Western States 100 Training | 17 Weeks Out

[@BaileyCroffordMusic]

Sally, this brought tears to my eyes. Words can’t express how much of an inspiration you are. Watching people like you is one of things that motivates me to keep pursuing my dreams. This May, I’ll be doing my first 50k. I’ve been battling reoccurring injuries for 3 months now and haven’t been able to train adequately, but you’ve made me realize the platform doesn’t matter..the time doesn’t matter..the EXPERIENCE is what matters. Showing up and covering the distance as a way to praise God for the strength of my body..that’s what matters. Thank you for being you. Never stop. You bring true joy to the sport of running. Because of you, I’m not consumed by comparison anymore, but by the love of running and the God who gave me the strength to do it. ❤

[@nomadflbh]

🙏🏾🏃🏾‍♂️🏋🏾‍♂️🚴🏾‍♂️🫡🫀

[@casy6203]

Im so excited for you! Just try to stay in that moment that day🎉

[@elnora2717]

You CAN cover those 50ks with good enough training! Go for it!!!!

[@janicelisle8745]

Phil 4:13

[@AIWorks2040]

At the beginning of the video I thought why do people cry seeing this training and then at the end of the video I was like .. 😭😭😭😭

[@melissaboisvenue8263]

“I bought these cupcakes because my mom would have liked them.” I do that once in a while with food I think my baby would have liked. Some days are harder than others, but things like this bring me comfort

[@strider5474]

keep being strong

[@tracyheath6076]

That was Indeed a divine appointment for you to meet Nancy. God is good with things like that to bless us when our hearts are tender. ❤❤❤❤ This video was very inspiring and to meet Nancy was absolutely the glitter.

[@runningforviews]

The Nancy story got me sobbing! I lost my dad a few years ago and those little moments when you can really feel their presence is so special. Amazing video as always Sally!

[@aregul12]

'We can do anything in 4 minutes' is such a good line. I suffer from severe agoraphobia so sometimes 4 minutes feels like a lifetime when I'm outside. But I'm determined to get out and train for my first ever half marathon in May no matter what, these videos help me a lot. Thanks Sally!

[@panopticon7883]

I believe in you, happy training!

[@aregul12]

@@panopticon7883 thank you! This is why I love this community!!

[@alicereed5368]

That's awesome. ❤ I'm so proud of you!!

[@AllWhoWanderarenotLost8604]

I just had a rough 2 week stretch of mentally challenging days..I was about to pull out of my 55k tomorrow because I just felt defeated...I cannot tell you Sally..I watched this video and just started to cry tears of joy. This video and you are exactly why I lace up and never stop running. I love this community, I love your stories and I love the connection to nature and people trail running brings into my life. Thank you for this gift. I feel Nancy was a true angel, almost your mother in disguise, telling how amazing you are and a true gift to this world. Thank you.

[@kellybaker6353]

I had a similar experience to what you had with Nancy. I also lost my mom to cancer, and I was missing her rather more one day while doing power hiking practice on a paved hill I don’t usually use because the trails were still flooded. That’s when I met Pandora. Her speed and climbing technique was amazing, and we got to chatting and hiking together. Over the course of a few weekends and a few hours together, I ended up with the most amazing, beautiful friend. She is a cancer survivor who is trying to build back up to run again, and I know that she absolutely will. It’s wonderful how this community delivers the most precious and inspiring people when you need them most.

[@aridoneyet]

Whew, crying in the coffee shop. This video made my day. I aspire to be like you and Nancy in life.

[@kevindecoteau3186]

Gratitude is so very important each day we have .. Thank yo Sally and thank your mom too.

[@beverlyr307]

Awwww my gosh this precious human interaction! That scream and laughter after she learned you did that race touched the soul.This was the sweetest end to my week. Sally you never disappoint! Nothing beats friday night prime time with Sally! Sheer inspiration to just keep going in LIFE!

[@bug1149]

Oh Sally, you are an integral part of my healing journey. Listening to your podcast, watching your videos, seeing your posts on Instagram, everything you do and share speaks to my heart. I’ve been training really hard to be a firefighter this summer in Canada, I struggled a lot this winter with depression and trying to put in the work. While I run, do weights, go for walks, stretch, or really do anything I have your podcast on. I rewatch your youtube videos for motivation. You are one of my biggest inspirations and I admire you beyond words. Thank you for all that you do and how you are so raw and honest with the world and yourself.

[@fr.jackdickinson1939]

Thank you seeing the beauty of others’ souls. I appreciate your faith, humility, and tenacity. Cheering for you in 2024.

[@missy12358]

42 year old mom of three training for my 1st 50k. Stumbled on your KZbin channel and now I’m hooked. I’m so inspired by you. I have three girls and they LOVE your videos as well- inspiration for all ages. I especially loved how you recover while you train video.

[@heatherhafen6803]

Love your stories. I lost my dad from cancer when I was 15. I miss him every day, but he loved the outdoors . I took up running and did my first half marathon in 2019. I also went back to bike riding, swimming and hiking. It's great therapy. You inspire me to just keep trying. Thanks for all you do ❤

[@MrSIBZ93]

This video gave me so much joy! The trails are where I’ve found so much connection in life 🫶

[@Jambalayatrailforce]

Nancy is such a nice lady I met her many times on the trail, she is even singing sometimes going up to cucumunga peak one time 😊

[@geohatzilambi]

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge! I am from a very small island in Europe-Cyprus! Hearing you gave me the strength to try running my first 23k! I did it!! I hope someday I will be able to run a Marathon! Just letting you know that you inspire people all over the world!!! I love Eddie too! I have a very similar relationship with my husband also!!

[@emmabuck6165]

The authenticity and peace in this video is beautiful. I lost my dad at 14 and finding those special ways to remember them are so valuable to cherishing our memories. I love that not only can you have determination out there, wind and snow, and still find humanity, and to look on others with a heart-desiring connection. What a precious video, and story. God bless you and your training in the days ahead.

[@bigoldoober3229]

Nancy is a legend i love her so much ❤

[@seeleftyrun]

Your story w Nancy brought tears to my eyes. What a gift. Hope she’s still sporting those sunglasses.😂

[@FirstMateEmily]

Moments are what me make of them- and how magical they can be. To run into an older soul while out there paying tribute to your mother is a gift from the heavens above. ❤ we get what we need in the moment, and for you to recognize that is just very inspirational!

[@Jmisslyn]

OMG ! Your words of encouragement made my whole day ! I summited Whitney at 62 years of age after re starting backpacking after a very long hiatus...like 40 years ! My first attempt was the year prior, but the conditions were brutal, so I came back the next year to see if she would let me summit, and she did. My first road race was today at the Napa Valley Marathon (5K) at 66 years of age. I've always been active, but running has always been difficult for me. Swimming and backpacking, hiking is my jam. So thank you so much for this video ! Even though I've started a bit late in the running, I want to get better at it and have a goal of a 10K. This was so was so great !

[@karenjones180]

Sally, you are such a positive light in this world!❤️

[@iamnotanacrobat]

Wow, the part about how you spent your mothers birthday and meeting Nancy made me cry. It touched my heart. Thank you for being an inspiration yourself and keep going, you are doing great! Love from Berlin.

[@philbredehoft9232]

77 - WOW! 💪 What a joy that interaction must've been! I'm looking forward to hearing about the nuances of training for a faster 100 vs. an enduring 200 👍

[@jennifergcalderon7383]

The synchronicities in your interaction with Nancy were beautiful. That’s such a gift 💛🕊️She keeps choosing strong!

[@benhall3888]

Sally, I love your videos. Sadly, due to injuries from college cross country, I don’t get to run anymore. Running was always my first love and when I felt closest to god. But fortunately, God gave me legs that will still let me bike as much as I can stand. I’ve been dealing with so much frustration as I’m now finding out I’m going to have to take the Bar exam for the fifth time after failing again; but your videos remind me of the special lessons only those from the endurance world can understand, which is perseverance even when it hurts and even when we don’t want to. Thank you for your videos and the example you set. Ben Hall

[@MaryeDisney]

It is amazing how God puts the right people in our lives when we need it. Thank. you for sharing!!🙏

[@joshk4872]

Watched this on my way to trailhead for my early morning run and started crying in the parking lot when Nancy got so excited about Badwater - chalk this up for restoring faith in humanity

[@michellezahn-pj6sv]

Sally you have been such an inspiration to myself and my 9yr old daughter. Watching this together we thought how incredibly compassionate you are. your run up mt baldy may have not gone as planned but you got so much more out of it than the run once you stayed with Nancy. To know someone has touched you the way you touch all of us… you are humble!

[@ProximusRegent]

Your videos inspire me and give me something awesome to watch while running on the treadmill. I became a distance runner in my late 30s, and it's been a journey of strength and determination. Your amazing spirit resonates with me, and I'm grateful for the motivation and encouragement you provide through your content. Thank you for being an incredible human and making a positive impact on my life.

[@eliasmunoz5284]

As a runner from Claremont now living in HB this was such a cool video. Every time I see an older runner in the beach path I always chit chat wit them. Many actually started much later in life I've learned.

[@TS-eo9uf]

I signed up last week to volunteer at Western States at the aid stations!!! Even if they don't have space to volunteer, I'm planning to be there to cheer you on!!!! I'm already approved ro volunteer a 48hr shift at Tahoe 200 at an aid station, too!

[@Killianleduc]

Didn’t expect to cry during this video but here we are. Incredible.

[@SharonsHere]

That day, at that exact time - you and Nancy were put on that trail to bless each other. Such a miracle.

[@laurenbx]

You’ve changed my life Sally 💛 Thankyou so much.

[@DnBarPoet77]

Yes meeting Nancy was a special gift on a special day for you. 🙏🏾 A great reminder that we are just one hello or conversation of creating a special memory. It was also great that she did not initially know who you were as professional mountain runner...you were just two people with the same interest.❤ Keep being great Sally! 😊

[@Lulu.G-61]

I really needed this today… I haven’t run in weeks due to a severe cough and cold. I am 62 and started running again when I turned 59 and I love it but it’s so easy for me to be sedentary. This was the inspiration I needed to get back on my feet!

[@danthelakerfan32]

It’s funny how life can send you these little reminders of the people we have lost. This was a great video and now I am excited to see the rest of your training block. I am 55 and running my third marathon this month. Who knows, ultras might be next.

[@eikajung5486]

Nancy was totally mom vibes! Made me tear up too; happy for you two to meet eachother and share the moment with all of us ❤

[@TheBasicDanTV]

A beautiful video and perfect ode to the magnificence of trail running ❤ happy birthday to your mom, her spirit lives on

[@H444-f2c]

❤ Oh Sally.....what a beautiful day on Baldy. Nancy is a sweetheart. Keep track of that beautiful soul. ❤❤

[@victoryang2929]

Love the reminder to keep my eyes open for inspiration from other people.

[@kduffin33]

Wow that was crazy my allergies just flared up out of nowhere while watching this video and my eyes started to water. Definitely nothing to do with the video, just ask my wife I have really bad allergies and don’t cry. Anyway I was going to go to the lake for my long run but since I live right near western states trails you inspired me to go crush 15miles in the auburn canyons. My legs hurt sally, but thanks that was an epic day

[@sarahslemp4074]

So sweet😭. A reminder that there are such beautiful people in the world. 🥰

[@chayabrenan2374]

This video made me cry and it also inspired me. I finished a trail run yesterday and was so happy for the first time since starting the trail run venture. It was a half marathon, and right now I can't imagine a full marathon let alone an ultra but yesterday I ran a trail that had me smiling the entire time and I can't wait to go out again, even if I never try a longer course... I needed your pep talk there in the end. It means a lot to hear it coming from you. Thanks for sharing all of this. So needed. 🥰

[@tnan123]

Nancy was so genuine and made me smile. Love those small encounters. Thanks for sharing.

[@coscottn]

so wholesome. sally is so inspiring, in running but more importantly in life.

[@stephaniefunrun]

I needed Nancy in this moment. Thank you for bringing her to us. The two of you being so much joy and inspiration. You are both seen and appreciated

[@RuffRydaz82]

Thanks for sharing, Sally! So inspirational, as always! Your experience with Nancy was so precious. An encounter and a gift from heaven in honour of your mom.

[@TheHarmon4]

This was so sweet! Your Mom sent you a message from heaven thru your encountering Nancy!

[@EBarskey]

I’m always shedding layers at mile 1 too! 😂 Love that you met Nancy out on the mountain, I teared up as you talked about your time together. It’s always so special meeting someone new, who shares the same love for what you’re doing.

[@gkeil25]

Sally, Thanks for sharing this video. What an opportunity you have to bless people in their lives. Nancy reaction was priceless.

[@robynroamsoutdoors]

Isn't amazing where we find inspiration? It can be find in the most unlikely of places. I enjoy watching your videos since it also inspires me. I have fifty days till my first ultra. It's a baby one but it's still an ultra. Congrats and good luck on Western States.

[@Run4it92]

Sally is simply the best and so sweet! I love the story she shared about Nancy.

[@annabirks2583]

What a beautiful story. This video really represents what I love about following you. Such a beautiful soul

[@masayoyoga]

Your mom was definitely sending you love and visiting through Nancy on her bday at the mountain ❤ what a sweet gift from your mom in heaven. Thanks for sharing your special day and i truly have enjoying watching your journey through here, IG, your book, and your workout app ❤ sending love 💕

[@phillipaaldridge5048]

Nancy! What a gift!! A great video for setting a fire under my feet. Appreciate you Sally! Glad you got to celebrate your mum's birthday with so much beauty and joy! ❤

[@jenniferchuaire9643]

Well this was not what I expected from this video but holy cow. This video made me cry. My mom died when I was 19. I’m the same age as you Sally. Sometimes I wonder what she would think of how I turned out. To find Nancy on that day for you… was a gift. I find women like that sometimes who surrogate mom me for a minute or two.

[@sallymcraestrength]

💛🙏🥹

[@ova_workd_down_unda_payd4192]

God Bless you sister!!!!! Thank you for being such a great example. I get so much inspiration from you as im training for my first marathon in july. I just love how you bring it back to the cross. ❤ Love from Australia 🇦🇺

[@chrisculpepper9534]

Thank you for sharing Sally. Nancy is a special lady. Such a inspiration to keep going after a knee replacement. I am also training for WS100. It will be my first. Hope to see you out there.

[@cindyphillips6822]

Sally, you are one special girl! Just love you, your training & message to pieces. Blessings.

[@JustAGuyFromIndiana]

You are a wonderful person. So happy you were the one that got me into ultra running. As a father of two and husband with job and Tshirt business it has been awesome having this inspiration to keep me running everyday. I am on my third year of a 1,000 mile running conquest, going on my 4th 50K this year, and two of Indianas top half marathons this year. Thanks for all you do.my kids love these videos too so it’s powerful how it can connect to all generations.

[@Between2aidstations]

32 times mt Whitney😮. Love the video! Keep up the great content!

[@laurenpickens996]

Love this so much! I feel blessed as well! After spending 2 days snowshoeing up near Breckenridge while suffering through some altitude discomfort, I am setting a goal to run the Mesa trail in Boulder. I love trail running so much for exactly the same reasons you mention. I just need to set a small doable goal to get back to it. Thanks for the video❤

[@sallymcraestrength]

Love that!!!

[@SteveNinetyski]

What an athlete & inspiration you are. I am thinking of making a slow transition from keen hiker (two 500 mile thru hikes and a longest single day of 47 miles in 15 hours. I am 38, have smoked 20 a day for 14 years and as cliche as it sounds, being in great shape again at 40 seems like a motivational target. I was an international athlete until aged 22 and I really want to experience feeling super fit again. Ultras seems like the thing for me, and people like you really resonate with me. Maybe see you in a big one one day, in the years it would take me to get to a competitive level😁 Much love and support from England.

[@Dora-bmrwarrior]

So glad I decided to watch this video tonight. I'm 10 years younger than Nancy (yay for all us awesome baby boomers out there!) and wow, both you and her are very inspiring to me. I love that she is out there hiking on her own. I used to hike and trail run quite a bit on my own but recently some fears have kept me off the trails. I've been dealing with tough health and financial issues for a few years but I'm hoping to start a new run/walk training plan with hopes of completing a trail 50K someday. I loved that you met Nancy and had a wonderful interaction. Excited to be following along with your States training plan!

[@Mrs.M_08]

So so sweet. I love how even your training videos have such a non -training sweetness built in. Thanks for sharing.

[@Peoriahiker]

Sally, you are a remarkable person and lighten the lives of so many people, most you have never met. It would be a blessing to run into you someday. Stay safe.

[@rachelshirley8403]

May we all meet or be the 'Nancys' of this world; Nancy, if you are watching this, or reading this, know that angels walk amongst us, and you are one of them ❤

[@Psalms73.25]

So blessed by your videos! I look forward to seeing them every time🤍🤍🤍🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@sallymcraestrength]

thank you 💛💛💛💛

[@davidgiezyng4195]

Brings back great memories when I ran Western States back in 1999.

[@ryanf9028]

Can’t wait for your next video. Your 3 ultra marathon videos inspired me enough to decide to run my first ultra next spring

[@loredanab]

Sally thanks you for everything … You are such an inspiration for me… I just read your book and I could understand so much from my life … I didn’t lose my mom but had so much similarities beside that … The last 3 years I lost myself and my desire for everything… me and my husband we tried to get pregnant and lost every year not only my babies but also myself … this year I decided to change everything and so I found you … I again found my passion for sport but most for running and I am doing my first half marathon in April … Thank the Lord … I choose strong this year and beyond I am a completely changed person my focus is in what I love aka running and the rest is in Gods hands … May God bless you Family McRae❤ so much love and blessings from Germany 🤗🙏🏻

[@Michelle-vf8xh]

Tearing up at your encounter with Nancy 🥺 I’m new-ish to running (started almost 2 years ago) but athletes like you are such an inspiration. I love these videos!

[@salvatorepalazzo4754]

I think that all that has been said by others nails this video right on the head!!!! So, all I have for you is this was an AWESOME video!! I love following you in your racing. I am new to running and I push every day and hope to do my first 50 miler. Ive never done a marathon and people tell me to do half or full marathon and all I can think about is running through the mountains and complete 50 miler. Thank you!

[@Kate-uj2wb]

(Warning for quite a heavy story!) It was lovely and moving to hear your story about meeting Nancy, and that it happened on such a significant day for you. My younger sister, Alice, died nearly two years ago and on the first anniversary of her death we visited the spot where she died. By complete chance we bumped into the person who had found her body, he was on his way to work as he had been when he found her. It was such a profound and moving experience. I had often wondered about that person and thought about how difficult that day must have been for them. It was so special to find out that he was a lovely, compassionate person who spoke about Alice incredibly warmly and generously shared his experience with us. Your story reminded me of that so I wanted to share. It makes me believe in some kind of fate. I'm running my first 100k in May to raise money in memory of my sister and you really inspire me.

[@sallymcraestrength]

I am so sorry for your loss -I can’t begin to imagine what it’s been like for you 🙏🙏So incredible you’re running and about to do your first 100k!!! You’re a wonderful sister and undoubtedly she would be so very proud of you 🥹🙏

[@annamarra8918]

you really have a way with words. such a heartwarming experience you had. As someone who is just really beginning my running journey, I find you to be such a source of encouragement and motivation. I appreciate you sharing your life and running experiences with us.

[@antje8303]

Love you and Nancy!! Women like you are absolutely what I need right now - thank your for encouraging and inspiring us - and thank you Nancy!!

[@petragilmore5668]

This was so beautiful! What an inspiration Nancy is! Watched this while I did hill repeats on the treadmill and pushed harder because hey - I can push for 2min up the hill, right? Thank you Sally!

[@annac9534]

Ugh 😭 you and Nancy are simply amazing ❤ what an inspiration!!!

[@dannygrays]

That is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. An amazing lesson. I never want to forget that I love the trails and there is so much beauty in running the trails❤ Thank you Sally & Eddie😊

[@ChadSchuller]

I love the amazing ontrail connection you made on that special day! Great story and lesson to remember. Thank you for sharing!

[@mmendizabel]

Not me crying on the bike in planet fitness 😭 this is too sweet. Bless you both.

[@jesshashi]

Watching this before my race today and I def teared up a few times 💛 Very sweet video. Happy heavenly birthday to your mama, Sally!

[@Dr.RundaBomZim]

Love the ending Sally. Tears of gratitude

[@Dr.RundaBomZim]

Go Sally Go! Flexibility helps us build resiliency. I love your attitude about all things life. 💛

[@andresmolina3000]

Sally, you are not just an amazing athlete a bad ass woman but also one of the sweetest and kindest person. I don't know you in real lfe but i don't doubt you are the same person in real life. I started my running journey 5 months ago and you have inspired me so much. I deeply thank you for sharing your journey

[@Kailua865]

so inspiring. Love this story and love listening to you Sally! You're an inspiration!

[@betsymartin8885]

What a beautiful story and day you experienced. Thank you for sharing your life with us. What gift meeting Nancy was to you. God is very good!

[@seeleftyrun]

I’m from Long Beach training for a marathon & this weather’s gotta go! That path gets windy & you still got out there!👏🏻 We even have the same blender.

[@mikewickes8475]

Beyond running motivation. That’s good for the soul right there. Love it!

[@michaellane1316]

Stopping to smell the roses allowed you to meet a bee that pollinated you that day. Such a beautiful story and it brought back your roots.

[@clairhardywynn5620]

Omg somebody pass me the tissues 😊 sweet sweet Nancy, what an inspiration you both are and what a wonderful wonderful video ❤

[@haileecalder1461]

I love this video. Literally made me cry. Thank you for sharing! Watching your videos always inspires me

[@jjhowes]

Love this, i hope someday to run by you guys. Living in San Juan Capistrano, all the trails and runs you do are such familiar grounds. Love the videos, thank you and wishing you the best.

[@IrishHawk824]

What a heartwarming story. Thanks for sharing.

[@sherrigoodman7719]

Ur an amazing inspiration-always so positive! Many of us can take a page from your book! ❤

[@shelbyjensen6317]

killing it Sally!!

[@sallymcraestrength]

thank you for watching!

[@Zfit337]

The mountain experience was So awesome and just amazing ❤