A common belief among ultra runners is that many of them run long distances to confront the darker parts of themselves—the struggles and traumas that linger in their minds and bodies. My wife Brandy embodies this notion. While I’ve only been part of her life for about four years, I feel privileged to witness her ongoing journey. From what I’ve learned about her past, I believe I’m experiencing the best part of her story.

Brandy is much more than just my wife. She’s a devoted mother, an accomplished business owner, and one of the most inspiring individuals I’ve ever met. While I may be biased, I recognized her strength and resilience long before we became a couple. Among her many titles, her role as an ultra runner stands out. I’ve heard it said that you claim the title of ultra runner when you complete your first 32-mile race. I vividly remember the day Brandy claimed that title during her first ultra race, Sweat, Swat and Swear, organized by A1 Ultra Events.

That race marked a turning point for her. It was a moment where everything came together—the dedication she put into her training, the mental strength that matched her physical capability. On race day, she exuded calmness, a stark contrast to the excitement around her. As she prepared to hit the trails, I could see her ready to embrace the challenge ahead. After hours on the course, I watched her cross the finish line, her expression reflecting a profound sense of accomplishment. That moment concealed the myriad struggles she had faced along the way—her childhood trauma surfacing as she stretched her tired muscles. Tears flowed, but they were not just from exhaustion; they were a testament to her resilience. After crossing that line, she was undeniably hooked.

Her Story is Her Own

Before our paths crossed, Brandy’s life was marked by significant challenges. Growing up in a foster system after losing her hero at a young age, she had to grow up quickly. In her quest to cope, she turned to alcohol as a means to escape the pain. However, she eventually reached a pivotal moment in her life, deciding to transform her relationship with herself.

She swapped alcohol for water and late nights for gym sessions, finding solace in running. She often recalls how she began with a quarter-mile loop, gradually building her endurance until she could run a mile. These foundational stories are often overlooked, yet they highlight the profound transformation that has shaped her.

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Brandy’s Journey Beyond Running

Brandy’s evolution extends well beyond the trails; it has deeply influenced her life and the lives of those around her. As a trauma-informed massage therapist, she utilizes her understanding of healing to help her clients navigate their challenges. Her life experiences allow her to connect authentically with others, creating a safe space for healing.

“I want to share my passion for running and help someone find their way, whether it’s discovering a love for the sport or rekindling it.”

Recently, she has embraced a new role as a running coach. “Honestly, if I could work with just one athlete who trusts me to guide them through the training journey—whether that’s preparing for a race or simply falling back in love with running—that would be incredibly fulfilling,” she expressed. “I want to share my passion for running and help someone find their way, whether it’s discovering a love for the sport or rekindling it.”In addition to her coaching, Brandy is a photographer and part-owner of Inked Revenant Productions. Her ability to capture moments that tell compelling stories shines through in both her photography and production work. Each project reflects her commitment to authenticity, paralleling her approach to running.

How Ultra Running Influences Daily Life

For Brandy, ultra running is more than just a pastime; it’s a guiding philosophy. The lessons she learns on the trails—resilience, discipline, and the importance of self-care—are woven into her daily life as a mother, entrepreneur, and therapist.Reflecting on how ultra running shapes her life, she said, “It’s not just about how ultra running affects my daily life; it’s also about how my daily life affects my ultra running. Since getting sober, I’ve chosen to confront the things that scare me the most. I face them with courage and resilience and push forward. If something scares me, I ask myself why and then try it.” This mindset extends to all aspects of her life, from parenting to business. “You might not get it right the first hundred times. You might stumble or fail, but what matters is that you keep moving forward, no matter what that looks like.”As a mother, Brandy draws on the perseverance she has developed through running to support her children. She encourages them to confront challenges head-on, helping them build confidence and resilience. “I want my kids to understand that life is about growth and striving for more, even when the going gets tough.”Her commitment to running also reinforces her work ethic. The discipline she practices in her training translates directly to her professional life, whether she’s working with clients in her massage practice or collaborating on projects at the production company. Brandy has learned the importance of self-care through her running journey. “Honoring oneself—whether by taking an hour to connect with your body or going for a run to engage your heart, mind, and soul—is essential to avoiding the distractions of everyday life.”Brandy’s journey in ultra running has not only transformed her own life but also serves as a source of inspiration for those around her. Her experiences underscore the continuous process of growth and resilience that defines her, and she is eager to share this journey with others.

The Dark Side of Ultra Running

When it comes to the darker moments during long runs, Brandy speaks candidly. “Sometimes, during a really long run, the darkness emerges on the trails. It’s raw. Everything is stripped away; it’s not just about the physical movement. It’s about knowing you can keep moving forward despite everything telling you that you can’t.”She recognizes how past traumas can resurface during these challenging moments. “It’s hard to avoid them when you’re in that vulnerable space. It’s almost like a subconscious rush, and you can feel raw emotions without fully understanding why.”Reflecting on a pivotal experience during her first 50-mile run, she shares, “I remember feeling like I was fighting my whole life just to be present, to honor my place in this world. It’s an internal tug-of-war: you can’t, you can, you can’t, you can. Then, you pull that rope in your favor. That struggle is more reflective of life than running for me.”Brandy offers a profound perspective on the concept of finish lines. “Death is the final finish line. Everything else is just an accomplishment toward that real finish line. We’re always striving for more, whether it’s in running, business, or personal growth. It’s about pushing past perceived boundaries and recognizing that life is a continuous journey of growth.”

Bridging Massage Therapy and Running

Brandy is passionate about merging her work as a massage therapist with her role as a running coach. “I work with many athletes, and I see the importance of healing. Both running and massage therapy can be incredibly challenging, yet they are also healing experiences. I want to help people honor themselves—whether that means taking time to relax on the massage table or going for a run.”

Her approach integrates both practices to support her clients’ overall well-being. “I wouldn’t recommend running to a client unless they express an interest. Not everyone loves running, and it should always be a personal choice.” However, for those intrigued, she encourages self-care and massage as essential components of performance. “It’s not just about running and massage; it’s about incorporating cross-training, strength training, and mindfulness into the mix.”

Brandy sees ultra running as an integral part of her identity.

“It’s not just something that surrounds my life; it’s a key component of who I am today. I’ve been pushing past perceived boundaries since I was born, and I’ll continue to do so.”