hear your response now, but it was from a perspective that I didn't hear the first time because I have a lot of growth to work toward.
I really appreciate you, you are amazing...I would also like to say how important it is to have a supportive husband. My husband doesn't help me and is uninterested, I do it alone. Thanks for your videos, you move me.
I’m so sorry. My husband doesn’t run, but sends me links to races, buys me gear as gifts, and crews for me sometimes. I occasionally get bummed that he has no desire to exercise with me, but you’ve reminded me of just how lucky I am! I hope you can find something to support him in that encourages him to support you too!
I had back surgery exactly 1 year ago and could barely walk 100 yards for 4 months. Before my back got really bad I was running 3 to 4 miles everyday. I got depressed and thought I’d never run again. But I did!! I can run 3 miles a day about 3 or 4 days a week now! I’ll take what I can get. Thanks for a being a 55 year old man’s inspiration!!
You can! Go for it- this year! The furthest I ever ran, also slowly, was a half. I stopped running for 5 months, then went couch to 50k in 7 months! Since then I’ve done a handful of slow 50ks and marathons, but always on the trails. It was the pain of shorter “faster” distances and the roads that made me think a marathon was out of my reach… now trail marathons are my fun short races! 😂
This was like a paid clinic or a TED talk! I am really grateful for the insight. Thank you for sharing your champion mentality, incredible work ethic, and amazing adventures! It was truly inspiring to hear your post year thoughts!
Thank you!! Not a “runner” but will be crewing for Cocodona. Watched all of your videos, follow your podcast, and ordered your book. Thank you for doing the work and sharing with us!! I love getting your perspective and how best I can serve my runner. Eddy- you are so appreciated! Thank you for being a real example of what to follow.
What you said about mindset is amazing. Instead of saying, "Those other races sucked and this is going to suck too," you remind yourself of how much you have overcome and that you will do it again. Thanks Sally!
Training for my first ultra because of you ❤ I find these tips so helpful, is there anything else that maybe comes to mind that you would tell someone to help them through there first race?
oh that's awesome to hear! heck yeah! And yes, there are many things that come to mind but the most important of all is to train consistently; no matter what that looks like- each day, do something to better yourself even if it's just for 10 minutes.
Heading for my second 100 in August this year and this time it’s going to be a much better race just because I learned so much from the first one. For me the key is to learn as much as possible from the races you take part in. Just as Sally said in the video. Btw: I have tons of respect for what she is doing…
Great advice, and well done on your mammoth achievements to date! ❤ I've done a few dinky little ultras, but not even close to a 200.(I think 100 might be my max at some point) I only once suffered with foot issues (once bitten twice shy with a particular brand) so watching you go through that is truly gut wrenching. Hats off to you Sally!! 🙌🏻 Might we one day see you tackle some UK races in the future? The Winter/Summer Spine, Dragons Back or Wild Horse 200, perhaps? 😃
You get sleep deprived, you get behind on calories, you can't move anymore, your body starts to freeze up. Your head hurts, your lungs feels like there gonna explode. and you find a way, you do what you have to do. YOU COMMIT !!!!!
Eddie and Sally, thank you for your encouragement, laughter, tears, no-nonsense training tips, and constant inspiration. I found Sally on RU-vid first, and your 507 mile challenge had me in awe and wanting to jump up from the couch and go run 100 miles (my longest is 18 miles in the mountains and I'm training for an 85K this year). I laughed with tears in my eyes when I saw your 2-yr-old Isaac and 4-yr-old Makenzie crying at the aid station with you, and I immediately knew--Sally has lived what I'm living through, she is a role model for me. With a 1-yr-old and 4-yr-old, I struggle with training-work-life balance, but you both have made this journey so much more manageable, purposeful, and just plain fun. When I read your book and found out we have the same alma mater, it was just another confirmation that I had found that right someone to look up to and listen to. And now I listen to you on the podcast, which has me laughing one minute and then tearing up the next (I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through Mackenzie moving to Flagstaff let alone you guys her parents!) Again, thank you for sharing your life with us listeners/viewers and thank you for making this sometimes overwhelmed momma say to herself, "Hey, let it go, I did the work for today, and that is enough," Stay Strong. ❤💪
Wooooo go Sally! It’s been so fun watching all of your 200 videos. Thank you for being so positive and encouraging to us. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you and follow along.
Sally I literally adore you. Choose strong is my daily mantra. I watched every race, every live stream,, waiting for you to cross that finish line, every Friday night prime time race documentary film. I loved being in the live chats and seeing so much support for. You do what you do most importantly for you and your family but man does your authenticity, genuiness, vulnerability, passion, hard work, and love for the sport ooze out to us lucky humans to witness. You have taught me so much on how to navigate life. I am battling my own lows but the anticipation of an upcoming race or film from you carried me through. I can’t wait for all the more memories in 2024 and continuing to be among the biggest Sally McRae fans….💛💛💛
I recently discovered you and have enjoyed watching and learning about your journey. You're an inspiration and came along at time in my life when I needed to be reminded that I can do hard things, thank you for sharing your story!
I have to say your videos are such a huge inspiration. Genuine, informative, dynamic, thoughtful, fun, and extremely well produced. Thank you so much for the work you do and all the wisdom you share with us.
That's a tough bird. Bulletproof mindset. For me Nike have the best looking gear.... But they just don't work. Zegama and Pegasus trail are light years behind other brands when it comes to trail running
Thank you for sharing!!❤ I watched your grandslam and share with my friends and family. It seems super human and I realised how much we can endure. I just finished a race at 15min before the cut-off with pure will positive mind focus because my legs were hurting very bad. I thought i would walk to finish but i would not made it in time and with positive mind, i manage to run to finish inspite of pain. I was so proud i did not quit. Watching your videos did help my mind to understand i am capable of much more.
I’m not looking to embark on 200, I’m just looking to start at 2. But you are motivating me to get off my 58 year old butt and get going! I will continue to watch your channel for motivation. Thank you
Sally you inspire me Iv never pushed my body to limits that I em now I just came across your channel and it's truly changed my world when Im training now and things get tuff i just say what would Sally do😂 and I just push to limits that I'd normally would off stopped thankyou. Sally you are honestly truly inspiring 🤜🤜🤙
I have a question, did you have lasting foot damage from pushing through the race? Ive always struggled understanding where we draw the line between what we can and what we shouldnt push thru.. how do we know if we can like you did and when to stop to avoid serious injurury? Thank you for the amazing video!
Come do the Montane Spine race here in England. 268 miles, dubbed the most brutal race in England. There is both a summer and winter editions. You'll love it. Keep doing awesome!
Thanks for sharing. I "ran" Tahoe 200 in 2022, I learned so much. A few tendons in my foot stopped working correctly at mile 116 and I walked it in. I finished the first 100 in 35 hours so I had a lot of time. I did it with out crew and crew make a huge difference in a 200. I am looking to apply my learning and back to the 200+ distance, this time with crew. I think the next on my list would be Moab 240, do you agree that would be the logical progression for some one who does not specialize on technical trails?
Sally, I started watching your videos last year and you're such an inspiration. You have helped me push through some difficult times and keep me on track by motivating me to continue. I'm 100% the person that gets in their own head. My biggest challenge is overthinking or negatively talking to myself when my run gets hard, and I'm consciously working to improve my mindfulness. You have also inspired me to register for my first ultra, the Julian Alps 50K in September! This video was very helpful as I work to dial in on the mental aspect, gear, fuel and staying injury free. Thanks for the motivation and tips!
Doing my first ever 50k event this year at the age of 60. It is scary, but your words of encouragement and advice will be with me on my own personal challenge. Thank you Sally.
You are the absolute definition of inspiration Sally! You consistently conquer superhuman feats, and yet are always humble enough to stress how superhuman you are not! “If I can do it, you can do it”… wow… your attitude toward life is changing so many lives! Thank you Sally!!
You are just the right inspiration for me this year! I've always followed your running career and respected you so much but this year you are lighting a new fire under my butt! Thanks Sally and Eddie!
I do multi-week solo bikepacking projects each summer. I couldn't agree more with your comments about training "without social contact" (alone) and without music being key to unlocking insight into how your react to physical and mental challenges, and in how you develop strategies to respond to them.
All five lessons resonate in me. Following your journey was instrumental in training my mind to be ready for the goals I set for myself. I’m in awe of your fortitude to push through and humbleness to stay connected through miles and miles of pain. I have watched your efforts and cheered and cried when you crossed those finish lines…proud to be in this community. ❤
Thank you so much for sharing! You are an inspiration and appreciate your willingness to take us on the journey with you. I’m running my first 200 at Moab 240 this year and am like a sponge with all the helpful tips and information. Keep choosing strong! I look forward to seeing what you do next!
Loved this video! Very informative and gives a great perspective on what it takes. But I need to know, what camera do you use, that quality is amazing!
There are several very cool point to point 200s in the UK that I would love to see you try if you're set on one in 2024. Check out wildhorse 200s in wales. Northern Traverse is probably too soon for you.
