Melissa Sears- 1st time 100 mile finisher at Kettle 100
Over the past few years, we’ve come to know and love Melissa Sears — a generous volunteer, a kind friend, and a shining part of our trail community. I’ve personally witnessed her dedication to training, her unwavering support of friends, and her commitment to giving back.
That’s why it was so exciting to see her toe the line for her first 100-mile race at Kettle Moraine 100. Throughout the day, as I followed the runners along the course, I spotted Melissa and her expert crew at various aid stations. It was such a joy to see her receiving the same love and support she so freely gives to others.
Her finish? Let’s just say there wasn’t a dry eye among us. ❤️
I sat down with Melissa to hear more about how she trained and prepared for Kettle Moraine 100 — and to get the inside scoop on how race day unfolded. Her answers are as thoughtful and inspiring as she is!
We hope you enjoy my interview with Melissa Sears as much as I did.
She is a true inspiration! ~ by Michele Hartwig
Melissa’s Personal Life:
I am a critical care nurse in the ICU.
I have two dogs who help me to stay active and two cats who help me to rest.
I run, hike, camp, read, write, paint... Anything that keeps my mind and/or body working.
Interest in Trail and Ultra Running:
Starting in high school, I ran track and cross country. I continued running the first two years of college. Then, I took an unplanned hiatus which lasted well into my 20s and again into my 30s. Trail has always been my preferred running location. Immersing yourself in nature allows you to revitalize your soul! I discovered ultra-running through a group of friends I would meet for trail running. Two of them had run 100 mile distances and I was in complete disbelief that someone would do that to themselves. I had no intention of tackling that same distance myself! I trained for a half marathon and told myself I'd never run further. Six short months later, I ran my first marathon! A short time after the marathon, I tackled the 50k and then the 50 mile. Each new distance was something I could work towards. It gave me purpose. Eventually, the allure of the 100 mile snuck in and I'd daydream on my trail runs and wonder if I could ever possess the mental strength to finish such a distance. Even though I'd completed half the distance in my 50 mile, the thought of doing it again, back to back was daunting. Regardless, I kept up my daydreams on my trail runs. Eventually, all the stars aligned and I tasted my own 100 mile finish at Kettle!
Most Important Part of Training:
In my opinion, to become a 100 mile finisher the physical and mental preparation were equally important.
Did I feel confident going into race day?
Mainly, yes. I knew I'd consistently ran as much as I was able, practiced my nutrition, and thought through the many possibilities that race day might bring me. However, my calves were tight and sore the weeks before and I was nervous that they might not hold up to the many hills on the Kettle course.
Did I practice race day nutrition? What was it?
Yes, on every long run I fueled with Tailwind and LMNT. I also set a reminder on my Garmin to ensure I would consume calories every 20 mins. Later on I would partially regret this decision when my Garmin died at 84 miles… ugh!
Did I train with anyone?
Mainly I ran alone. I knew that I wouldn't have a pacer for the entire 100 miles and I often run between packs so the likelihood that I would be alone was strong. I wanted to prepare my mind for those lonely miles in the months leading up to the race. I did pair up with faster runners intermittently to challenge my mind and body in a different manner.
Race Morning Feelings:
I was grateful that I'd gone to sleep very early Friday night and woke up on time and so so early Sat morning! I was simply excited and grateful that I'd made it to the start line. My only focus was not getting caught up in running too fast from the start and getting to Scuppernong and my crew!! They surprised me by meeting me at McMiller which was so appreciated!
Did I ever want to quit?
Many whispers over the course of the 100 miles which I'd quickly sweep away before they could grow. However, only once after I left McMiller on the return trip when I realized that I'd be running alone, in the dark, wet and cold into Nordic. At that point, the whisper was louder and carried a follow-up thought of my warm dry bed. In all the daydreams, I knew that eventually I would battle my mind, but I never expected it would start so early on in the race. I was around 40 mile into my race at this point. I'd hoped that these thoughts would start after I'd reached the 100K distance. It felt daunting. I was afraid. I wanted to finish and I wanted to quit. Which did I want more? I shifted my focus from worries about future me's problems to the present moment and the current action that I needed to tend to: get my ass back to Natalie's! I kept running. Inching closer to Nordic knowing that I had dry clothes and a pacer waiting on me!
Expert Crew:
Jessica Garcia - crew captian / pacer - met through the Janesville running club
Trisha Zink - crew - met when I played roller derby with her daughter
Jordan Deumler - crew / pacer - fellow ICU nurse; fellow college runner
Rachael Wendt - crew / pacer - met through my Jefferson running friends, paced me for my 50MI at CUSS Running: Childish Nonsense
Midwest States 100 Volunteer Nurse:
I help the runners by tending to their basic health needs in a backwoods setting. Mainly, I tend to the feet. Sometimes, the runners get a little woozy and need to lay down and throw their feet up. I monitor them and help them while they are feeling low.
Volunteering for Midwest States 100 as a trail nurse is rewarding because I can combine my two passions: running and nursing! I'm excited to share this experience with some other healthcare professionals this year! Hopefully, we can help each other to help the runners and also get away to enjoy the beauty of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest!
Watch Melissa at the finish line!
Thank you Melissa! It was a pleasure to hear your story! You did such an amazing job sharing it with us! Looking forward to spending Midwest States 100 race weekend with you on August 23rd and 24th!
Learn More about Midwest States 100
Melissa caring for runners at Midwest States 100 finish line
Melissa caring for Rich at his first 100 mile finish line. Melissa is wearing her Midwest States 100 flannel that she earned for 3 years of volunteering as our race Nurse.
