running vs. racing

By: Summer 'Racer' Wesson

"Hey Coach... Whatever happens today, you deserve it!"

Eric laughed, knowing that was a phrase I had stolen from him, used on me about a month ago at the start line of our first race against each other, a 5k.  He had completely crushed me that day and I had definitely gotten what I deserved by challenging him.  However, today was different.  Today we were on my turf, the start line of the Mt. Disappointment 50k.

If anyone had told me two years ago that I would be racing my coach as well as the toughest person I know in one of my ultramarathons, I would have told them they were crazy.  Moreover, if anyone had told me the 'stakes' of today's bet, involving the loser undergoing a tattoo of the other person's initial, I probably would have ran away screaming.  I entered the doors of Team CrossFit Academy as a runner, someone who just enjoyed being a part of the community and 'back of the pack' didn't really matter so much to me.  Growing up with a few different physical limitations, both asthma and a disease called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, I figured I was lucky to be out there at all.  At the time, I was pushing cut offs in many of my races and I hated the feeling of starting something I didn't know if I would be able to finish, even with my best effort.  I then started to search for more answers.  Enter Eric.  He was everything a coach should be.  Within a very short period of time, he saw something in me that was greater than circumstance, nicknamed me 'Racer,' helped me dial in my nutrition and training and created the little monster that was standing there, guns blazing, ready to race him that day.

Let me preface this by saying I am not an elite athlete, nor will I ever be.  So why 'race?'  Over the last 5 years, ultramarathon running has brought me on an amazing journey.  I've seen breathtaking places that many people who cannot travel 20 - 30 miles plus on foot will never see.  For many, it is enough just to be there, and it was for me for a very long time.  However, by pushing my limitations, I started to realize how much unused potential I had.  The gains I made by training and racing outside of my comfort zone not only improved my physical capabilities but my mental capacity.  Additionally to my training, I found that nutrition played a huge role in my success.  I would fail often, but come back so much stronger.  I learned more in failure sometimes than I would from my 'wins.'  I was happier and more excited about life.  Additionally to my training, I found that proper fuelling was essential, and through my pre and post event mix1 all-natural protein shakes, would give me the energy I needed to start running strong, and recover quickly after.  I had these massive goals that seemed so far out of reach and I kept accomplishing them.  My curiosity sparked as I began to wonder how far I could take this. I found out quickly it was much farther than I ever dreamed it could be.

I beat my coach across the finish line that day, with tears streaming down my face, my best friend Alexa by my side pacing me, and a group of 'Arrogant Bastards' (our trail racing team) excitedly waiting to see how our bet played out.  As I did, the race director handed me something else I had earned, an age group award.  Would all that have been waiting for me if I'd just decided to 'run' that day? No way. Back of the packer, no more.  I was finally a 'Racer!'

Blog Author:
Summer 'Racer' Wesson is a passionate ultrarunner and CrossFitter and love to help people with their nutrition. At 5 years old Summer was diagnosed with severe asthma. At 18 years old, she was diagnosed with an auto immune disease called Juvenille Rheumatoid Arthritis and told by numerous doctors she would never be able to run or lift weights. At 34 years old, she’s had a lot of fun proving them all wrong!You can read her blog at racerwesson.com.