The Power of Believing in Yourself

The Leadville Trail 100 is more than a race; it's a crucible of grit and endurance. For the twelth time, I stood at the starting line, my stomach a mix of nerves and anticipation (two prior DNF's). The sun rose over the mountains, but my true light came from within. My crew~ "the super crew" was a sight to behold, a combined 50+ years of Leadville wisdom radiating support and confidence. They believed in me, but their belief, no matter how strong, was a lantern, not my fire. The fire had to be my own.

This race, and every one before it, has taught me that the most important belief is the one you hold for yourself. The external support, the cheers from the aid stations, the encouraging words from your crew—they are all crucial. They can carry you for a few steps, but when you're alone with your thoughts in the dark, miles from anywhere, it's your own unwavering belief that powers you forward.

The finish line of a 100-mile race isn't a magical gift; it's the culmination of countless hours of work. I trained for months, putting in the miles, building the strength, and pushing through the pain. Believing in yourself isn't a shortcut around the hard work. It's the engine that gets you to the starting line and keeps you going when your body screams to stop.

But belief also has to be grounded in reality. I can believe with all my might that I can run a sub-4-minute mile, but at 51, that's a fantasy. My belief in myself is powerful because it’s backed by a history of what I've accomplished. With nine previous finishes at Leadville, I know what I'm capable of. This isn't blind faith; it's a deep, powerful conviction built on experience.

That first race, though, was a different story. I had no prior finishes, only a belief so strong it left no room for doubt. It was a belief that a monumental challenge was possible for me. It was a belief that failure wasn't an option.

This powerful inner conviction can be the force that propels you to greatness, whether you're running a race, starting a new job, or overcoming a personal struggle. External validation is wonderful, but it can be fleeting. True, lasting success is born from an internal reservoir of confidence that no one can take away from you.

So, whatever your personal "Leadville 100" is, remember to stoke your inner flame. The support of others will warm you, but your own belief will be the power that sees you through to the finish.