The finalists are here! Last week we put the call out asking you to write about what you love about running trails and/or ultramarathons. We had so many fantastic posts, we may have been relegated to leg wrestling and straw pulling to determine the finalists…Okay, not really, but we did have a tough time whittling it down to just three!
Read them now and cast your vote in the comments below for the entry that is most deserving of the coveted Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Ultra Vest!
Entry #1
It’s a mother, daughter thing!
When I think about my trail running experiences, I forget about the cute New Balance shoes, the unmentionable places I have scars from rubbing Gu packages, and the gallon of blood lost to rocks, roots, and lovely blisters. Instead I think of my training partner: the person who introduced me to running and the one I can count on to push me when needed. She is the person who is on the trail along side of me on every run: my mother, Brenda Campbell. My mom is forty-six years old, has been a runner all my life, has run over 15 marathons and has just completed her first ultra-marathon. Without her, my love of running and introduction into ultra-running would never have happened. I evolved into the runner I am because of her encouragement, through each new “longest” distance, and running me into the finish of my first marathon. She is there every morning sharing the pre-run peanut butter and is there next to me on the couch during our 10thviewing of Unbreakable. My love of ultra-running surfaced through blogs, books, and fellow ultra-runners. When my mom decided to look into running her first ultra, we dove, or rather plunged into the world of Ultimate Direction vests, hydration packs, and Trail Runner Nation podcasts. We watched Anton Krupicka run through the High Country and followed devotedly to the IRunFar Twitter feed. Thanks to trailandultrarunning.com, we were introduced to the elite runners’ race reports, learning about S! Caps, and the importance of a good headlamp. As my mom’s ultra, the North Face Endurance Challenge 50 mile race in Wisconsin was three weeks away, my duty as pacer changed to participant. We ran every step together, discussing which of her pre-school students are her favorite this year at mile 15 and cursing the hills at mile 40. Though she twisted her knee and was reduced to a walk/run the last 3 miles, I met each step right along side her, supporting her to the end. During that race, our roles changed; I was the one guiding her, pushing when she wanted to stop, just like she was there two years ago pushing me during my first 8 mile run. I would never been a runner or an ultra-runner without her, and I cannot wait to continue onto the next trail with her by my side. 
My mom and I after our first 50 mile ultra-marathon.
Us on our longest consecutive training runs.
Entry #2
An Ultimate Direction
In 2011 I thought of a way to kick start my life as I undertook a new job as a therapist working with people struggling from addiction and searching for a purpose in their lives. Having a history of addiction myself and being clean for 16 years I thought back on how I had done it. Through support and running I recalled the relationships built and spirituality found on the trails of the Wasatch Mountains that resulted in erasing addiction and replacing it with a more excellent way of life. I knew that if a non-runner like myself could become such, so could they.
I started a free community group called Addict II Athlete and it quickly gained momentum. As Head Coach of this remarkable team I began to witness the inner strength these Athletes developed as we put in miles on the trails together. After one challenging race, I asked one of our Athletes how hard the climb to Windy Pass was, toward the end of the Squaw Peak 50 Ultra. He replied, “It was hard, I wanted to quit, but then I thought about when I was sitting in the Utah State Prison for multiple DUI’s and how trapped I felt, and now, here I was on top of the world, free from prison and addiction. Yea, it was hard, but not impossible.” 
Addict II Athlete’s vision is to assist these new Athletes in recovery from all addictions and get on the path of healing and achieving goals in what could be described as a new path in an Ultimate Direction. A brilliant name for a company that must have the same thought in giving the Athlete the best gear for their journey. When I was added to the trailandultrarunning.com group, I saw runners living the life Addict II Athlete is establishing for our new comers. From our first 5k two years ago to running the 2013 Badwater Ultra Marathon, these former addicts leave that life behind and become so much more.
For me the real accomplishment in ultra and trail running is experiencing the highest summits, longest stretches and the mental negotiating that proves we can do hard things. Even more inspiring is when you have a group of people others called drug addicts running alongside you because you know they can do hard things as well. Because nothing’s impossible…it just may take a bit longer. 
Entry #3
Trail Running is like meatloaf
My mother-in-law makes some positively amazing meatloaf. I don’t know what’s in it and I don’t want to know. I like the mystery. (I can only assume that ingredients include a mixture of sunshine, rainbows, and unicorn sparkles.
Trail running is the same way. There are lots of little mysterious elements that make it so seriously wonderful. Allow me to transform myself into Martha Stewart (never mind, I’ll skip the prison time) and expound on three ingredients that make meatloaf, I mean trail and ultra running so awesome.
Sure, you can see some beautiful stuff running on the road. I mean those parked cars and miles of endless white line on asphalt are nice to look at. But there is nothing that can match the beauty of a trail weaving through the aspens or climbing to the top of a mesa and seeing the expanse of nature surrounding you.
Ingredient #2 – The Uncertainty Unlike the safe, predictability of road running, you never quite know what you’re going to get out on the trail. My mom’s meatloaf is not very good. And by “not very good” I mean – if you gave me the choice between eating a rusty radiator and mom’s meat loaf…..I’d choose the radiator. (I’m sorry mom. But you always taught us to be honest. Plus I’m trying to win aScott Jurek vest from Ultimate Direction here.)
I love this sport. And good meatloaf.
Congratulations to Cory – Entry #3 – for collecting the most votes!
Thanks to our three finalists and all those that entered for sharing their stories!
Entry #2
Entry #3
Entry 2 These folks are inspirations and don’t we all have some type of dragon we need to slay
#3! Running is like meatloaf gets my vote!!!
#3
#3 — by far the best — no contest.
Cory’s is super awesome and makes me smile and laugh weekly!! #3 all the way!!
I vote for #3.
#3 all the way!!!
They’re all great, but #3 gets my vote!
#3
Gotta like #3
#3
#3
#3, #3, #3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#3 meatloaf trail running 🙂
#3
#3 all the way!!!
#3
Meatloaf! Meatloaf! Meatloaf! #3!
#3!!
#3
#3 because of ingredient #3! Could not agree more.
#3…with unicorn sparkles.
3 for sure. It was the unicorns!
I vote for #3!
#3
Meatloaf rules! I vote #3.
#3!!!!
I vote #3.
I vote for # threeeeeeeee (and unicorns and meatloaf…)
How could you not vote for #3? #3, of course!!!
Hands down #3
I vote #3.
#3!
Definitely #3
Cory and meatloaf rock it. #3 all the way to the bank baby
#3, thanks for the smile!
#3 Love meatloaf, love the run, and most of all, love the Cory!
#3
#3, meatloaf running
I have ran some trails with Cory and it’s always been a positive experience! He is what ultra running is all about. #3 for the win!
Number three all the way!
#3
Entry #3!
#3…I love mom’s meatloaf too! (That would be Cory’s mother-in-law). And all the fantastic pics make me want to take up running!
Entry #2 all the way babeeeeee!!! Go Addict To Athlete!!!!!
#2 An Ultimate Direction- Go BLU!!!
#2
I love #3!!!!
I vote #2
I vote for story #2!
Number 2!
#2! Coach. What an inspiration. I like meatloaf and unicorns, and I love my mom and especially HER meatloaf, but I admire a story about someone doing the right thing for themselves and especially for others.
I vote #2
I vote # 2
Champions!
I vote #2
I vote #2
#2
Got to vote #2
#2 all the way!!!
#3 this one really hits home, so many have been affected by addiction and have used outlets like this to replace those addictions.
did you mean #2? that’s the one about addiction…
I vote for Story #2 all the way 🙂
#2 this one really hits home, so many have been affected by addiction and have used outlets like this to replace those addictions.
Please disregard my last one I accidentally pressed number 3, but my vote is for #2
#2
I vote 2!! 🙂
I vote # 2
I vote for #2!!!!!
Love #3!!!!!
Number 1
NUMBER 1
#3!
I vote #2!
#2
#2
I VotE For # 2
#2
I vote #2
I vote #2!!!!!
Entry 2. I have watched first hand how this program has been a productive part of society. The struggles each and every Athlete has faced head on and accomplished their ultimate goal. Each one holds so much passion and drive, encouraging everyone around them to improve. They are incredible! Thanks Blu for saving one of my best friends and so many other wonderful people. CHAMPIONS… most definitely!
I vote for #1
I vote #2
I vote #2
#2!!
#2
My vote is for # 1 (one)
They’re all great….but I have to choose one, I choose #3
#2
I vote for #2!! Changing the world one step at a time. Amazing story.
#2
#2 all the way! Look at you coach! Still being a champion and an inspiration!
My vote is with #3!
Number #2 please
Meatloaf! #3
I vote for #2! 🙂
I vote #2
Addict II Athlete has not only helped my daughter through her recovery, it has given me a chance to gain a closer relationship with her and my other two girls. The time we spend running together now is priceless to me. Thank you Blu. You are an inspiration to so many. We love you brother! 🙂
I vote #2 all day long and twice on race day.
Go #2 YAY!
I vote #2
#3!! Cory is AWESOME!!!
I vote for #2. Very cool!
#2
I vote #2. What an incredible program for those that have almost lost hope.
#2!
#2 for sure!
I vote for #2! I have seen miracles with Addict II Athlete in clients, their families and it even inspired myself and my 9 year old son to do at least one 5K a month. AIIA is a family of recovered addicts and family and friends!
#2
#2
#2 Go Blu! Exciting to hear you are doing something so incredible.
#3!
I vote #2!!!
I vote #2!
#2 is where it is at!
#2
#3
#2 all the way!
#3!!!!!
#3 for sure
#3
Blu you rock! I vote for number 2
#3!!
#2 – You Rock Blu!
Cory gets my vote he is the greatest!!
Story #2 for sure.
I like Blu, #2
Number 2
Blu #2
Entry #2!
Love them all, really cool people! Number 2!
my vote seems to have disappeared… #2!
#3!
Entry #3 please
I vote for #2
I vote for #1. I may be biased because I am the mom in the essay:)
#2 definitely is inspiring.
#3
#2
vote for #2 go BLU!!!
#3 and the unicorns!!!
Good Luck Blu #2
I vote #2 Blu is one of the greatest men I know!! He not only teaches but lives through his teachings. Luv that guy!!
#3 Cory all the way!
#2
Number three!
Three takes it!
Three it is!
#1
#3 meatloaf
Entry #3 is AMAZING!!!! Not only do his photos show the beauty of trail running but he has an awesome way of conveying a sport that is truly the ultimate in fitness.
#3! Trail running and meat loaf. Both make me excited/want to die.
#3…duh!
#2 all the way
#3 is the right ingredient.
#3 !!!!
#1!!!!!!!!!!! Vegetarians do not eat meatloaf! Besides, what is more important than your own family?
I vote #2
#3
#1 !!!!
Number 3 for sure!
#3 for sure. Cory is the best.
#1
#3!
Entry 2
#2 – Blu is a true inspiration! Go Blu!
#1…..they are my inspiration!
#2
Number 2
I vote # 3
#2
2
#3
#2
#3
#3
Go #3!
#3
3
#3 Cory is the Man!
3
I liked #1..mother and daughter.. the love and interest they share…( my own mother is in a nursing home and I miss her everyday)..these two are making memories .. win or lose Jessica has my vote
#3 all the way!
#3!
#3!!
#3 Meatloaf!! Definitely!!
#3
Number 2!
#3 🙂
Go Blu! #2
#3
AIIA and Blu = Number 2
#3!
#2 for sure!
Entry #2
#3!
#2
I vote #2
#3
#2
[…] Contest the Vest: Vote now! |Trail Running and Ultra Marathons – […] finalists are here! Last week we put the call out asking you to write about what you love about running … […]
You’re my boy Blu! #2!!
#2 all the way!
#3!
I vote #2!!
Number #3
I vote for #3!
#2
Wow – incredible stories! I love these!! But my heart is always with the FOOD.
I vote #3!!
#2
[…] do hard things as well. Because nothing’s impossible…it just may take a bit longer. Please go HERE to cast your vote for Blu to win the Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Ultra Vest. Comment on the post […]
I vote for Pedro! I mean, I vote for #3!
I vote for #2!!!!
Definitely #3– any reference to meatloaf AND a unicorn is always a winner in my book!
Entry #2, baby!
#3
#3!
#2 – great article
#2!
#2
#3 is completely awesome!!!!
3
#3!
But each was very good.
Let’s go Blu! #2
Number 2!
2!
Vote for #2
#2
#2
Number THREE!! 🙂
2 for Blu
#3!!!!
#2!
#2
#2
I vote number one… go mother and daughter..
Entry #3
#3
#2
Entry #2. No question asked!
2 please
Let’s hear it for number 2!
Thanks Blu, AIIA saves lives! 2!!!!
#3
Wonderful stories. 2 Blu for me please.
#2!!!!!!
#3!!!
#3. Gotta love Cory!
#3
Vote #2
2 Please!
#2
#3
Three
MOM! The MEATLOAF! I vote #3!
#2- go BLU!!!
Entry #3
#3
Entry #3!!!
#3 !!!!!!!
#3!!
#3
Nothing goes together like unicorns and meatloaf! Number 3!!!
#3
#3
#3
#3 all the way!
#3
I vote for #3!!!
#3
#3
#3
#3
#3 please!
#3 Meatloaf will always get my vote.
3
#3!!! Count me in for Cory!
#3 Cory–he is an inspiration to many people across the world!!!
#3!
3, 3, 3!
#2
#3 all the way! Corey is the best!
My vote is for #3!
#3 🙂
#3
I vote #3!!!
#3 takes the meatloaf…I mean the vest 🙂
#3
I vote for #3 Cory because he is an ongoing inspiration of running awesomeness for me.
I vote for Entry 3!!!
Number 3!!!
I vote for #3!
#3 all the way. Cory is such an inspiration.
#3 is my vote
Love #3! And now I want some meatloaf…or is it an ultra I need??
#3
Love number 3. Go fast Cory!
I vote for Cory #3
I vote for #3. Cory is the best.
#3!!!!
#3!
#3
#3
#3 is great!!!
#3. That Cory sure is AWESOME!!
#3 Cory, meatloaf, and trail running are the best!
All are great, but I have to go with #3, by my mentor Fast Cory.
#3 gotta love the meatloaf comparison!
#3
#3 MEATLOAF
#3
Lets go #2
AIIA all the way 2!!!!
BOOM 2
2
Go #2
2
#2
GO AIIA 2
2
#2!!!
Number 2
I vote for #3!!!
2! AIIA!
A “2” A
2
Number 2
#2
I vote for Cory #3
I vote #2
I like #1
#3 For Sure!!
#3 Cory is Awesome!!! I love meatloaf-
Entry #3….he’s just that AWESOME of a guy!!! Run Cory Run
#3
I vote for #3
#3 hands down! love meatloaf!
#3 Cory!!!!!
[…] Contest the Vest: Vote now! |Trail Running and Ultra Marathons http://trailandultrarunning.com/Okay, not really, but we did have a tough time whittling it down to just three! Read them now and cast your vote in the comments below for the entry that is most deserving of the coveted Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Ultra Vest! […]
I vote #3
#3 gets my vote !
#2 ALL THE WAY!!!!
I vote #2!
Blu Robinson!!!!! #2
AIIA all the way! #2! Champions!!!!
#3
AIIA #2
#2 all the way all day every day
Blu Robinson!! #2
#3!!
I love me some meatloaf – #3
Definitely #3
AIIA!! #2
Go #3 fast Cory!
#3 – Meatloaf!
#3!
Entry #3!!!
I vote for # 3 – Cory Reese. That guy is a STALLION. :~D
#3!!!
#3
3
#3!
Entry #3
#3 all the way!
#3 for me!
#3!
Entry #3!
#3 ALL THE WAY!
NUMBER 3!
#3
# 3
Voting for #3
#3
I vote #3
#3 is awesome! Go #3!!!
#3
#3 I AM A UNICORN!!!
MMmmm… Meatloaf! Go #3
#3
Go #3!!!
I vote #3!
#3!
#3
#3
GO #3!
I vote #3
#3
#3
Number 3
#3
Definitely Numero tres. That’s 3 for the unSpanishized folks.
#2 AIIA!!
#2!!!
#3
#2!!!
#3! Go Cory!
I vote number 2
#2!!!!!!!!
Number 3
#3
#3 is my vote
Number 3
#3
I vote #3
#3
I vote for #3
#3
#3
#3
#2
#3
The other two entries are great but I’ll go for #3.
2
Blu!
One more push guys! 2!
You got it Blu! 2
Number 2 for the Blu!
#3
Go #3!
Number 3
#3!!
Go Cory – #3
Three
#3
#3 for Cory
#3!
I vote for #3
Numero 3
Fast Cory – #3
Three!
#3
Put me down for #3
#3 it is.
#3
Three!
[…] Contest the Vest: Vote now! |Trail Running and Ultra Marathons http://trailandultrarunning.com/The finalists are here! Last week we put the call out asking you to write about what you love about running trails and/or ultramarathons. We had so many fantastic posts, we may have been relegated to leg wrestling and straw … […]
[…] Contest the Vest: Vote now! |Trail Running and Ultra Marathons http://trailandultrarunning.com/Okay, not really, but we did have a tough time whittling it down to just three! Read them now and cast your vote in the comments below for the entry that is most deserving of the coveted Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Ultra Vest! […]
[…] Contest the Vest: Vote now! |Trail Running and Ultra Marathons http://trailandultrarunning.com/When my mom decided to look into running her first ultra, we dove, or rather plunged into the world of Ultimate Direction vests, hydration packs, and Trail Runner Nation podcasts. We watched Anton Krupicka run through the … […]
[…] Contest the Vest: Vote now! |Trail Running and Ultra Marathons http://trailandultrarunning.com/When my mom decided to look into running her first ultra, we dove, or rather plunged into the world of Ultimate Direction vests, hydration packs, and Trail Runner Nation podcasts. We watched Anton Krupicka run through the … […]
Number One! #1
#3 For The Win
I say #3!