Tina Muir

The imposter syndrome was strong. Who was I to run with a top 3 runner on course record pace time? I also saw the 🤨 look others gave me when I told them I was Ryan’s pacer. Were they right?

Rachael Norfleet Lea Mulligan Michael David Hauser and my Steve, were ready to tell me they knew I could do this. Countless people reminded me that Ryan picked me for a reason (thank you❤️).

Off we went. And I cracked the whip.

I know exactly what to say to Ryan. I know Ryan better than anyone in the world. But we were moving fast, at times it was all I had in me to stop myself from panicking, spiraling, wondering would happen if I failed? I think you can guess who I would usually talk to in moments of panic :)

I reminded Ryan of the work, of the return to running post surgery (first run was only November!!), of the 🌈 community (the little Ryan’s) who would see that they too could run fast and be themselves, of those who love Ryan and their words of support. I was relentless in pushing, but also sure to show the love. You got this AND we can keep driving forward towards winning this thing.

2hrs and 52 minutes later, Ryan finished in 3rd place at Western States Endurance Run. With a pride flag draped on pride weekend, I cried ugggllyyyy tears at the finish. I was beyond proud, beyond grateful.

Accomplishing something you worked for is an incredible feeling. I always thought I was selfish in my elite running past. Now I see how I feel equal joy in people I love achieving their dreams. It is the greatest gift to witness, to be a small part of, to experience.

I get that now.

Ps. Getting to have a conversation with wakku was amazing (he’s wonderful!), but seeing him (and Jim Walmsley) on course with a few miles to go, clapping and looking at Ryan with genuine admiration, that was a moment I will never forget ❤️

📸 1 @ ? (Anyone know who took this? Thank you!)
📸 2 HydraPak
📸 3 Somer Kreisman

People often say that having children is like having a part of your heart walking around outside your body. I have said that before (and it’s true). What I haven’t heard talked about, is the experience of someone you love pushing themselves to the very edge of their limit, and your heart is racing the entire time. It means so much to them, it means so much to you. But you also hate it a little. It’s stressful…and a rush.

I felt every minute of that course record smashing, 3rd place, 13 hours and 53 minutes on Saturday as Ryan Montgomery blazed through the course.

The fantasy picks were set, media was abuzz, but Ryan was rarely considered as a contender (except hellah sidibe Corinne Trujillo Shalvoy 😘) but we knew. We knew Ryan was ready.

I had been by Ryan’s side for the absolute chaos (no exaggeration!) of the final few months of MBA school at Tuck, working, travel, and the million other things Ryan does. And yeah, training more than ever before. NBD. Ryan got in the work, and was FIT!

We also knew the mental game was ready. Expectations were dropped after two previous WSER races had big setbacks. We did a lot of visualization and prep for tough moments ahead.

Race morning, “today is my day” was the mantra, and off he went. Early on, Ryan made it clear he was making that mantra true . Crewing someone who is going for podium is terrifying, you have to check your checklist (which made 👌) a million times so you make sure you have the right nutrition in the right bottle and you are ready to get up all in their space to put it on them.

30 seconds or less is the goal. Our crew Michael Tappel Mike Burnstein Alex Xue clara froeschner and I nailed it. We were proud. jasonkoop was there with words of belief Ryan needed.

He looked amazing. So strong, but still Ry, still joyful and grateful.

As Ryan approached Green Gate (mile 80), I got ready for my biggest role of the day, pacing to the finish. I was so emotional. He was doing incredible, it was becoming Ryan’s day, just as we visualized.

Except with how fast Ry was going, I wasn’t even sure I would make it the whole way, but I would go until I couldn’t anymore. Part 2 loading…

Life lately:
Simple moments at home🇬🇧
First solo trip post kids for Steve and I 🇮🇹
Treasured moments with family and friends ❤️
Delicious food🥐
Huge climbing runs (and one rescued run - a story for another time!) ⛰️
Joy. Love. Recharged.
Worth every second of a 3 week social media detox (go do it!)