Long Haul 2026
Who doesn't love a good Ultra Race thrown by Andy and Amy with A1 Ultras? Long Haul is one of Florida's iconic 100-miler races and is on the radar for many ultra runners. The energy at this race is indescribable. If you don't know anyone when you show up to the race, you're surely going to leave it with a few new friends. Andy Croom always brings great energy to his events. His humor is always appreciated, along with his great explanations during the race briefings. When the toes cross the threshold of the start line to make way, all runners can be assured they will have support, and some of the best aid stations serving HOT FOOD along their journey throughout the day.
Not the official
Officially the reason
My wife Brandy, who is typically shooting races with me, decided to put down the camera and put her long period of training to the test. While she was out on the 16.8 mile loop, I saw no reason to just sit around and not take the opportunity to grab a few shots myself.
My system looked a little different than most I witnessed at the race. Majority set up amazing camp style spots so they can relax and chill while they await their runners. Our spot was good enough for the purpose. A pop up canopy with a picnic table, a cooler, a couple bins, chairs and yogo mats to lay on.
Anticipating I would be doing the last lap with my wife I knew that when dark came and she was all checked out, I would have to get a few hours of sleep.
I knew once she left the crew stop, I had hours before I would see her again. I have this love for being out in the woods, the energy is just so relaxing. The sounds of the natural not being drowned out by humans, hits the soul just right.
In between when she would leave and return, I would stay in touch to make the list of what needed to be ready upon her arrival. Key component, make a list always. Don't try and just remember.
I would spend time with any runner that ran by, encouraging each one to smile knowing what was to come as the day unfolded. In fact, forcing a smile during any challenging experience, like a 100 mile race, can trigger several positive chemical responses in the brain. Even if that smile is not genuine. Doing so can release chemicals such as endorphins, the body's natural painkiller. Reduce stress hormones, such as cortisol levels. Serotonin the mood enhancer. Smiling can enhance oxygen flow by altering your breathing, often leading to deeper inhalations, getting more oxygen to the muscles. This can enhance the endurance and performance when it feels unachievable. Which now leads me to a perfect example of these benefits to smiling.
The Yellow Runner on the Yellow Trail
I only got to see my wife's excitement when she heard word of Sally McRae being at Long Haul. I'm sure every other Ultra Runner shared the same hype knowing that she would be there.
You never know how someone is going to be when you truly meet them. I will say, I did meet David Goggins, and I give him credit; he holds that unappealing attitude in the public eye. Not Sally!
Like I said to her when she passed me the 3rd time on the trail. She has that energy that just makes you want to smile. I'm sure she had her moments out there; we all do. However, I witnessed through my lens (before she would see me) her moving down the trail, just smiling with each step. She would greet me each time, asking how I was and pointing out how beautiful the day was unfolding. Sally's energy was greatly appreciated by the Florida Ultra scene.
At packet pickup she asked if I would take some photos of her and her family under the start/finish arch. I asked in return if she would mind my wife meeting her. She didn't even hesitate to say, Yes! She has no idea what that interaction did for my wife. Forever grateful.
Sally has been and inspiration to so many people in the community, especially my wife. After she read Sally's book I could definetly see a difference in her attitude about what she could in fact accomplish. With everything, including her passion for running.
You can find a copy of Sally's book Choose Strong Here.
Thank you Sally for being such an inspiring individual and sharing your powerful energy with the Florida Ultra community. Keep smiling cause it brings out the light in so many around you.
Every last one of you make each and every event what it is. I hear a lot of people giving credit to the creators of the event for them being amazing. Not taking that away from them, however, they are giving the foundation for all of you to come together to make it exactly what it always turns out to be. A shared experience of great accomplishments and lessons to be carried to the next event.
Small part of the whole
Super proud of her and definitely ready for her to grab her camera throughout this year to tackle all the races we have lined up to shoot.