Episode 21: Lindsey Ulrich on her FKT on the Oregon PCT
by Nikki Parnell — August 21, 2020
This week we chat with Lindsey Ulrich. Lindsey recently ran the Fastest Known Time for the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail. We hear about how she got into running ultras, how a stroke eight years ago was ultimately a big part of what led her to attempt this huge undertaking, and what it was like to be moving her body down a trail surrounded by a support crew for 9 days, 13 hours, 39 minutes and 20 seconds!
Let’s start with a little background on Lindsey’s story. Lindsey, unknown to me before this podcast recording, turns out to be a super positive example and a beacon of hope for people that have undergone major physical challenges and injuries. She had a stroke eight years ago that significantly decreased function on the left side of her body and she still experiences some side effects from it, particularly on technical terrain. She witnessed her personality change, her memory was affected, she had a long road of rehab and brain exercises, and she had to relearn basic life skills like how to put on her daughter’s diaper. Her story is a beautiful illustration of overcoming a hand you weren’t expecting to be dealt in life and continuing to set goals, dream big and run long even after a brain injury. Her focus is on being present for her kids and her husband and you can feel the gratitude she has to be here now.
Now let’s discuss what she just did! The Oregon PCT is 452 miles from the California border to the Bridge of the Gods between Oregon and Washington. As Lindsey described her experience, we could feel how community oriented this FKT was – it was a major group endeavor and the accomplishment of finishing this was made all the sweeter by the people who were there planning the logistics, making meals, running food and supplies to Lindsey on the trail (even when cars couldn’t access it), and of course all the moral support, hugs from her kids and people being there every step of the way.
Training for this adventure included multiple back to back days spent on her feet paired with rest days made up of doing fun things with her kids. It sounds like that schedule of knowing part of the week would be dedicated to the kids and family life made the mom guilt lessen when preparing for this big personal pursuit.
Out on the trail, sleep was limited (to say the least). She survived off of 10 minute nap breaks towards the end. She would fall asleep while walking and lay down, conk out immediately and be woken up 10 minutes later feeling like she had slept for a day! I cannot imagine being that tired! Caffeine, egg McMuffins, avocados and candy were lifesavers. Her body, especially her feet, swelled astronomically. She was running in shoes two sizes bigger than normal because she couldn’t get her feet into her normal shoes. Foot care became such an arduous and time consuming task as the run went on. For the last 130 miles she left her shoes on for fear they wouldn’t be able to get them back on!
Despite the unavoidable sufferfest and rollercoaster of highs and lows the trail was beautiful and Lindsey loved getting to run past iconic Oregon gems like Crater Lake, Diamond Peak Wilderness, Willamette Pass, and Mt. Hood (Mt. Hood was one of her favorite sections because it marked 400 miles under her feet – only 52 miles left!).
I can’t speak for you, but Stef and I had tears in our eyes listening to the finish line experience. As Lindsey described approaching the Bridge of the Gods, hearing the traffic and knowing she had made it with her people by her side was a moment that seemed to contain all the human emotions wrapped up into one. Words fail to summarize the true depth and meaning of this endeavor. This huge undertaking is not processed quickly – there were so many experiences, memories, emotions, build up, preparation, suffering, laughing and then, it’s over. She describes an inner turmoil of feeling elation because she was done and also a deep sadness at the same time. As soon as it was over she missed it, she had found out so much about herself along the way, her soul was touched and then she’s left with a heap of feelings to process and work through.
When all is said and done she’s eager to get back to the trail and see it again…maybe at a slower pace this time. Stef suggested going at an SKT pace (Slowest Known Time – perfect for stopping and smelling the roses).
Times on this trail, or any FKT, are fleeting and can change as more athletes attempt these things but the magnitude of this experience is something that no one can ever take away from Lindsey. This will remain impactful and significant forever. It was an honor to hear Lindsey’s story and we hope you’re as inspired by it as Stef and I were!
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Show Notes:
Read Lindsey’s write up on the FKT website here
www.pctoregon.com is a neat resource for information for the PCT!
@theneuronerds – a podcast and support group for people that have experienced a brain injury #changethefaceofstroke
Coach: Paul Lind.
Spot Tracker article from Treeline Journal
Bemer recovery tool for inflammation
Favorite Race: Race the Wolf in Northern Idaho.
Lindsey’s Favorite Meal: Tacos with Spanish Rice.
Stef’s favorite thing: Goodr Sunglasses
Nikki’s fave: Hydrapak bladder
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