As the former program coordinator for Run Wild Missoula, Hillary Ogg is very familiar with the local running scene. This month, however, she stepped way out of her comfort zone and ran the Rut 28k. How long have you been running? You just finished the Rut, what was that like? It inspired me in a million different ways, not just in regard to my running, and it was a truly life changing experience.
When I signed up last January, I had no idea how much it would affect every single decision I made every day for the time leading up to the race. What is your favorite color? Probably a coral-orange. I kind of love all colors, but lean toward oranges and pinks preferably a combo of the two!
We heard it was a challenging day out there for you. What does overcoming something like that mean to you? Going into the Rut I kept saying my goal was to get on and off the mountain of my own volition. On race day, it was way hotter than I thought it was going to be and there was a bit of smoke in the air. I had no idea what the terrain back there was like, how hot it would be, and how far that aid station really was from Swift Current. I forgot to eat at the aid station because I was so focused on crossing the mat before we missed the cut off and refilling my water I was totally out β¦and then we went up the road instead of down the trail.
It all came back to my original goal: I was going to get on and off the mountain via my own will power and resolve which was only possible coupled with the massive amount of moral support from my family and friends!
What is your favorite food? Seafoodβ¦dungeness crab, shrimp, clams. Hard to come by in Montanaβ¦. My goal for is to run a half marathon in under 2 hours.
