Michaela Trinidad Conquering Bigfoot: The Mental Game of 200-Mile Ultrarunning

What drives someone to run 200 miles through rugged mountain terrain? Just three years after her first ultra marathon, Michaela Trenidad conquered the infamous Bigfoot 200, completing the punishing course around Mount St. Helens in 74 hours. 

Michaela pulls back the curtain on what she calls "the stretch of carnage" - a seven-mile section where exhausted runners collapsed alongside the trail every mile. She reveals the surreal experience of hallucinations after days without proper sleep, describing how the mind struggles to process reality when pushed to extreme limits. "I'm convinced you can sleep while walking," she shares, explaining how she navigated through nighttime sections with her eyes closed, trusting her trekking poles to keep her upright.

The conversation challenges conventional wisdom about training, as Michaela reveals she typically ran just 40-60 miles weekly while preparing for this enormous challenge. This speaks to a central theme that emerges throughout: ultrarunning success stems more from mental fortitude than physical preparation. "I had no other options," she explains about her mindset approaching the race. "I had thought about it so much leading into it... it was almost like life or death in a way."

Beyond the physical journey, Michaela shares touching insights about the ultrarunning community, the spiritual dimensions of seeking solitude in nature, and finding purpose in extreme challenges. Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner, a curious newcomer, or simply fascinated by what drives humans to test their limits, this conversation offers a window into the transformative power of embracing seemingly impossible challenges.

Have you found your "why" for the mountains you're climbing? Join our community of trail runners and share your story with us on social media or leave a review with your own experiences pushing beyond comfort zones.

Shout out to:

Michaela Trenidad

The Trenidad Family

The TriCities Wolfpack 

Badger Mountain Challenge

Ben, Lance, Matt, Jason, Brandon and the rest of the Tri Cities running community. 

Ag-Gear Store 

https://www.aggearstore.com/

Use Code: Milesmountains 

For 15% Off 

Alter Ego Ambassador: https://alteregorunning.com/

Miles & Mountains Promo Code: Milesmountainsyr3

Raising Awareness:

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)

Mental Health 

Send us a text