terrain July/August 2020

15

running

The fundraising portion, though, took on a life of its own. We raised $4,500 for the camp. After doing 10 races, I decided to devote every segment of 10 races to a different charity. I was finishing up a segment for the Little Bit Foundation. [Check out Michelle's page at https://thelittlebitfoundation. networkforgood.com/ projects/69683-michelle- smallmon-runs-for-little-bit] I also set a goal of finishing at least one of these races in less than two hours. My best time was 2:01 in Indianapolis. It was cold, rainy, and my headphones broke. I always said I didn't think I could run without music; it helps me keep my cadence. But without music, I was so miserable that I ran as fast I could! What's your time frame? I don't really have one. I could be 60 years old on state number 40. I've been super lucky that I've had friends and family with me at every run. But I'm wondering if at race 37 they say to me, "Ah, you can do this one yourself." I want to save Missouri for race No. 50, to put a bow on all of this. I want to have a big brunch and invite all the friends and family who have supported me. Then, I never want to run again. What have you learned about yourself from this so far? As a producer and broadcaster, I have a perfectionist mindset. But running has taught me that I'll never win and probably won't lower my time. So, I want to end each race with the thought that if I don't improve my best time, that's fine. I still have 30 chances. It's been great to learn to enjoy the journey and appreciate the process. Your career took you from St. Louis to what many consider the pinnacle of sports broadcasting, ESPN's world headquarters. Now, you're back in St. Louis. What has that journey taught you? Pride in St. Louis isn't something that's preached to you when you grow up; it's inherently in you. When I was in Connecticut, though, I saw how others perceived St. Louis. They picture it as dilapidated and that people aren't proud to be from here. I told them how wrong they were, and they nicknamed me Midwest Michelle. When I was there, I met other people from St. Louis, and we all had that same sense of pride. I just didn't recognize it until I moved away. When I came back, I appreciated that the city is a hidden gem. There are so many great things you can do. It's affordable, there are great sports teams, and a sense of community that you don't get in other big cities.

9 6 3 B E U L A H C H A L L E N G E

9 h r - 6 h r - 3 h r - F e b . 8

O Z A R K F O O T H I L L S 1 0 0

1 0 0 m - 5 0 m - 5 0 k - 2 6 . 2 m - 2 5 k - A p r. 4 - 5

D A R K 2 D AW N

6 h r - 1 0 k - J u n . 2 8

S H AW N E E H I L L S 1 0 0

1 0 0 m - 1 0 0 k - 5 0 k - A u g . 2 2 - 2 3

R O C K I N R O C K W O O D S

5 3 k - 1 3 . 1 m - S e p . 2 6

W O M E N ' S S U M M I T

O c t . 2 - 4

W I L D W O O D T R A I L M A R AT H O N S

2 6 . 2 m - 1 3 . 1 m - D e c . 6

t e r r a i n t r a i l r u n n e r s . c o m

TERRAIN TRAIL RUNNERS

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