From Behind the Corn 03: Heather Skipworth
Photo Credit to McColgan Photography
What is your most memorable Gravel Worlds experience?
“In 2022, I had the opportunity to experience Gravel Worlds for the first time while supporting my husband who was riding 150. I thought it was a super cool and well done event. My daughter and I are runners and she almost immediately wanted us to sign up for the 50K the following year. At that point, I was training for my first half marathon. Up until 2 1/2 years ago, I had never run further than a 10K, so I had zero concept of what it would be like to run a 50K. She quickly signed up for the 50K. She even designed us matching running tanks! She was all in. I nervously committed to the 25K.
Without telling my daughter, I decided to start a 50K training plan. I figured once I got to the 25K distance, I’d make the decision whether or not to keep training. Obviously, I kept training and on August 1 of 2023, I switched my registration from 25K to the 50K. Ironically, my daughter ended up with an injury and was unable to run. She unwittingly tricked me into running a 50K…solo!
So in 2023, I had the opportunity to run my first Gravel Worlds 50K…my first 50K period. I compare it to standing in line for a roller coaster. The months and days leading up to it you’re nervous, but equally excited. Then, you see the rollercoaster and you wonder if you really want to ride it. Race day arrives and you’re questioning all your training. Was it enough? But once you board the roller coaster, there’s no turning back. When the race starts, you’re along for the ride. The cool thing is you’re not alone. There are a bunch of other thrill seekers on the ride with you.
It was a challenging run to say the least. My run plan basically went up in flames with the excessive heat warning. About halfway through, it became more about dealing with the effects of the heat on my body versus maintaining a pace. I am definitely a party pace runner. There were four of us at the back of the pack. We started out as strangers, but bonded in a really special way. By the end, I was the only one of the four to cross the finish line and ended up being the last finisher. Little did I know at the time, I would be the very last Gravel Worlds 50K runner ever (or for now at least).”
What did that experience teach you?
“My main take away from this experience is doing hard things is hard. But isn’t that the point? If it wasn’t hard, it wouldn’t be a challenge. And if it wasn’t a challenge, would it be worth doing? Well…maybe, but not as worth it. And the champagne shower wouldn’t have felt quite so refreshing.”
Would you like to shout out any people who made that day special for you?
“The volunteers out on the course were angels and literally kept me going. They were driving out to check on us in-between aid stations. I can’t express just how amazing they were. Because of the heat, I kept thinking they were coming out to tell us we had to stop. Instead, they gave me the support I needed to succeed. Thank you, volunteers!
Having supportive texts from family and friends along the way sustained my spirit. And crossing the finish line with my husband and daughter and friends greeting me was the icing on the cake.”
What would you like to tell someone if they were debating on signing up for an event like Gravel Worlds?
“I’ve since done a 55K, so I’ve only got two ultras under my belt. But I’ll speak to the greatness that is Gravel Worlds. There may be blisters and muscle cramps, but they will be outshined by the following: The morning sky in Nebraska was breathtaking. The rolling hills were massive, but beautiful. That ice cold Coke at the second aid station was supreme. Starting out with strangers, but finishing with new friends was amazing. That brief rain sprinkle after mile 19 was a gift from God in the 90-100 degree temps. And I’ve never felt so celebrated as a below average runner.
Thank you, Gravel Worlds. I am grateful.”
