20 Comments
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Peter Lawson's avatar

Thanks for the shout out and the tough love. That DFL was my proudest finish. -Peter Lawson.

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

You should be so proud! I’m so glad you got up & got it done.

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Adam Lee's avatar

Congrats on getting it done Peter!!! There is a podcast called "Chasing Cutoffs" that I bet would love to hear your story, if you are game to share it :) Ben Mead is the host and loves hearing from those that chase cutoffs!

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Andrew Hart's avatar

Great job Peter! You did great! Once we all got you ship shape I had no doubts about you making the finish line!

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Adam Lee's avatar

Wonderful piece Sarah. This gave me all the feels. Aid stations are so important and it was fun to read your dive into such a great one!

Best of luck with your race this weekend :)

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

Thanks so much!

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Kelton Wright's avatar

Julie sounds amazing. This was such a great look behind the scenes!

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

She is and thank you!

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Kyle K's avatar

While I’d never consider doing an ultra, your story created a vivid picture for me to experience this event. Thanks for sharing.

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

Thanks for reading Kyle! I look forward to another hike with you.

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Brandon  Seaver's avatar

Great piece Sarah. I had a great time working alongside you at Animas, and you captured the Animas vibe well. Thanks again for all you do for the ultra-trail community. 😊 I’m excited for your High Lonesome!

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

Hey Brandon! I'm so glad you left this comment. I didn't know your last name and therefore didn't know how to connect. Thanks so much for reading. I hope our paths cross again.

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Martha Hughes's avatar

Wonderful post!!! Such an amazing story! I'd love to have you on my running podcast Martha Runs the World to talk about aid stations and your recent Hard Rock experience! If interested, email me. Thanks! martharunstheworld@gmail.com

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

Thanks! I’ll be in touch after this weekend’s race.

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Martha Hughes's avatar

Excellent, enjoy your race!!

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Martha Hughes's avatar

How did your race go? Can you email me (martharunstheworld@gmail.com) so I can send you a Calendly link? Thanks!

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Andrew Hart's avatar

Great article Sarah. It was nice volunteering with you. You captured the vibe of the Animas Forks station so well. It was the perfect mix of skills, humor, hard work, exhaustion, compassion, endurance and some well-controlled chaos made it both a great station and a unique experience for all who came through!

As for the blisters mentioned, they were tough little buggers. :)

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Baker McKonly's avatar

Enjoyed your article and the others you have wrote.. I did the R2R2R 2 years ago at 60, mid October solo. It was an unforgettable experience for me and most surly for you also. I have been at your aid station and it is first class. Last year I came through as a pacer and the year before waiting for my runner that didn't make it and I went up and found him. Maybe our paths will cross this year at Hard Rock.

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

I’ll be volunteering at Animus Forks again this July!

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Baker McKonly's avatar

Enjoyed your article and the others you have wrote.. I did the R2R2R 2 years ago at 60, mid October solo. It was an unforgettable experience for me and most surly for you also. I have been at your aid station and it is first class. Last year I came through as a pacer and the year before waiting for my runner that didn't make it and I went up and found him. Maybe our paths will cross this year at Hard Rock.

Expand full comment