Aug 04 | My First Breakthrough Race in Ultra

By Nikki Kimball

I’ve never been very confident of my ability to run flat road courses. However, American River 50 in 2003, showed me that I could be competitive. Much of the first 30-ish miles is flat, fast and paved. I remember passing the marathon point, running with Jen Devine-Pfeiffer, who is an incredible road 100K runner, in 3:09. She looked at me and said, “We’re speeding.” I agreed. But I had great crew support, perfect nutrition and a wonderful pacer. And, most importantly, I was just having fun. The running seemed close to effortless at times. I’m not sure if a perfect ultra is possible. But this one is still my 50 mile PR, and was as close to perfect in terms of me running the fastest time my body was capable of achieving on that day. And really running the best one can, given the fitness she has at the starting line of any race, is the best anyone can hope for. - Nikki Kimball