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  • April 19, 2021 6 min read 216 Comments

    It was nearly 100 miles into the Moab 240, and Jessi Morton-Langehaug saw something laying on the trail. It was a quartzite rock that shimmered in sunlight. “Olive would like this,” she thought as she picked it up and put it in her 20-pound pack.

    For the next several miles, she would carry that rock she handpicked for her 6-year-old daughter. Little did she know that the rock would be a metaphor for the 140 miles ahead, and that all that it represented would eventually lead her to a first-place finish.

    Jessi Morton-Langehaug climbing up trail to Shay Mountain
    Climbing to Shay Mountain near Bears Ears.

    That quartzite rock, however, symbolized much of what Morton-Langehaug experienced over the course of the race. Some parts were dark, while there were moments she shined. She found times when the daunting load was relatively simple to bear, while others felt heavy. And much like that rock that she saw sitting on the trail, Morton-Langehaug had moments of rest, and there were times when she required a kind soul to help carry her through.

    According to Morton-Langehaug, who began racing ultras in 2016, the Moab 240 was a bit of a daunting task to begin with. “When asked how I was feeling going into the race, I told people I was approaching it as a hundred mile, then some 50’s because the distance all together felt incomprehensible,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

    Jessi Morton-Langehaug holding bib #27 in Moab 240 pre-race picture
    Pre-Race 'Before' pic. - P.C. Howie Stern

    With several 50- and 100- mile races already under her belt, this was a reasonable way to look at a 240-mile trek. What she didn’t totally account for, however was the heat of the Moab desert, and due to that, she suffered from dehydration early on. “Day one was tough!” she wrote. “It was so hot and exposed. I messed up on how I read the water chart and thought the next water station was four miles away, so I left mile 17 with two liters of water. The next aid station was over 15 miles away and very exposed. I fell behind in my water intake… I hit my first real low… It was hot…”

    At that time, Morton-Langehaug was in the lead, and second place was closing in. Losing her lead could have brought her down even more mentally, but meeting up with another person on the trail, was just what she needed to keep moving forward. “... Another badass from Canada named Jessie Thomson came along and asked if I wanted to walk to the next aid station with her,” Morton-Langehaugh wrote. “We held hands and trudged through the heat, both of us out of water for the last four miles. We shared stories and I instantly knew we would be friends!”

    The miles slogged on like the sand she was trudging in, and her feet began to feel it. At each aid station starting at 100 miles, became a time to count, pop and treat the blisters that were appearing. Morton-Langehaug said that she brought four different pairs of shoes with her and a medical box, and there was nothing she needed at the aid stations that she didn't have. “When I came into a major aid station, I sat in the back of my outback and ate food, while my crew, Tom Fletcher and Bobby Seeberger taped my feet,” she said. “I took the extra time at the aid station to take care of myself and it made a big difference. I also took the time to really enjoy my time. At the major aid stations, I laughed and joked with my crew. I had so much fun."

    Jessi Morton-Langehaug sleeping in car getting feet taped by Tom Fletcher
    Taking a moment for rest while Tom Fletcher attends to her feet.

    During tough times, good music helped carry her through, both serving as a way to drown out pain and bring light and energy. Morton-Langehaug described putting in her earbuds so she could “go dark” for a while, as well as a time when jamming to the rock band “Heart” was what kept her on her feet.

    Sleep deprivation and weather added to the challenges. A storm with 20-40 mile per hour winds blew in just, and things got really hard. “A storm blew in and we had 20 to 40 mile head winds as we climbed up a rocky Jeep trail to the top of pole canyon,” she wrote. “When I got to the top my mom said, ‘Jess, you need to rest here because if you play this next leg right, you’ll win this race. You are stronger than the girls behind you.’ I told her to set an alarm for 30 minutes but I woke up in 15 and Aaron and I headed back out. This is where I came alive.”

    Jessi Morton-Langehaug scrambling over avalanche-downed quakies in the La Sal Mountains
    Jessi scrambling over avalanche-downed quackies in the La Sals.

    The fall leaves lined the singletrack of the La Sal Mountain range, and Morton-Langehaug felt like she was flying -- until she got lost for nearly an hour on the course. A nap, refuel, some new tape on her feet, and a fresh set of feet by way of pacer, John Maack set a positive state for the final 40 miles. “I felt great at first and was so happy to be running so well post 200 miles,” she wrote. “After about five miles on a fire road I started to get so tired because I didn’t have the beautiful Le Sals to distract me. My attention kept going to my painful feet. I laid down beside the road to try to get some energy back and to get weight off of my feet. I hit another low.”

    It was at that low when her pacer, John Maack helped to redirect her energy into a strong finish, and when she had to dig deep within.

    Jessi Morton-Langehaug managing a big smile at porcupine rim even though she has very painful feet
    Managing a big smile at porcupine rim despite painful feet.

    “At the last aid station, I tried to fix my feet,” she recalled. “John kept saying,’ try not to think about them. I know they hurt but you need to try to pull your energy somewhere else.’ … “At one point, in a very grumpy manner, I told John I just wanted to get done, no more stopping, everything is going to hurt. … I started chanting my mantra out loud, ‘Pain is temporary. I am strong.’ I did this over and over as I tried to hold back tears of pain and fatigue. Crossing that finish line felt so dang good. I can honestly say I left everything on the trail. I gave it my all.”

    After 240 miles totaling 80 hours and nine minutes, Morton-Langehaug not only crossed that finish line as first place female, but she came in three hours ahead of the second-place woman.

    Bringing that win with her to the Cocodona 250

    The finish that day, would be the start of something that would catapult her into elite runner status. It would put her in a position of a projected top three female finish going into the prestigious Cocodona 250 race in Arizona that will be held on May 3, 2021. The rankings come from Ultrasignup which calculates your ranking from prior races. And while Morton-Langehaug is excited to be ranked so high among other talented runners, she understands that there are variables outside of ranking algorithms. She knows that she will have to work hard to reach her potential.

    Beautiful barrel cactus lined trail lit by the low-sitting sun in the Arizona sky.
    Beautiful barrel cactus lined trail lit by the low-sitting sun in the Arizona sky.

    “I think there is some truth to the ranking, but I also think there is a lot more that goes into how well a runner performs,” she said. “How do they handle the heat? How do they handle sleep deprivation? Everyone has bad races, and I had a few bad races last summer where I kept throwing up and my health wasn’t great. To be honest, I try not to think too much about my ranking. So much can happen in a long race like this, and my ultimate goal is to enjoy the experience. However, I would be lying if I said I wasn't’ going for an overall top 20 spot or a podium finish.”

    Morton-Langehaug says that she is both excited and nervous for the Cocodona 250, but hopes that her preparation will show in how she performs. “I am equally excited and intimidated by this race,” she said. “It will be 15 miles longer than any race I’ve run, and in heat that I’m not used to training in right now. I have been using a sauna to prepare for the heat. I also spent my spring break in Arizona where I ran the rim to rim to rim, followed by the last section of the course. I also ran 10 miles of the Sedona section.”

    Cocodona 250 offers spectacular views as trails wind through breath-taking formations.
    Cocodona 250 offers spectacular views as trails wind through breath-taking formations.

    As far as a goal time, she says she’d like to finish under 80 hours, and not just because it’s a goal time. Morton-Langehaug would like to have time for a little R and R. “I am renting a condo in Sedona for the race, and I would love to finish in time to at least enjoy it,” she joked. “I am also really excited about the concept of this course. I love that we get to run through so many towns. I am stoked for the saloon. I most likely will not have a shot of whiskey, but the idea of having an aid station in a saloon is genius because It shows that the race directors want us to enjoy ourselves and that is what I plan to do.”

    100 Responses

    Karim Al-Khafaji
    Karim Al-Khafaji

    May 01, 2021

    super impressive!

    James
    James

    April 30, 2021

    I hope she is able to enjoy the condo!

    Sarah Hernandez
    Sarah Hernandez

    April 29, 2021

    Amazing!

    Robert Williard
    Robert Williard

    April 28, 2021

    What a champion!

    pam Reed
    pam Reed

    April 27, 2021

    wow how cool is that. Congrats

    Keoki L
    Keoki L

    April 26, 2021

    Inspiring

    Bonnie
    Bonnie

    April 26, 2021

    Amazing – good luck!!!

    Brandon M. Mathews
    Brandon M. Mathews

    April 26, 2021

    Congratulations and best of luck to you @ Cocodona!! 💪🔥🔥🔥🔥

    CamE Tasker
    CamE Tasker

    April 26, 2021

    Congratulations and best of luck to you @ Cocodona!! 🔥🎉🙌🏽

    EDWARD SOUSA
    EDWARD SOUSA

    April 26, 2021

    240 Miles in 80 hours is really impressive!

    Cynthia Sizemore
    Cynthia Sizemore

    April 26, 2021

    What a beautiful place. I can bet they really loved the scenery.

    Melissa
    Melissa

    April 25, 2021

    My house is routing for ya — virtual hugs!

    Lynn D
    Lynn D

    April 25, 2021

    Awesome never quit attitude! Inspiring!

    Norm Levy
    Norm Levy

    April 25, 2021

    Wow, simply wow. You are one tough competitor.

    Debra Patton
    Debra Patton

    April 25, 2021

    Amazing accomplishment!

    Bevis Lobo
    Bevis Lobo

    April 25, 2021

    well done everyone and never give up !

    Cynthia L Whipple
    Cynthia L Whipple

    April 24, 2021

    Beautiful terrain. Beautiful smile!

    Lauren Fiore
    Lauren Fiore

    April 24, 2021

    Thank you for sharing.

    Courtney Wanek
    Courtney Wanek

    April 24, 2021

    Wow! Sounds super intense. Congrats!

    Dennis Gum
    Dennis Gum

    April 24, 2021

    Always be a good steward of the planet. Walk its varied topography. Enrich you life with its wonder. Never disrespect what nature has created. Live well and cherish the moment that you are here.

    Stacie
    Stacie

    April 24, 2021

    What an inspiring story – congratulations to those involved!!

    Laura Hall
    Laura Hall

    April 23, 2021

    Jessi is really incredible. I’ve had the privilege of running into her in a training run and a55K in February. She’s very strong, but I was most impressed by her mental strength. Can’t wait to cheer her on from afar! ❤️👏🏻

    Linda Treadwell
    Linda Treadwell

    April 23, 2021

    Very motivational! Even though I’m not a runner, I can relate to her struggles, like in what life dishes out to all of us. And I can’t help but feel, the strength that carried her through the race, was her love as a mother. Because, like when she picked up the rock for her daughter, she’s always a mother first, no matter how many awards she wins.

    Kathy
    Kathy

    April 23, 2021

    Fantastic story!!

    Zachary Russell
    Zachary Russell

    April 23, 2021

    Such an inspiration to the female ultrarunning community. Inspires me to go on some long running adventures and FKT attempts once the snow clears and warmer temperatures return to the mountains in Colorado where I live. Love to hear about all these people conquering and inspiring others with their athletic feats. i hope to do the same someday, and inspire others to reach for their dreams no matter what they are and how crazy they may seem.

    Jenni Phillips
    Jenni Phillips

    April 23, 2021

    I love that she listened to Heart, what other music does she listen to in competitions like this, maybe some Zep? Music does so much more than just create sounds and that is great to hear how she uses it. :D

    María Ramírez
    María Ramírez

    April 23, 2021

    NIce and useful article

    Robyn Biren
    Robyn Biren

    April 23, 2021

    What an amazing and special journey that went on with this race!! Anytime spent on the trail is a gift. ♥️

    Heidi
    Heidi

    April 23, 2021

    So inspiring!

    Kevin L. Gibbs
    Kevin L. Gibbs

    April 22, 2021

    What an accomplishment!! That is truly inspiring!

    Melanie Fry
    Melanie Fry

    April 22, 2021

    What an amazing and inspiring woman! Her daughter has a tremendous role model.

    Steve Webb
    Steve Webb

    April 22, 2021

    I can’t wait to see how she does, I’ll be out there but way in the back I’m sure. Good luck to all

    BEN  EHRLICHMAN
    BEN EHRLICHMAN

    April 22, 2021

    GREAT READING AND EXTREMELY INSPIRATIONAL .

    Duyen Luong
    Duyen Luong

    April 22, 2021

    This is such an amazing and inspiring story!

    Josh Rymer
    Josh Rymer

    April 22, 2021

    So cool an inspirational! Best of luck next week!

    Jennifer George
    Jennifer George

    April 22, 2021

    Great story! Wish I could do the same.

    Jeff R
    Jeff R

    April 22, 2021

    Impressive and inspirational.

    Abbi Auger
    Abbi Auger

    April 22, 2021

    What a wonderful accomplishment… good luck in your next adventure!

    Brittany Watrous
    Brittany Watrous

    April 22, 2021

    I can’t even imagine running that many miles. So amazing and I love hearing about the ups and downs. We all have them!

    Michael Michalak
    Michael Michalak

    April 22, 2021

    Very Inspiring! Go For It!!

    Lori Byrd
    Lori Byrd

    April 22, 2021

    So impressive. So inspirational.

    Merle Clifford
    Merle Clifford

    April 22, 2021

    Her Shoes Are Made For Running and Then Some

    Broderick O Lovett
    Broderick O Lovett

    April 22, 2021

    Awesome Awesome Awesome

    Jimmy Malthaner
    Jimmy Malthaner

    April 22, 2021

    Awesome read. Being new to the sport, I find these articles of individuals very interesting and informative on what you can expect.

    Tee Trimble
    Tee Trimble

    April 22, 2021

    OMG – I’m in awe. What a story you have for the rest of your life. Bravo!

    Bill
    Bill

    April 22, 2021

    Great story! Can’t fathom doing 240 miles in 80 hrs. Good luck at Cocodona!

    Heather Canali
    Heather Canali

    April 22, 2021

    So inspiring, you are amazing physically and mentally (we know it is very mental!) wishing you luck in all future events.

    Danelle
    Danelle

    April 22, 2021

    She got lost for an hour and still beat the next finisher by 3 hours! Wow! Such grit! Best of luck on Cocodona! Kick butt!!!

    Chris Fields
    Chris Fields

    April 22, 2021

    She is a great inspiration for all.

    Paul
    Paul

    April 22, 2021

    So impressive! Congratulations! Having just completed my first official ultra distance (50K); I find Jessi’s story relatable (breaking up the distance) and encouraging. Even though I can’t fathom this distance; her experience, courage and determination are a great example to others. I look forward to watching her and others take on the Cocodona 250!

    Kelly Supple
    Kelly Supple

    April 22, 2021

    It is truly impressive and inspiring that anyone can run these long distances, but to do so and come in highly ranked as well is amazing to me!

    Jeff Klomstad
    Jeff Klomstad

    April 22, 2021

    Awesome!

    Maureen Froemming
    Maureen Froemming

    April 22, 2021

    I give you so much credit! You are so awesome! You are so inspiring to all!

    Sarah
    Sarah

    April 22, 2021

    I can’t imagine even getting to 100 miles, much less adding another 140. Kudos to her. That’s a whole different level of baddass.

    Mark Sweeney
    Mark Sweeney

    April 22, 2021

    I’m so jealous of your ability and determination

    Cecil Vermule
    Cecil Vermule

    April 22, 2021

    When my Ultrasignup ranking says I am expected to finish 478th out of 500, I tend to believe it. :-D

    Lynne Day
    Lynne Day

    April 22, 2021

    What a great story! Thank you for sharing.

    Becky
    Becky

    April 22, 2021

    What an amazing and inspiring athlete!!

    annette
    annette

    April 22, 2021

    unbelievable resolve! inspiring.

    Tamra F
    Tamra F

    April 22, 2021

    Amazing and inspiring stories and adventures out there!

    Ronald Plunkett
    Ronald Plunkett

    April 22, 2021

    Amazing job, love to see family involved

    Karin H.
    Karin H.

    April 22, 2021

    Incredible journey !! such a inspiration for Ultra running women !! SHE POWER !

    KETAL VYAS
    KETAL VYAS

    April 22, 2021

    Mindblowing!

    Bill Lovett
    Bill Lovett

    April 22, 2021

    Ok so not the only spotting quartz or rocks with quartz veins running across them lol. Often I’ll just place them more prominently for others to spot and enjoy

    Mike Horner
    Mike Horner

    April 22, 2021

    What an incredible race that was. I was glued to the tracker as one of my friends was the third place woman. Bad ass women do ultras extremely well!

    Jody
    Jody

    April 22, 2021

    Way to dig deep and keep yourself focused through the ups and downs – physical, emotional, mental and literal. You ROCK!

    Tom
    Tom

    April 22, 2021

    Way to go Jessi!! Such an awesome account of your toughness!

    Tracy DenBleyker
    Tracy DenBleyker

    April 22, 2021

    Awesome! I wonder how well the Ultrasignup ranking will hold up for Cocodona?

    Sean Crawford
    Sean Crawford

    April 22, 2021

    Hard Core! Looks like a great adventure.

    Roberta
    Roberta

    April 22, 2021

    Wow! Impressive and inspirational!

    Travis L
    Travis L

    April 22, 2021

    I’m in awe of these athletes, and of what the body is capable of!

    Mallory
    Mallory

    April 22, 2021

    What an awesome woman! Go get it!

    Kelly E Hughes
    Kelly E Hughes

    April 22, 2021

    What a wonderful story of perseverance! Thank you for sharing

    Sam Whittaker
    Sam Whittaker

    April 22, 2021

    Wow, what an incredible article and story. It really shined a light on how instrumental all of the different members of a runner’s support system are to their overall success; from the pacers pushing her when it counted, to the crew at aid stations, and in an unexpected and beautiful way, Jessi’s daughter.

    When I read the headline I assumed that it would be about how a young-adult daughter paced her for the last leg or something (which already would have been a powerful story for me as a dad with two little girls), but when I saw that it was thinking about her 6-year-old that made the difference, that was even more incredible.

    Great article and story, what an inspirational accomplishment.

    Amanda
    Amanda

    April 22, 2021

    congrats! thought about doing it this year but too much going on! maybe next

    Naresh Kumar
    Naresh Kumar

    April 22, 2021

    This story reminded me of what I’ve read about Diane Van Deren, another ultrarunner/superheroine. So many hurdles to overcome on this challenge, a metaphor illustrated well by the photo of the aspen. And getting lost and finding her way back – and still beating the competition by hours! Such an incredible accomplishment. Although I would have taken a picture of the rock and left it on the trail. :)

    Allison Lerer
    Allison Lerer

    April 22, 2021

    Can’t wait to see you there

    Jeff Spurlin
    Jeff Spurlin

    April 22, 2021

    Congratulations on a race well run! I hope your daughter enjoyed her rock!

    Joseph OSO Bearss
    Joseph OSO Bearss

    April 22, 2021

    Amazing and inspiring! Can’t wait to get out there to crew/pace/run soon!

    Dana Matthews
    Dana Matthews

    April 22, 2021

    How awesome! Good luck to you!

    Tiffin
    Tiffin

    April 22, 2021

    Congratulations!

    Dan U
    Dan U

    April 22, 2021

    Congratulations!

    Michael C
    Michael C

    April 22, 2021

    I love this! Having a young daughter, I love showing her strong women doing amazing things. You are capable, you are strong, you are unique, you are YOU! ❤️

    Jim R
    Jim R

    April 22, 2021

    Keep putting one foot in front of the other and power through to the finish

    PHil
    PHil

    April 22, 2021

    So wonderful to read about ultra racing. Hoping that we can get back to racing once this Pandemic is under control. Really missing my Ultra Community.

    Spencer W.
    Spencer W.

    April 22, 2021

    What an awesome experience, and congrats! I’m planning to hit at least 1 of those 200+ milers within the next couple of years, so I really appreciated this article. Thanks :)

    Worth C.
    Worth C.

    April 22, 2021

    Great job at Moab and good luck at Cocodona! Love the mantra.

    Craig Findley
    Craig Findley

    April 22, 2021

    Good luck Jessi!!

    David
    David

    April 22, 2021

    Amazing Race

    Sean St.Onge
    Sean St.Onge

    April 22, 2021

    Awesome stuff! Good luck

    Kate
    Kate

    April 22, 2021

    Such an inspiration. Anyone can do something that’s easy. Love how she kept her head in it and was determined to finish strong. it’s easy to give up. It’s hard to keep going.

    Paul Bradley
    Paul Bradley

    April 22, 2021

    Great race!

    Dana Hansen
    Dana Hansen

    April 22, 2021

    Living in this naturalistic environment and adapting is so very important.

    Cindy Merrill
    Cindy Merrill

    April 22, 2021

    I have a bum knee from an old skiing injury- still, I’d love to go hiking- hopefully the trails where I live will reopen soon.

    Anita Sue Hamilton
    Anita Sue Hamilton

    April 22, 2021

    Mohave 240 for you to win
    Rockhound stuff for another

    Bryan S
    Bryan S

    April 22, 2021

    Way to go!!!

    Max Bellemare
    Max Bellemare

    April 22, 2021

    Awesome job!

    Richard Hanson
    Richard Hanson

    April 22, 2021

    Love it! Such an inspiration and I would love to be a part of that race.

    Meghan
    Meghan

    April 22, 2021

    I am so inspired by this article! Feeling motivated for my morning run.

    Jessica Haffner
    Jessica Haffner

    April 22, 2021

    What an inspirational story. Great example of how we all suffer through things, but we are strong and can overcome them and come out happy and glowing on the other side!

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