Bryan Komas- Cancer survivor to 100k finisher
I had the honor of meeting Bryan at the 2024 Kettle Moraine 38-mile fun run. Every runner we meet on the trail has a story—a reason that brings them out here. I love getting the chance to hear those stories, and I’m grateful to Bryan for sharing his with me. 💚
This weekend, he’s taking on the Midwest States 100k, and we’re all cheering him on! 🌲🏃♂️💪
Happy trails,
~ Michele
What distance are you running at Midwest States 100? 100K
How long have you been running?
I quit smoking 7 years ago and started running 6 years ago. I could barely run a half mile, then kept building to my first half marathon 6 months later.
How long have you been running trails?
I’ve been trail running for just under 2 years. I reached out to Trish Larson right after the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon to learn more about LPTR. This has been such an amazing family and look forward to my Wednesday’s at Lapham every week!
What made you choose Midwest States 100?
I wanted something unique and different and was really interested in a doing a solo run. After Zion nearly beat me down, I wanted another 100K to see what I could do!
What inspires you to run long distances?
In September 2021, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer, Stage 1 bladder cancer, and a brain tumor (non-cancerous)
After 5 months of chemo, a month of radiation, and 5 surgeries, and a whole lot of grace, I’m so thankful to be here today.
After losing our first child to cancer in 2001, my mom in 2002, I was going to fight with everything I had.
In December 2021, my life changed forever when my wife’s co-worker nominated me for a random act of kindness from This Time Tomorrow Foundation. The amount of overwhelming love that you feel when someone shows up and surprises you with a check and a hug during one of your darkest times was incredible!! I immediately wanted to pay this forward.
In October 2023, I did my first official marathon at the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon for the TTT gold team running to bring hope and inspiration and fundraising to those battling the ugly disease of cancer .
What challenges did you face in training?
My biggest nemesis are GI issues, after the surgery for the rectal cancer and having an ileostomy and reversal, my GI system is super sensitive. This is an ongoing experiment and hope not to repeat Zion where I had to go 20+ times.
What are you most looking forward to at Midwest States 100k?
Meeting new friends and taking in the beauty of a portion of the IAT that I have not experienced.
Do you have a particular inspiration?
I’m dedicating this race to my neighbor Ed Modjeska. He just recently passed away on Aug 12 of correctal cancer. He battled hard for two years…
What do you like about trail running?
How each mile/run can be something so different!! The experience of adventure, community of friends where all the outside noise is silenced, the spiritual awakening, just stopping to take in the beauty, and sometimes just feeling the music and losing yourself!!
