THE PARTICIPANT (Short Film) | Understanding the 100 mile distance | Ring The Springs 100 Miler

[@Spiritofdylan]

Thanks everyone for the love. It’s truly an honor to share a little bit of my story with you all. 🙏🏼

[@paultellier2147]

BRO! What is that waist light you have? 😳What an amazing race! Awesome inspiration as I head out for my long run. Cheers!

[@Spiritofdylan]

@@paultellier2147 Kogalla light. It’s a game changer!

[@rpmcmurphy2348]

Great story and effort!

[@cosmicpuma1409]

Thank you so much for sharing this!! I am 3 months out from my first 100 miler and was battling with reason, motivation and everything but what mattered and your experience in this vid, could not have come at a better time for me today. Congratulations on the achievement from a random person who is very grateful. Inspirational and Humbling. Thank You.

[@rhondabogart3133]

Loved watching your story. In March 2022 at the age of 58 I did 50 miles called the Badger MT Challenge. I talked ny husband into doing because I just wanted to see if I could. I had done 30 miles in 2019. What a journey it was and I completed it in 16 hrs along with 8200 elevation gain. It was truly life changing and I ended up being the oldest female to finish. So true that you have to be committed to finishing which was key for me. Thank you again for sharing your experience!

[@dbk81]

For those who are watching and don’t run, but are thinking about it, just do it, those of us who now run ultras all started with one step, so go for a run, 1km, 1mile, whatever gets you out, your fitness will grow, and I promise you will be better for it. All love ❤️ enjoy the day.

[@torcherd83]

Well said

[@ThereGoesEyler316]

💪👏👏👏

[@marcallain]

Many thanks. I needed this. ❤

[@natepencils4355]

You love commas

[@dbk81]

@@natepencils4355 pause for effect my guy.

[@brunkbrunkbrunk]

His Dad, working on his feet. That was a powerful moment of fatherhood right there. I cried.

[@VnazT]

I’m 3 weeks away from my first 50k. This is just what I needed.

[@jasonhammel6445]

"In the end, I found the 100 mile distance to be all about the people. It's a community that encourages you to be yourself, allows you to be at your worst, but will push you to be at your very best." Dylan Harris Couldn't have said it any better.

[@Spiritofdylan]

🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@philipeick-vocalmusic]

Wise and lyrical words!

[@ThereGoesEyler316]

Love the support from the running community. Cheers to many more miles in 2022 and into 2023

[@desiraesifuentez5765]

Not me crying during the inrto inspo msgs 😭🤙🏼♥️

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

As an ultra runner, it's amazing to watch the pain of others in situations we have been in and how they handle it. There is so much beauty in pain and suffering ..we are not the same person as we were before it.

[@andyedwards6361]

That's an interesting comment. I've not done a 50 or 100. The farthest i ever ran was 41 mile. My question to you is how are not the same person after doing a 100?

[@jacobcosme2007]

I’ve come to love the 100 mile distance. I’ve done 3 so far but the community and people of the ultra running community are those who make it the best.

[@paultellier2147]

The former and future self perspective was fire. Never thought of it this way!

[@andrewpavey9848]

I have a night time and morning self. Night time self plans lots of early runs. Morning self thinks night time self is an idiot.

[@glopry2190]

Agreed! I wrote this down on my list of running notes.

[@garylane9685]

Amazing effort mate 👏

[@jeffreyrobbins688]

Well done sir you have been a great source of inspiration as this 60 year old heads towards his first 100 miler. Thank you again and much love from the east coast.

[@migeru243]

Planning on my first Ultra next spring (definitely not 100 miles) and content like this is exactly what I need to motivate me. Farthest I've ever run is 15 miles. Very inspiring, well done!

[@JohnnyParsonsladfromtad]

Awesome film and achievement, mega inspiring, thank you 👍

[@burkejones8277]

I can honestly say I have never felt better when the sun comes back up. It only reminds me that it is almost over, and I don't like them to be over. But I think it is the perfect distance to rewire your brain when it needs to be rewired.

[@haggismuncher429]

What a feckin massively shit hot adventure, you should be very, very proud of yourself.

[@Smashycrashy]

Heck of an effort. Heck of a trail crew, you are very loved Dylan. Thanks for sharing.

[@BobBowman962]

Inspiring and spot on! I've run several 50's and 100's and am training for the Katy 225 here in Missouri at the end of this coming October. Your film was a great reminder of what we experience but more importantly offered a window into our "Why" we love them. The Challenge: Yes. The Course: Yes. The Distance: Yes. The Groceries (for me - Ha!): Absolutely! But Most Importantly: The People and Comaraderie! Would love to see a film that focuses on a day in the life of the Crew supporting their runner. Thanks Again for a Great Film!

[@thegoinowen]

First 100 is in one week. Thanks for an amazing video. Even more excited than before.

[@Spiritofdylan]

Hope it went well out there!

[@thegoinowen]

@@Spiritofdylan It was amazing. 100 miles. 22k vert. Had the time of my life and already signed up for another.

[@MarkUsry-e9j]

Great film! Very inspiring! Love the down to earth being yourself attitude. No hype about racing techniques, etc. Just being real in the moment. Loved your honesty, expressing your true feelings and thoughts. This film brings back dreams that I’ve had for many years of doing the same thing. I know it will do the same for others.

[@ChrisSilverman]

Thanks for making this video and sharing your story; I love it!

[@Gator35]

Congratulations for showing up each day for all the hard work, and the little things, and the big things, that you had to do to make this day happen, when nobody was watching. That's the real beauty. Well done. Be so proud of yourself.

[@robertlynn9667]

I was blown away with all the friend & family support !

[@harolddenton6031]

Wow what an awesome accomplishment. The furthered i have run in ny life was doing 3 different 10k races in richmond,va in the monument Avenue 10k held each spring which is a flat course. Could not imagine the walls of pain and exhaustion one goes through doing the equidistant of 17 straight 10 k distance runs in a 24 hour period of time. Having been watching lots of AT thru hikers videos over tge past 2 months and now finding this video I am getting more motivated to do hikes for now carrying 25 to 30 lbs in my backpack. Then hopefully as I lose another 70 to 80 plus lbs and get back down to weighing around 260 to 265 lbs I will be able to begun going from richmond,va up to afton mou tain by waynesboro,va to start running sections of the AT in both the blue ridge section and akso hiking/ running northward on the Shenandoah valley section of the AT. Back in 2011 I was a very fir 265 lbs lifting 5 days a week. Then while out hitting softball in August that year my right patella totally dislocated resulting in me needing 2 months of physical therapy to just be able to do a full revolution on the stationary exercise bike. Then 3 months later the Menuscus in same right knee fragmented. My weigh from August through early spring of 2012 has ballooned from 265 up to weighing over 330 to 335 lbs. I got deeply depressed and basically lost any motivation to take care of myself anymore. Then after almost dieing from pulmonary embolisms in borh of my luns in March of 2017 I got even further depressed. Found out tgat that my A1C bloid sugar level was a high 9.5. So my depressing further deepened resulting in ne sleeping all the time until.time to go to work at 3 p.m. monday through Fridays. My weigh skyrocketed up to 368.lbs at the highest point. Estes express lines gave us a choice of Christmas gifts last December so I chose to.pick the fit bit and wireless ear pods. That has helped me yo be more accountable for my health. So now I get upset if I do not get in 4,500 to 6,000 steps each day. I am walking on lunch breaks and after work for a mile carrying either my back pack wirh 25 to 30.lbs in it or just deciding to carry my 20 lb kettle bell alternating laps of carrying it as I walk around 2 blocks by my office building. Doing that activity has me once again trying to channel the old 3 sport athlete mentality to get more highly motivated to get back down yo weighing in the 250 to 265 lb range. Being almost 58 it has been a challenge as the old bady parts simply are simply not as durable as they once was in my 20's into my late 40's. I stand 6'1" and being mostly Scots and Welsh with some scandinavian dna in the mix i am a bigger built guy like a power lifter build. That size comes from having 3 different jones family bloodlines between both of my parents family trees.

[@danielamoshomevideos8497]

One of the best ultra movies I’ve ever seen! Beautifully filmed, fabulous writing, and just a great story. Thank you!

[@joe1071]

I still gotta get a marathon under the belt, and all these ultra videos have me wanting to work up to ultra

[@adamtyson1257]

CONGRAT'S, wonderful and moving, beautiful footage, very inspiring.

[@kathydonner4919]

It was an incredible experience to be a part of the race. Truly beautiful and amazing! You are so insightful and talented. Love you!

[@mikeharris1550]

Inspiring and Insightful Dylan! Incredible footage by Tony. Brilliant!

[@Pepe-bu2ho]

Man, I was about to run 100 miles a long time ago and I didn’t do it (and I was very strong). But this video has inspired me to start trying again 💪🏻💪🏻

[@ninja242114]

You got this

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you for making this, you touch every part of humanity, and every corner of the world with this story. Chapeau Dylan, you are THE MAN.

[@Spiritofdylan]

Thanks so much 🙏🏼

[@nicksavage4432]

great!

[@born2boogie]

Beautifully done! Thank you for documenting this. Very inspiring.

[@Spiritofdylan]

Stoked that you enjoyed it!

[@emilyharris8909]

Love your mindset of wishing to truly feel what the runners you document feel ❤️ beautiful words and imagery!!

[@BrendanEvan]

That was awesome. Thanks for documenting this and sharing Dylan’s story!

[@fynthemtns]

Wow, so beautiful and inspiring! Thank you - y'all rock!

[@Kmelnuk1]

Love the beautiful piano music throughout this film. Also, big congrats on this effort!

[@john.maynard]

Congratulations, Dylan, on not only your first 100 miler, but also capturing what it means to run one. Beautiful film. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@chrisash9040]

Awesome film. Getting ready for my first 100 - definitely found some good inspiration and advice!

[@mikeypies1]

118 miles last week in Kerry Ireland. 36hours18mins what a great experience

[@jeaniekim9951]

Really enjoyed the live race coverage and this post race interview! Great chat and questions. This really brings more exposure to the sport and makes amateur ultra runners be able to be a part of races that they aspire to be in. Applause all around!

[@jgalluzzi]

Yea!! Good job man! Great video.

[@eddymercer6025]

Proper inspiring! Great story. Really nicely filmed

[@Achey_Runner]

This was so good!!! When you begin to forget how you felt during your ultra, this video will help you remember. Excellent job on the run and on the video! You've now become an inspiration to people, just like the people you document.

[@ramboray80]

WELL SAID ERIC !

[@thesampsota]

Such a beautiful film and inspiring story. Absolutely loved it! Thanks so much for sharing! Also, the views in this race look absolutely stunning.

[@mikeellam1359]

Outstanding! So inspiring

[@robbrito8325]

That was not only an amazing film but an amazing accomplishment. So true that it is all about the people you spend that journey with. Congratulations!

[@gmckemie4281]

Thank you, Dylan. I enjoyed your journey tremendously; your narration was enlightening as well as entertaining as you went through the crucible of a daunting challenge. I have enjoyed your work over the past couple of years and look forward to your next film.

[@barclayroedermortgagebroker]

Great film Dylan.

[@buckeyejen1076]

Sensational! Congratulations, Dylan!

[@Spiritofdylan]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@michaelosteen9069]

Beautifully done. I have my first 100 coming up in December. I will use this for some fuel. Thank you.

[@hump1201]

How was it?

[@brittanykopke6133]

Beautiful and inspiring!! Great work, Dylan

[@Spiritofdylan]

🙏🏼 thank you!

[@rufuslumpkin4112]

Outstanding!!! 💪🔥🔨

[@Sanko1960]

Huge congratulations not just for getting it done, but for sharing your physical, mental, emotional, even philosophical experience in such detail and so well. Very inspiring and, in fact, helpful.

[@leocriscuola]

who does not want to run 100 after watching this? epic!

[@drbleachers]

Incredibly awesome documentary. Thank you for sharing. Using your story as motivation for my first 100 coming up.

[@jecballou]

So beautiful. Thank you.

[@rifter6176]

Great film - and accomplishment man! Just completed a full Ironman. Done. I hate cycling though. Gonna start doing 'baby' Ultra runs next year though! The Ring The Springs 100 looks like a wonderful goal for 2024. Your wife is a gem.

[@jarrettcouchman]

I know I’m late to the party, but this video is so impactful!

[@BaylorSig81]

Outstanding video once again Dylan, keep em coming

[@Spiritofdylan]

Thanks so much!

[@robertmyer2357]

Outstanding!

[@iron_dad7802]

Great story to be told here, and you told it so well. Thank you. Nicely done, Dylan…congratulations

[@feelbetterlivewell]

Have my 2nd 57km Sept 2nd… 100 miler one day! Videos like this are so inspiring 🤩👍❤️ make the start line and go 👋

[@earthquakemagoon2505]

Well done Dylan!!

[@Spiritofdylan]

Thanks so much!

[@cklaudyo]

Congrats from Brazil man! Inspiring!

[@patcarroll280]

Simply awesome

[@alanmansfield664]

Great work. Well done.

[@Life_Of_Andy]

This is awesome!!!

[@carlroland3947]

amazing film! thanks for sharing i have my 1st 100 miler in 3 weeks

[@SeeChadRun]

What an incredibly inspiring and moving video! Love it!!!

[@yostandy]

Nice film guys and congrats Dylan!

[@thomasbowling3146]

Loved the video & the story! Well done & Congrats!

[@kimklenk4785]

Thank you for the inspiration! You are pretty incredible!

[@silverdesk72]

Very inspiring.

[@ernestvisconte9941]

I’ve watched several similar short films and I have to tell ya, I absolutely loved ur journey/story. I’ll be saving this clip for future inspirational needs. Well done 🤙

[@ernestvisconte9941]

By the way, what’s the brand of that waist light you used??

[@LadyRabiaAbdulHakim]

Great documentary 💖🙏🏽

[@Tylerhas_theruns]

I have the Chills! 🔥 I’m about to run my first 100 mile as well… great timing.

[@Spiritofdylan]

Have fun out there!

[@hump1201]

How was it?

[@Tylerhas_theruns]

@@hump1201 I pulled out of training….started a new biz and that has taken most of my year. Just started getting back at training.

[@TheWallace74]

Excellent video 💪🏼❤️

[@corunna2565]

Great video, really enjoyed this and have been inspired so much lately by this community thanks to documented journeys like this. You should be extremely proud. I started out running to see if I could do a half marathon, since completing that a couple of weeks ago I have became hooked and so fascinated in ultras. I have just signed up for my first one, 100km June 24th. Its a while off and gives me plenty of time to prepare (I think) and build my weekly up gradually. Hopefully I am back here in June telling you I have officially completed an ultra.

[@hump1201]

How did it go?

[@corunna2565]

@@hump1201 bit of a deep answer but I'm going to tell it like it is, I was training really well and everything was going great. The time was getting closer and the pressure and self doubts were increasing alot, then I picked up an injury around 2 months away from race day which meant I couldn't train for a couple of weeks but I honestly milked it for like a month, I would love to sit and tell you I was heart broken but I honestly was kind of relieved I had a reason to say I didn't complete it that wasn't my fault. I think I was scared of putting my all in and not being good enough and it was nice to have an outside reason to say I didn't make it, something to blame. One day I hope to actually complete it. I'm back running again now.

[@hump1201]

@@corunna2565 yeah those self doubts are a real pain in the ass. I think everyone reading this understands! You'll get em next time!

[@glen4789]

Awesome job! Great motivation!

[@VirtualTrailRunning]

And for those days when you can't get outside... hop on your treadmill and check out some Virtual Trail Running videos!

[@zachduncan9528]

What head lamp is that...sucker is brrrright

[@manueleh1]

Awesome video!

[@774A0ŦS]

Amazing!

[@thatssocool2570]

Very inspiring. It just goes to show what a perseverance and true grit and do. Congratulations. I just need to ask what is the brand of led light you are running with around your waist? Super bright I love it. Great for trail running at night.

[@Spiritofdylan]

Kogalla!

[@sandratessem9980]

Thanks for the inspiring video

[@stevejodoin9937]

I don’t know who you are but that was very inspiring. Good job.

[@semaj30]

I like the piano “industry baby” haha 💪💪

[@on_the_tillage5469]

Congratulations! Incredible, well told story of perseverance. What waist/belt light are you using at night??

[@jasonsarvas3413]

Great video, thanks for sharing. What type of waist lamp was used during the night section? Thanks.

[@Spiritofdylan]

Thank you! Kogalla light

[@runnerup9786]

Inspiring.

[@tobbiasngala]

Good stuff

[@familyguy5150]

tyvm for sharing

[@lichin11]

I've run six marathons and can't imagine going one step beyond 26.2 miles. For me, it's too damn painful!!!

[@techlaw997]

I’d love to know how you prepared and what you took with you for the race like food and gear. Did you happen to write it down somewhere? Article or blog?

[@caseyrummel4962]

What trail is shown at 4:40? Is that part of the Colorado Springs trail or is it somewhere else? It looks amazing!

[@caseyrummel4962]

Figured it out - Tushar Mountains Run in Beaver, Utah

[@jillmahal4695]

What is the final song??

[@hayseed65]

Pray, by Duce Williams

[@Cruton2025]

@@hayseed65 you wouldn't happen to also know the piano/instrumental that comes in around 18:10 would you?

[@hayseed65]

@@Cruton2025 Shazam says "Turning Tides" by Letra

[@Cruton2025]

@@hayseed65 Thank you good sir! I was using google which couldn't figure it out, didn't even think of using shazam.

[@LaneAndrewsthepricingguy]

Dylan. What is the final song in the video. Your story was amazing

[@hayseed65]

Pray, by Duce Williams

[@Mechanicsville804]

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

[@larsthorwald3338]

Ultra runners aren't crazy, just egotistical and willing to sacrifice their health for the sake of vanity and bragging rights.