I Used to Hate Working Out, Now I Run Ultra Marathons 

So I never liked any sports growing up, or even being outside to be honest; it wasn't until a couple years ago in my mid 30s (I'm 37 now) that I finally decided I was tired of being overweight and out of shape, and that I needed to change my life because honestly, up until that point, I had genuinely just always assumed in the back of my mind that I would probably succumb to some type of illness due to, or possibly die from, obesity. Over several months I relearned how to eat, as weird as that sounds, and after a few months more I decided to just start walking... That's it. Just nice and simple walking. Fast forward a few months again and my wife and I decided to go to a nature park near us (we live in Columbus Ohio) and for the first time I can honestly remember in my entire life, I just enjoyed and felt inspired by the nature that was all around me; I can remember just looking around and breathing the air and feeling like "wow... Why didn't I love this before?!" Now I'm absolutely in love with hiking and I've lost a little over 60 pounds (gotta tell ya, I love losing the weight but hate having to re-buy so many clothes 😅); the wife and I just took a trip to Acadia national Park in Maine a few weeks ago and climbed a couple smaller mountains, something me from two or three years ago would never have believed I would of even COULD do 🥲 I know now that I'm an explorer at heart and like you said, I need to be surrounded by everything wild in nature to really feel inspired when I'm out. I'm genuinely happy to be alive now and, also like you said, I now know I'm stronger mentally and physically than I once thought I was... I know I can accomplish anything 😁 Edit: lol I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes rereading my own comment... I'm just so thankful for making it to where I am now, and for the hope that now beats in my heart everyday 😁

You inspired me to sign up for my first ultra... and i made it!! The world belongs to the brave!

I have been running for 4 weeks now, today was my first rainy day. I used to hate running, but I am starting to feel joy in every day I do it, even today in the rain. Then I came home, got cozy on mi couch and clicked on this video. It made me feel incredibly motivated, truly inspirational and relatable. Thank you Eva, you make me feel like wanting to go run a ridiculus distance in the forest!!

I was born with spinal deformities which caused 2 curves in my spine, but the curve was only mild when I was young. I loved running whether it was on a treadmill or outside, but I only ran 3 to 5 miles per day 3 to 4 times per week. Then slowly I could not run, and now I only walk and that is difficult sometimes. I envy you a little bit. I only did one small marathon in Alaska and finished with good time. I was so proud.

You explained the "WHY" perfectly. Couldnt have said it better myself. Great video!

I love this woman ! Open water swimming is my thing. Living in the south of England ain't the best for this so it's the pool but when I take the campervan to Europe... the Med, lakes, rivers... it's all good. 😊

Your loving what you do, and doing what you love. I'd say that's a huge success in life. 🤠👍

Beautiful message. I too hated running...and I graduated as a Physical Education/Science teacher...but found the love when I was 23. I ran every day until I was 48 (I'm 56 now)...mostly with my dogs. I found my true self on those runs. Unfortunately, I developed arthritis in my back so no more running, but I started hiking and am planning a multi-day soon. Moving outside is my respite. I'm glad you've found yours.

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but turn it into GLORY.” ~William Barclay The sky is not our limit; we are! Thanks Eva, for inspiring us to challenge both our bodies and our brains! 💪🏼🧠🌿

Biegam od dawna ale nie regularnie. Zdarzało mi się, że biegnąc totalnie odpływałam w swego rodzaju medytacje i to było suuper! Ale kilka dni temu podczas dłuższego biegu i pojawiającej się zadyszki wpadała mi co chwilę myśl "ja żyje!!" To było dziwne ale też niesamowite i wzruszające dla mnie..

I’m 45 and like you I start running late, one year ago. I did my first marathon few half’s many 10 and 5 k. I’m completely hooked. It’s part of my life and I’ll make sure I do my work out at least two times a week. Great video!

OMG! This is exactly how I feel when I go sailing. Not yachting but proper sailing in the ocean. Totally connected with nature and being a human being. Plus there is no mobile signal in the middle of the ocean, so no messages, no news, no social media that distract us from being us, I guess, and enjoying life in its simplest form. I'm 42 and only started sailing 2 years ago, but that must be my thing, despite the sea sickness I suffer almost every time I'm out there😉 Thanks a lot Eva for this video!

I love hiking, and I mainly run for the part when it's over, but the way you talked about trail running makes me think how crazy I've been not to do it! Thank you for the encouragement and congratulations on an incredible achievement, Eva. Way to go!!

I ran for years and when I had to give it up due to knee issues It took over a year to get over it. I started hiking, and that turned out to be a great replacement because it put me back out in nature.

Welcome to the 100k club! 🥳 Next stop, 100 miles 🙌 fellow ultra runner here (9 ultras plus 50 marathons), the love of running has seen me through some really dark times in my life - it really has helped both physically and mentally

Love it. It's amazing how Ultra running cleanses you out totally. Emotionally and physically. I started at 52 stopped at 62 when Covid shut down races. Now retired at 66 I'm slowly getting back into it. Running trails is so uplifting.

I'm a late bloomer too! Din't start running til my late 40s, working on a 100 miler as my goal this year. Such a strange transition to go from hating running to loving it even when it is a grind, but one thing I have learned is that most of the things we say we don't like or aren't good at, we might actually love if we let go of trying so hard to be perfect and just see where our feet and minds can take us. It's somehow easy to say have a beginners mind, but with athletics we often think that if we didn't start in our youth then there's no beginning. But you and I and tons of humans who are finding out otherwise are changing the story! Big powers to you as you train for your hundo!

How can one ever know what your limits truly are if you don't push pass them? Well done young lady, you're inspiring. Thank you for all you do, for your viewers and for yourself. - ❤

When I was 27 my and I would run to work 2.5 miles away up steep hill. I didn't have my driver's license yet. I need to get back into running hearing how you went from not wanting to run to doing Marathon Running 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 keep up the amazing work and keep inspiring to your heart desires. My ancestors were native Americans and they hike for a distance.

How close it is to my own ultra story … I love it … I just finished beautiful but at the same time extremely technical for me 125k Mountain DUT in Croatia. I was watching your movie and recalling all the moments from my last weekend adventure. bringing back all these memories was so satisfying, thanks for this movie Eva … for me it was published in the perfect moment 👍👌

Eva, you're a great human! You have a gift at being able to connect to people through your stories. Thank you, always, for sharing and congratulations on your first ultra. I've been running for over 21 years, mostly roads. I started my junior year of university. Like you, I dreaded gym class all the way through high school. I'd do anything to get out of it. I was always the last kid in my class to finish the mile run. Then I learned to enjoy the freedom of running. I've finished over 20 half marathons and finished the NYC marathon in 2014. This past summer I completed my first triathlon. It's been a huge transformation from where I started out as a young person so I can relate to your story.

You were in my neck of the woods (so to speak)! I love the Appalachians. As a young teen I used to go camping with the Boy Scouts there all the time. In high school I used to run every night around my neighborhood in Maryland. For me running was a way to be alone with my thoughts. Life after high school I stopped running and stopped exercising as I worked very physically demanding jobs. Now in my late 50's I've paid the price for my lack of staying in shape, drinking, smoking and years of eating poorly with heart disease, vascular disease. Now I have to exercise just to stay alive, but my workouts come with pain...lots of pain. Pain in my hips and feet. It's not something I can ever work out enough to get rid of, but I have to push through it just to have some quality of life. In the end I guess what I'm saying is don't take time for granted. It's finite and it never stops moving forward regardless of what you want. Eat well, keep running and never, never stop living your dreams.

Yes yes you get it 👍 I do 80 and 100km walks and love it but learning that it's not always about time and what others think. You truly learn about yourself and yes it's gets emotional. Respect young lady you are awesome

Congratulations. Been doing ultras for over a decade now. With Covid and then a tibia fracture skiing it has been 3 years since I last finished a 100 miler. The joy I will have when I finish again will only be that much more special. Trail and ultra running have truly changed my life. Good luck on your ultras for the coming year.

Love your story. I also hated and Failed gym class in high school . I did not get into hicking and trail running until i was 60. I run and hike and live totaly barefoot now and that has changed my world

Incredibly proud of you Eva! You ran not for anybody but for yourself! The perserverence, resilence and discovering your inner strength, overcoming the limitations and impossibilities of life and rediscovering the beauty of nature around us, this is the joy of running. In the midst of of the run, it helps free our spirit, letting go of pain and regrets and finding the peace within us. It is a journey within us to find our own true path. Thanks Eva for sharing with us.

I used to love running, but lost motivation once winter started. I am thinking of trying it out again. Thanks for the inspiration

A few years ago, I ran a half marathon in Washington DC. I really wasn’t that in shape, but I stayed with it and as the miles ticket away, I felt better and better and when I crossed the finish line, I felt accomplished. I was insanely sore for several days after that. I thought I would never run anything like that again but then time changes things. I would like to do something like that again but as a trail runner, I think I would enjoy that much more. However, I did break my leg downhill skiing and had to have surgery with steel plates and bio absorbable screws so whenever I run now especially going downhill I have immense pain so it’s probably not in my future cards, but one never knows. Thanks for sharing your stories. I find you so positive and uplifting and your adventures on both of your channels are truly epic. I follow them all. 🥰

Your great girl, I'm going through a mid-life transformation and like you I hate - stress HATE running, BUT like you, I need the transformation and growth that I could extract from the experience. Keep up the great work, growth and videos - and come back to Canada. If you want a weather related challenge there's nothing better.....love.

I was a cross country runner in High school. My team ended up winning a state championship in my senior year . Keep up the great work. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Similar to you I used to say I wasn't the sporty type. I was the kid that got picked last in gym class and was terrible at throwing and catching. I've also never liked the gym. It wasn't until I went to uni and got a sports membership that allowed you to try out new sports that I found climbing and I am obsessed. It allows me to push both my mind and my body, while also socializing with likeminded people. Moving my body more also made me realize the mental importance of it and that I don't have to go to the gym or do team sports to do so. I love hiking and would like to start trail running when I live in an area that actually has trails to run. I would now say I am the sporty type that I never thought I would be. Oh and I still don't have a natural ability for sports like some people, but that doesn't matter. Sports doesn't have to be a competition with anyone, not even with yourself. Just enjoy moving your body and exploring what it's capable of. It will be a lot more than you might think starting off.

I can relate to this, not exactly in the running way (hoping to try running more). I never thought I was athletic, considered myself lazy and clumsy... until I started hiking up mountains (I've always loved being in nature and have lived in the PNW in the USA my whole life). I realized how resilient I am, how much endurance I truly had. Gaining thousands of feet in a few miles. It can be incredibly rewarding looking down and seeing how high up you have climbed. I have pushed myself on very difficult hikes, for sunrise at the early hours and sometimes with very little sleep. Some friends think I am crazy but I've never felt more confident in myself than after a difficult hike

You are just superhuman Eva! How much more inspirational can one be? You are just the best!

The catharsis resonates so much with me :) I always tell people, that sometimes a long run is like a journey through hell where your discomfort and struggle will peel off the layers of your Self until you arrive at who you really are. And then you have the chance to reapply these layers and ditch some of them. You reemerge out of hell reborn and you can feel it. I only had similar moments lying on a hospital bed. I prefer to grow on the trails. 😅

I needed this video! I resingate with this so much. I used to run on the treadmill when I was younger and enjoyed it. As I've gotten older and now also 27 I enjoy doing trail running way more instead of running in my neighborhood. I just haven't ran FAR yet. But I love the adventure feeling it feels like a mindful activity.

Hate to run, but you are a beautiful soul. I love watching your adventures and hearing your thoughts.

Thanks for this commentary .As a runner I look for inspiration and motivation from those doing cool things. If you are a late bloomer then at 65 I am a prehistoric bloomer. But did my first 5k and looking to get to the half marathon next year. Love your work and keep you running adventures as part of what you do!

Thanks for sharing your experience Eva. From 5k to 100k +, running is great for physical and mental health. And we need to keep in mind that we should be doing this for ourselves and nobody else. Forget Strava ;-)

Love this. I did my first 80k(50m) last months and it was one of the most beautiful experience of my life. I too now have my sights set on a 100m next year. I’m coming with you😂

I'm a late bloomer too 😅 I l9ve running, since 7 years now with ups and downs. But when I was in the school, I really hated the 12 minuts running, I couldn't breath and after a few minutes I stopped running. Now my plan for my 40th birthday is the 100k 🎉 I have 2.5 years. Thank you for the video and for your opinion, it really helped me! ❤

Really inspiring. I start to run 3 years ago and for the last year I have been racing half marathons. I started to run when I was 34 years old m, so never too late. I love running in the big parks we have in London which are like forest more than parks, with wild deers running around. Thinking to take the next step and run a marathon. The feeling of accomplishment is like a drug that you get addicted.

I've never gone long distance - physically I'm not capable. But I feel the exact same way about running on trails. It feels more like playing than exercising. I could 100% relate to your thoughts about that. It's just fun.

Welcome to the world of ultra running. We all go through those moments at the end, and I do most of it out loud.

Thanks Eva, that was beautiful and inspiring. I love running stories and I have plenty. I ran 5 marathons, my fastest in 2:56. I’m not telling you this to brag, it’s so you know I was a serious runner and running coach. Along the way, I lost my desire to run. My running partner’s moved on, Triathlons became my specialty, but I let life get in the way. I went through a bad divorce, I had 2 boys I was trying to raise on my own, a job I hated, and my life just spiraled downwards. I went from being a sub 3 hour marathoner at 30 to gaining 70 lbs by the time I was 40 and running was foreign to me. At 60 I had a heart attack, and now 6 years later, I workout daily, I did a 5K, slower then my old 10 k times, but I did it. And recently, inspired by you, I started trail running again. Slowly, but running (jogging) none the less. I use to run 100 to 120 miles a week when training for a marathon, now I’m happy if I get to 12. I always wanted to do an ultra, maybe when I’m 70. I leave for a 4 month trip from Pa to Alaska in my RV, alone. I would love some advice on how you go for a long trail run when you’re alone? How do you stay safe? How do you find the locations and how do you stay motivated? Oh, and how do you find the trails to run on? I absolutely love following you, if you ever get near the Poconos, you have a place to stay, do laundry, eat and shower. 😊 Michael

100% true, i found the love when i begin to run outdoors !! of course not everyone has that privilege, but give it a try and then you can adjust accordingly.

You’ve been traveling in beautiful places and like camping in the American West long enough to understand it’s what your mind decides and it’s a way to clear your mind on trails or the beach. I’ve never run on concrete past a 10K…and that was almost 40 years ago. The trail marathons have been my vibe for 40+ years. Alternate with swimming and cycling to relieve the injury risk🙏

I loved running in group when I was in the army … it’s like you become one energy source and you can feed off the groups energy to keep going

Grindstone? I was there to crew a friend doing the 100 miles. Of course he started the night before (and what lousy rainy weather). I have run Hyner 25K in Pennsylvania 3 times now. It's very difficult and during the race I question "why?!" But once you finish, it's amazing knowing you have completed something you did not think you could complete. So, I was right there with you when you spoke about "why". And trail running is so beautiful....I sometimes stop my friend during a ran and say, " look around, it's so beautiful!" After watching your other channel, I'm glad you came east in the US, for at least a little bit. The mountains are not as high, but they are beautiful in a much more green way. Thanks Eva, I enjoy you sharing your experiences and thoughts.

Prawdziwe :) ja biegać nie mogę ale znalazłam szczęście w pokonywaniu kilkuset km szlaków pieszych i to jest ta "moja" rzecz :) powodzenia i gratulacje za ultra!

So enjoyed listening to your story cause its similar to our own. Got nice and round during my 30’s and lets say covid was the cherry on top. Started running / walking on the road but found it boring. Then we discovered trail, and now that’s what i can’t wait to do every weekend. I’ve got no interested in running far on road. But love the idea of running for hours through the mountains

and OMG , the achievement is actually your mind overcoming that disbelieving thoughts!! So inspiring :)

Congratulations on your run. It is an amazing achievement and experience and thanks for sharing your story and thoughts. I've started running again for 6-7km for a couple of months and started 10k trail runs last week. What I find fascinating in your story is, that you basically ran a marathon from 0 to 42km. I know people that run marathons or ran marathons and it took them several months of very specific training. Not to achieve a specific time goal, no just to make it injury free at best. Same goes for me. When I started running some years ago and got to 10km, I ended up with knee injuries and almost couldn't've walk for some days down some stairs. Only after some specific lower body training, not in a studio just some routines to strengthens specific muscle groups, I'm no finally able to run (almost) pain free. So it seems like, you are a natural born runner with what you have achieved so far and I wish you the best of luck that you stay healthy and can keep it up :) My next goal is 15km...then 20km...

I tried running once with my colleague 10.10.10 FunRun when I was single. Now, I just ran to a nearby cemetery 3x a week while visiting my mom's tomb. It makes me feel good especially when I see sweats running down my face. It's like a reward if an effort LoL. Now I'm a mom of 8yo, I run, she walks when we visit my mom's tomb. Also bonding with my daughter. Thanks Eva! I just wished you'd done videos when I was single LOL. You inspire me in travelling, one day we'll travel and run at the campsite. Take care always. Looking forward to more videos.

😂 😂 ran to the pub.... bc quicker than walking there and cheaper than a taxi and couldn't drive there.... "come on guys, our beer (that hasn't been poured yet) is goin wam" 😁

In a world that pushes you to do sports almost just for being fit (not judging them), your message should be like a revolution: Yes, sports as a way to a deep communication & exploration of ourselves (body, mind & soul) and our inner limits. Thank you for the massive inspiration as always! ♥️

Great job and great video! I love to run and I've been running almost everyday for the last 40 years. I'm 54. I used to compete on a national level with 2:50s marathon times and then I got into ultras. 7:12 for 50 miles was one of my best. I've run the Bighorn 100 miler and then moved to this area and now live just 6 miles from the finish line. My favorite running is running barefoot runs on my land with my alpacas, horses and 8 guardian dogs. Maybe I'll see you someday at the Bighorn Run in Wyoming. It's a great and well known trail race! Extra wild and scenic.

great video eva. I love your trail runner persona, as I do half of all female trail runners, they're the sweetest (like courtney dewaulter). Also, update your strava postings. A lot of good people are on Strava

I remember when I ran my first marathon. I was so scared of not finishing that I overprepared so much, that not only did I finish the race, but the day after I had no muscle soreness at all! (which probably also means I could have done a much better time). The I got into trail running and I really, really loved it. Sadly I got injuried (2 inguinal hernias) and had to stop. Once I recovered after 10 years and 2 surgeries and a lot of rehab, I started running again, but I got an injury in my calves (compartimental syndrome) that has prevented me from running in the last 2 years. I still dream of running and do short bursts when I hike... But I guess my body had other plans for me. At least I can still hike and go to the mountains.

68 miles is huge, but doing that with 11,500 ft. elevation gain is truly a huge accomplishment. As you are so aware, there is a vast difference with speed from running on a flat course at sea level, versus literally climbing and entire mountain with the continual turns, rocks, and demanding navigation and foot work of the course that you successfully complete. Huge respect, and this comes from a guy who has run 25 marathons, and has done a lot of running in the mountains. If your travels ever take you near Las Vegas, there are some spectacular trails at Red Rock Canyon, and Mt. Charleston, that is nearly 12,000 feet high, and some other mountains in the area, where me and my buds venture to. That was a great share of your running, and your truly special and amazing spirit, and of your tremendous mental fortitude. Well done Eva!

Completely agree about enjoying running outdoors and trails over other surfaces.

I've been going out running almost every day for the last ten years straight! I would say that too sadly for me it's the only way that makes me feel alive, but it's not sad at all! I NEED IT! KEEP ON RUNNING, EVA! YOU ARE ALIVE, YOU'RE DOING THE RIGHT THING!

I ran the Grindstone 100k. Congratulations on braving Tropical Storm Ophelia and the slippery rocks coming down Grindstone Mountain! I went into the race with a bum knee, but got stung by a wasp at mile 27 and never thought about my knee again. So much adventure at this race distance. There's something cool about running from dark to dark. When I finished, I thought I'd stick to the 50ks ... but I've already signed up for my next 100k race.

Wonderful video. You summed it up perfectly, do it because you can! I just did the Leadville 50 mile this summer. It was epic. 100k is even more bad ass though, nice work!!

Even though it seems hard and difficult, you managed to finish the marathon. Congrats 👏👏👏.

I am loving this Unplugged series! I love running too :)

Wszystko, co powiedziałaś w filmie jest mi bardzo bliskie. Też jestem sportowcem późno dojrzewającym :D Biegać zaczęłam w wieku 40 lat i szybko odkryłam, że moim atutem nie jest i nigdy nie będzie szybkość, tylko wytrzymałość. Odkrywanie swoich możliwości i pokonywanie ograniczeń było i nadal jest wspaniałym uczuciem. Wzięłam udział w kilku ultramaratonach biegowych po górach i po lesie, za każdym razem czując się i faktycznie będąc za mało przygotowana, wytrenowana, ale ze świadomością, że niemożliwe nie istnieje i tylko moja głowa musi w to uwierzyć. Gratuluję pokonania setki 💪💪💪

"Late bloomer" is fitting for a lot of us! I started running 2 years ago...at age 34. Now, I'm a few months into running every single street in my city. The journey will take over 2,000 miles to complete but it's going well. I think there just needs to be the right switch to flip for folks like us-and it likely isn't just trying to look better or lose weight. It's catching ourselves enjoying the grind. The lows pave the way for the highs. Whenever I'm really struggling some particular day, I remember that "this too shall pass." And guess what? It does and the other side is pretty freakin' great.

Congrats! I run ultras for all the same reasons. It's my happy place.

This is wild. I can't believe you ran it while on your period. I wouldn't be able to run even a half of a mile.

You go girl!!! 👍👍👍 I used to hate running too but the regular weekend walks in the trails over past 3 yrs have sparked an interest to run and it's feels good, breathe n sleep better n makes you wanting more.

Eva, you look so fresh and happy! Congrats on the achievement! I have a similar background as yours, started running some years ago only. I am injured since May and I cannot really run but dreaming about the half-marathon 2024. I hope I will be able to say then "because I can!"

Cool video I use to go to the gym after work weekends I'm 50 now my body was like you need chill out mate now always walk to work hikes at weekends I did go for a run once 😂😂🏃‍♂️ not for me I like walking taking it all in finding a nice spot to chill because I do like to chill 😂😂😂😂if you enjoy it have fun did watch some running in Japan on a mountain crazy at night time anyway hope your good have a good weekend all the best seth 💜

Chapeau bas! it sounds so surreal to me that anyone would run over 100km! it's so impressive! 🤩 I tried running a few times, but never felt any connection, or meditation, that everyone is always talking about... maybe trail running IS the way to go? 🤔

Thank you, Eva for sharing your story. It's inspiring to hear stories from young people like you. I'm 66 years old and something inside of me wanted to just run and do intermittent running on the trampoline or outdoors in nature. I feel good inside and my body feels stronger when my heart rate goes up from running fast. Kudos to you and to all marathon runners. :)

As a teenager I got into cross country running and it was fun, better than team sports. Then I got into rockclimbing, and mountain biking and enjoyed that even more. But even into my 40's I got back into running slow, just helping my friends run their 100 miles, I was their pace buddy for like 25 miles. But now in my 50's I don't run, I ride an ebike. super fun and not so hard on the body.

Wow, what a story you just tell it here. It really touches me, in a deep way. Because i feel the same way. I recognize what you say. Not that i am now doing ultra running. I have just finished my first half marathon last sunday (15 oct) in Amsterdam. And i feel so alive and i was really enjoying it. When you said that our ancestors were also running and that’s why we feel connected to our humanity, i feel it so strongly. You inspire me to do better. My goal next year would be to do a marathon. To be quite honest i feel scared. I am not young anymore. I am 45 years old now. Like you, i am a late bloomer. I hope i still can do it, wven though i will be 46 years old next year. Thanks for your story. You are really inspiring! Keep up the good work! And keep cool!! 💪💪💪

I hate running with a passion, but love playing Lacrosse, so run outside of that just so I can play. So glad you can do something you love. I can't wait to hear about your future long runs.

I love Jogging but I leave a long ago, after see your video I thought to start again,

There’s no better feeling than getting through a situation where you feel like you’ve been beating down too the point of not making it.

I always appreciate you sharing your experiences about being outside and running. And you're right, it's never too late to start if you're able to give it a go. I'm getting back to moving a lot more in my [almost] mid 50s, and seeing my wife swimming and biking and running has been one of the happiest things I've even seen. So...thanks for all you share 😀

I'm glad you made it out to the East Coast and got to experience some of the United States beauty here on the East Coast. In my early twenties my friends and I had the opportunity to take a full semester off of school and hike the Appalachian Trail from Maine all the way down to South Carolina.

You are Fun and I Luv seeing the Sparkle in your Eyes that shares your joy of Life and adventure. ✨️

This is is inspiring ... your video, and all the comments. I'm 48 and working to regain some stamina after decades of CFS and endometriosis. Gradually increasing my step count (walking), some longer hikes and sometimes throwing in a few intervals of jogging. I would LOVE to reach the point where I can do park runs and multi-day hikes, and imagine if I could do a marathon!! Baby steps for now, but it's something to aspire to.

Nothing has ever motivated me more to try running, than your video! I love going to the gym, but I might be trying out running one day!

Hi Eva you are an amazing person! I love to see you so happy talking about something you love. I used to run and now I might get back into it but at 59 I might be happy doing a 5k or so. l I used to run a 5k every night when I was young but life got in the way. Now I have lots of time on my hands. I remember running in a rain storm and getting home and feeling so good about myself. One night I went for a long run and was so tired that I went to bed as soon as I got home, I slept through my house being robbed! It's kind of funny now 40 years later. Thanks for making another fun video to watch.

Great storytelling Eva. I felt like I was in a friend's living room and we were sharing.

The world needs more Eva. A wonderful role model for anyone, any age.

After THIS video I wish I could run! I'm having a hip dysplasia, which makes running very hard for me and is leaving behind a lot of pain. Unfortunately, I can only attempt running if I do a lot of gym work besides. The feeling of running through nature just like that must be amazing! And you transported that feeling very well in your storytelling, Eva! ❤

I love that you feel the drive to run and liken it to hunting and running in a pack because so many would think that you should be nurturing and more the mother figure but you bust that myth and do what makes you fullfilled in a world where there are so many obstacles in your way. Go Eva!!

Eva, most of the time, the emotions you feel late in a long run is caused by low blood sugar. I've run many ultras and afterwards was always "weepy". Once your glycogen stores are used up, your body converts fat to energy. This takes much more effort for your body. Hitting the wall, is what it's called. Your body chemistry does really odd things when this happens. The biggest test I've ever done is Mountain States Ultra. I definitely recommend it!

Eva, it would be absolutely amazing if you would take up my challenge... Until October of last year I was training to run the entirety of the Appalachian Trail North to south. A total of almost 2200 miles over 14 states. Or a 100 mile ultra marathon a day for a little over 3 weeks. Unfortunately, an accident took me out of the race and messed my leg up so bad that now even walking is difficult. Anyway, if you want a challenge, there you go! 😁👍

Eva, a great change. Every challenge you get is the opportunity to learn a new lesson. .

Love this! I agree with so much of what you say! I love running, always have, always will! I ran in high school on the track and cross country teams and usually finished last! But, I really didn’t care, most of the time! I was just running for me and my health both mental and physical. I married a runner! And when I say runner, I mean he almost qualified for the Olympic trials type of runner! But he never made me feel any less of a runner and is often envious of my less competitive nature and my love of just running! My daughter is now a runner and usually finishes close to last in her meets but is happy to run! I wish society didn’t worry so much about time and etc and also the physique of a runner! Keep being you and keep running! It’s the best!

Thanks for inspiring us. I still hate running, but maybe jogging on trails is the way to go. 🙂

I love the pictures of young Eva.

Thank you Eva for sharing such excellent points to your love for running. I started running when I was around 10 years old. My mom LOVES running and exercise; so I started to join her. I remember being frustrated at myself at that age because I was overweight and did not like my body. So my running came from a frustrating place. I joined cross country in high school and that changed my relationship with running. I had a team, I ran trails, I felt supported and celebrated! Since then, running became enjoyable, freeing, and challenging in the good ways ♥️ I completed my first full marathon in HS with my team and half marathons throughout my life. I’m thankful to my mother for planting the seed and I thank God for health. Safe Travels! 🙏🏼

I only started running at 28 years age, 4 years ago. Last year I failed my first attempt to run a 100 mile mountain race, after 94km and 4000m elevation. But I still learnt a lot about myself and about running. I like both the competitive side of running fast and shorter and even on pavement, and just running far in nature, and exploring. I originally started running just to go further on hikes in the mountains 😅.

You're truly inspiring to us all, as for me, I was disabled after being cut out of a car accident in 2010. As the years went by, I noticed I was losing muscle mass from becoming inactive. Now I'm just watching your videos, living vicariously through them, lol. But honestly watching your videos has given me strength to try to get back some strength, I can't jog to the fridge, but I can take baby steps...

My journey is similar, hating running in school,didn’t get into it until my 30s and the trails are where I get to experience all this beautiful world and landscapes. You got this next goal of 100 miles!

Hello Eva, I'm from the West Virginia area and I'm glad to see that you finally got to visit West Va... I used to backpack and did a section of the Appalachian trail I know the feeling somewhat.... Very beautiful definitely one state that you should consider settling down in it's a great place too live. Highest point spruce knob 4,863 ft of beautiful mountains ❤️ Love your videos/ adventures