Running Life: Local Runner to Compete in Ultra Marathon

She is a mom, a grandma, a professional, an entrepreneur and she runs.

It started with the 50/50/50 Club (50 marathons in 50 states before age 50). Two friends and Fairview natives, Staci Miller and Patience Lam Hurley were looking to achieve a fitness goal, do some traveling and have fun. That was three and half years ago…to date, they have successfully completed marathons in 14 states, spent a year on a roller derby team and participated in multiple obstacle course challenge runs. Staci has taken on the R3 endeavor twice (rim to rim to rim of the Grand Canyon). Patience launched the 100 pushups a day challenge and together they discovered through their adventures that they are in charge of “Running Life”!

On June 15th, Staci Miller will be conquering her first ultra marathon; a 50 mile trail run through the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming. Patience, and Staci’s dad Tom Miller, will be her on-site support crew.

“Another adventure, another goal, another story to be able to share with my kids and grandkids”, replied Staci Miller when asked what made her decide to run this ultra marathon. “Actually, when I registered, I was going to sign up for the 50k. But, my luck, I procrastinated and the 50k was full so I registered for the 50 mile event instead. What’s another 20 miles, right?!”

The Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run begins at 8800 feet on the Jaws Trailhead outside of Lovell, WY and continues for approximately 50 miles through panoramic views, seas of wildflowers, canyons and an abundance of wild life. The maximum elevation is 9357 feet with an overall gain of 4232 feet. There are a total of 12 aid stations along the trail, 6 of them manned with a required check-in and check-out system. The race must be completed within 15 hours and ends at Scott Park in Dayton, WY.

Staci’s training schedule started the week of February 11th and consisted of an increasing number of miles ran each week with cross training 2-3 times a week. “The training has been challenging,” stated Staci. “Until lately, the weather has made it difficult to run outside and the treadmill is extremely boring after the first hour.” In addition to exercise, Staci has followed a strict diet of high protein, fresh fruits and vegetables. “The support I have had from family and friends has been wonderful. Though, I’m pretty sure they think I’m a little off my rocker for attempting this run.”

Since Staci has family residing in Arizona, South Dakota and Germany, she started a blog to share the process of her training. Staci stated, “There are three things I hope people find in my blog – 1. Each of us is capable of more than we think possible. 2. The only things in life you regret are risks not taken. 3. You are in charge of RUNNING your LIFE”. She hopes the blog will motivate friends and family towards setting healthy goals. To check out her blog go to http://www.stacimiller.blogspot.com.