https://shes-simply-amazing.simplecast.com/episodes/amy-thackeray-on-resilience-after-trauma A few months ago I had to opportunity to share a little bit more of my healing journey. It's my hope that by being very personal, open and honest, there might be something in any of my experiences that could help another individual who's struggling. A special thanks to Carrie Brinton for her efforts [...]
Growing into the Ultra-Marathon
Winter in Utah's high desert climate is really challenging for me. For years I used to hide away from all the cold, wind and snow and pass my days inside on the treadmill. Every year when summer faded and fall's beauty swiftly left, I would struggle with seasonal depression. In 2016, I hit a tipping [...]
Looking Back…
If race medals could talk.. 2020 was definitely a year for the record books right? So, when I saw a racing company offer a virtual half marathon race featuring a "commemorative" 2020 medal, I naturally signed up. Not because I need another racing bib and medal to hang up, but mostly because if you would've [...]
Enduring Well…
As I mentioned previously, the Timp half-marathon was one of my planned summer racing events. Saturday morning began early with my thoughts focused on the people I was running for. I woke up at 3:00am to get ready when I received a Facebook notification that my husband’s aunt, NaTel had passed away only 2 hours [...]
A Pleasant Surprise
A few weeks ago, Coach Paul and I had a discussion about the remainder of my summer racing season. With my next marathon about 70 days away, it's important to find the balance between training and racing. I found out last fall just how delicate that balance can be when I ran 3-half marathons, three [...]
Double Trouble
Anytime I finish a big race, I’ve already got something else on the docket. However, running a 50-mile ultra-marathon is no joke. It’s common running advice to take some time off after a marathon. Some experts even recommend 1-day off per mile raced. While that seems like great exercise theory in the science lab, the [...]
The Alternative Route
I've been dealing with Crohn's Disease since 2002. I've gone the immune-suppressing medicine route (Prednisone, Pentasa, Imuran and Entocort) but I hate the side effects these meds have on my body. (Blood work every 6-8 weeks, constant upper respiratory infection, insomnia, unwanted hair growth, weight gain, to name just a few) In late 2006 I [...]
Squaw Peak 50
In February 2018, when I finally earned my BQ marathon time, I considered what my long term running goals might be. I had been running for over 10-years and had pondered the idea of an ultra-marathon for a while, as it intrigued me. I knew what running a marathon felt like, but what about an [...]
The 2019 Boston Marathon
Late on the evening Friday, April 12th, my family and I boarded a plane for Boston, Massachusetts. It was a very late redeye flight, but the kids and I were excited to go. For 1 year, 1 month and 19 days- after my qualifying race at the Phoenix marathon in Mesa, Arizona- I had anticipated [...]
The Elephant in the Room
Last Saturday a 10-mile run was on the docket as my final "long run" of this marathon training cycle. When a friend mentioned that Emigration Canyon was hosting a 10-mile race and the dates coincided; I opted to sign up and run as a fitting end to my long winter and early spring training. I've [...]