Running Goals: 15 Gritty Stories to Help You Keep Going

Running Goals: 15 Gritty Stories to Help You Keep Going

Got big running goals in 2025?
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You know...

  • Get faster
  • Chase PRs
  • Grab more "Local Legends" on Strava
  • Run longer than you ever have before
  • Sign up for a race that's on your bucket list

If you're looking for a little boost of motivation this year to chase big running goals, these 15 gritty stories will help you keep going...

DJ Fox: "Last year, I made it about 420 miles in before I had to pull the plug and hopped in the back of an ambulance. Pneumonia is what ended up taking me off the trail. I kind of obsessed about it ever since."

DJ Fox crushed the Colorado Trail’s 500-mile FKT, navigating brutal climbs, unpredictable weather, and relentless terrain. 

  • This epic story details his prep, the challenges he faced, and the sheer grit that fueled his record-breaking run. 
  • From mile-high peaks to the mental battles of endurance, DJ’s achievement is a masterclass in pushing limits. 

Ready to be inspired? Dive into the journey of how he redefined what’s possible for runners on the Colorado Trail. 

Jeff Sherrell: "After spending all that time developing the habit, running really helped me cope and work through some hard times. And somewhere along the way, I realized, 'Hey, I really like this."

This story highlights how Jeff Sherrell turned a simple idea into a unique goal, bringing fun and laughter to their miles. 
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From connecting with fellow runners to finding motivation through lighthearted challenges, it’s a reminder that goals don’t always have to be serious to be meaningful. 
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Ready to rethink how you set your running goals? 

Bill Thach: "When you have cancer, you are committed to all the hell treatment is going to put you through…Are you okay with being uncomfortable and moving forward?”

After a cancer diagnosis, running became more than a sport for Bill Thach—it became a goal that symbolized resilience and hope. 

  • This inspiring story explores how Bill used running to stay strong, both mentally and physically, while facing one of life’s toughest challenges. 
  • From setting small, meaningful goals to conquering races, his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. 

Ready to find new motivation for your own running goals? Bill’s story will inspire you. 

Tim Hardy: "I really struggled to finish this race for the first time. I had to learn stuff the hard way. It's kind of like that old John Wayne quote: 'Life is tough. But it's tougher if you're stupid.'"

Tackling the Vol State 314-mile ultra is no small feat, especially if you’re “screwed” and running unsupported like Tim Hardy. 
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This story dives into the grit, strategy, and mental toughness required to conquer this epic race. 

  • From managing extreme conditions to setting mile-by-mile goals, you'll learn a lot about resilience and determination. 
  • Whether you’re chasing your next ultra goal or looking for inspiration, this journey will show you what it takes to keep moving when the odds are stacked against you. 
Evan Jensen: "Wow, this section has a lot of roots. Better watch your step. Seconds later, I trip on a root, throw my hands out, and hit the dirt."

How do you stay on track when the unexpected throws your running goals off course? 
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During the Timberline Marathon, one runner faced a surprising challenge that could have ended their race. Instead, he found the grit to adapt and keep going. 
.
This story shows how overcoming obstacles—on and off the trail—can strengthen your resolve and bring you closer to your goals. 
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Ready to rethink how you handle setbacks? This runner’s experience will inspire you. 

Abby Lock: "Between having to make a last-minute shoe change, not having enough time to warm up, not getting out of the starting chute fast enough, and managing GI issues, I came out of the 23K with a newfound sense of confidence that I can adapt and ultimately run a halfway decent race even if chaos ensues."

How do mountain runners turn grueling climbs into powerful running goals? 
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At the Broken Arrow Sky Race, five athletes pushed their limits, chasing peaks and personal milestones. 
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This story highlights:

  • Their determination
  • The mental and physical challenges they faced, and... 
  • How they embraced the journey to reach the finish line. 

Whether you’re tackling tough terrain or aiming for a new PR, their experiences will inspire you to redefine what’s possible for your own running goals. 

Andrea Detwiler: "There's a long semi-steep downhill in that section that was hard on my body that far into the race (I was able to run but not as fast as I'd like on a downhill) followed immediately by a seemingly never-ending uphill climb."

What does it take to crush your running goals on a tough trail like the Laurel Highlands Ultra? 

  • Three trail runners share how they navigated the steep climbs, technical terrain, and mental challenges of this iconic race. 
  • From pacing strategies to goal-setting insights, their experiences offer valuable lessons for runners of all levels. 

Ready to tackle your next big challenge? .
Let these runners inspire you to push boundaries and chase your own trail-running goals. 

Brynn Cunningham: "I felt dehydrated and had a very dry mouth from the start—too much talking and running around socializing (no regrets) and not enough attention on hydration!"

What does it take to conquer one relentless uphill climb? 
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The Mount Summit Challenge pushes runners to test their limits and redefine their running goals on a course that’s all about elevation.
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This story breaks down how to:

  • Prepare for steep grades
  • Build mental toughness, and...
  • Embrace the challenge of uphill racing

Whether you’re aiming to improve your strength or tackle a hillier course, this guide will inspire you to rise to the occasion.

Zach Hunter: "Every time I got a new pair of running shoes, I would write on the heel: BOSTON 2020. It started to kind of be like my trademark."

What if your running goal took years to achieve? 
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For runner Zach Hunter, qualifying for the Boston Marathon was a seven-year journey of persistence, setbacks, and small victories along the way. 
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This story explores the grit and dedication it takes to stay focused on a long-term goal and why the reward is worth the wait. 
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Whether you're chasing your first marathon or dreaming of Boston, this journey will inspire you to keep going no matter how long it takes. 

Evan Jensen: "I hit the ground on my side and slid forward a foot or two in the mud. There's muddy skid marks from my hip to my heel. And the mittens look like I've been making mud pies."

Thinking about taking on a mud run? 
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The Hagg Lake Mud Run is the ultimate test of grit, balance, and determination. 
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In this story, runner Evan Jensen dives into what it takes to tackle slippery trails, conquer messy obstacles, and embrace the fun of running through the muck. 
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Whether you're looking for a new challenge or a way to shake up your running goals, this guide will inspire you to lace up and slop your way to the finish line. 

Connie Gardner: "I've literally had people tell me: 'Your uterus is going to fall out. You've got to stop this running nonsense. If you run that far, you're not going to be able to have a family.'"

What’s the secret to running strong for the long haul? 
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Legendary ultrarunner Connie Gardner shares her top tips for building endurance, staying motivated, and chasing big goals year after year.
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From smart training strategies to mental resilience, her advice offers valuable insights for runners of all levels. 
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Whether you’re dreaming of your first ultra or simply want to keep running for life, Connie’s wisdom will inspire you to think bigger and run farther. 

Brynn Cunningham: "High steps, like the ones up the exceptionally technical middle section, can sometimes aggravate my recovered yet sensitive frayed hip labrums. So I had to be careful not to overdo it and take the steps too quickly or with too much force."

Ready to take your running goals to new heights? 
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Conquer the Rock challenges trail runners with steep climbs, technical terrain, and a test of pure determination. 
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This story dives into what it takes to tackle one of the toughest trail race ascents, from training tips to mindset shifts. 
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If you’re looking for your next big challenge or want to push your limits on the trails, this race will inspire you to aim higher—literally. 

Lucie Hanes: "Simply finishing strong requires riding the line between being daring enough to risk it for the biscuit and cautious enough to keep your cool amidst the carnage."

Think you have what it takes to tackle the heat, rugged trails, and relentless climbs of the Arizona desert? 

  • The Black Canyon Ultras push runners to their limits with every mile. 
  • This story unpacks how to prepare for the challenges of desert racing, from smart pacing to staying mentally strong. 

Whether you’re eyeing your first ultra or aiming to refine your race strategy, this guide will help you turn tough conditions into a running goal conquered. 

Frank Page: "Kevin, you know what I'm going to say about running this race: Slow the eff down!"

How do you prepare for an ultra that’s designed to break even the toughest runners? 

  • Kevin McWilliams took on the infamous HURT 100, a brutal race filled with mud, roots, and relentless climbs. 
  • This story dives into his journey, from setting ambitious goals to overcoming the mental and physical challenges of this legendary course. 

Whether you're aiming for your first ultra or the toughest one yet, Kevin's experience will inspire you to push beyond your limits.

Rob Myers: "As much as I didn’t care for the 647 stairs to get in and out of the canyon, they were a unique experience for me."

What does it take to finish the Cloudland Canyon 50K? 

  • Three trail runners share their experiences tackling steep climbs, technical terrain, and the mental hurdles of this challenging course.
  • From strategic pacing to staying motivated, their stories reveal how to turn tough trails into achievable running goals. 

Whether you’re gearing up for your first 50K or looking to improve, these runners offer valuable lessons to help you crush your next trail race.

Chase big running goals in 2025

As you set your running goals for 2025, let these 15 stories remind you that every challenge, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to grow. 
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Whether you're chasing a PR, tackling a new distance, or finding joy in the miles, these runners prove that persistence, creativity, and resilience can take you anywhere. 
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So dream big, stay the course, and keep moving forward—because your running goals are worth every step. 

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Evan Jensen
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SANDY, Oregon
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I help RUNNERS reduce injuries, fix running form, run longer & faster by strength training without running ragged. I'm a NASM...

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