EP169 - Perseverance, Pacing, and Pain: Jen Johnson's Sub 24 hr. 100 Mile Debut at Rocky Raccoon

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Run the Riot athlete Jen Johnson to talk about her inspiring journey to conquer her first 100-mile ultramarathon at the iconic Rocky Raccoon 100. From her early days running loops around her neighborhood as a kid to lining up at one of the most popular ultra races in the U.S., Jen’s story is one of grit, joy, and an unshakeable passion for trail running.

Jen shares what it was like preparing for her first 100 miler, including the ups and downs of ultra training, how she balanced life as a coach and athlete, and the unexpected knee issues that nearly derailed her race. But with determination (and a little tough love from her husband and pacer, Jake), she powered through to finish in under 24 hours!

We dive deep into:

• Jen’s background in sports and how she transitioned from softball to ultrarunning
• Her experience training for the Rocky Raccoon 100
• How she overcame unexpected challenges during her race (including knee pain and mental hurdles)
• The importance of community and having the right crew and pacers
• What it really feels like to cross the finish line after 100 miles

This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a real look at what it takes to push through ultra racing’s toughest moments. Whether you're training for your first ultra or looking for inspiration, Jen’s journey is sure to motivate you.

Show Notes here: http://www.theriot.run/jenniferj

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