The hard work of Jenna Wickham (right) and Christine Almond (left) is paying off. (Submitted photo)

By Ian Holmes

Elite athletes

Nanaimo women conquer grueling 100 kilometre Utah ultra-marathon

Apr 20, 2022 | 5:24 AM

NANAIMO — One year ago Jenna Wickham committed to completing the longest marathon of her life.

Not only did she accomplish her goal, Wickham came in first place in her age category at the Zion Ultras trail marathon held on Saturday, April 9 in Utah.

She clocked in at 15 hours and six minutes, about six hours clear of the time limit, as Wickham and friend Christine Almond crossed the finish line together. Wickham said it was a daunting course under difficult conditions with hot temperatures creating havoc.

“It was supposed to get up to 30 degrees and it did, it was super warm, we were not used to that. Also the altitude — we were running at about five thousand, six thousand feet above sea level, your heart rate is just a little more accelerated,” Wickham told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Jenna Wickham and Christine Almond crossing the finish line together at the Zion Ultra trail running marathon on April 9. (Submitted photo)

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Medical aid tents and break stations on the course allowed the hundreds of competitors to take a break, re-fuel on food and water, or use the washroom.

The two Nanaimo runners elected to have only a few brief stops in order to keep their momentum up.

While in top physical condition, Wickham said she lost mental focus a few times in the early stages with the heat increasingly a factor.

“Personally it was staying in the present moment. I would get a little freaked out thinking about later in the day…I just had to keep coming back to what I can I do right now to make sure that I will be successful.”

Wickham wasn’t sure she’d finish until the final stretch.

“At 98 kilometers I knew I had it in the bag, before that though it was pretty challenging.”

Completing the Zion Ultras 100 km event was a long time coming for Wickham.

Her love for running started as a New Years resolution in 2010 when an aunt suggested long distance running.

Several successful half and full marathons over the ensuing years led to her decision last spring to tackle the 100 kilometre trail event in Utah.

Wickham dialed up the training five months in advance, complemented by an endurance coach to help guide her.

Wickham, a vegetarian, doubled up on protein shakes, along with healthy fats and carbs in order to achieve increased distance leading up to the event.

The 36-year-old probation officer said immersing herself in running triggered positive lifestyle changes, while she noticed stresses in her live began to subside.

Jenna Wickham (trailing) and Christine Almond tackled sections of elevation during their recent grueling marathon. (Submitted Photo)

“Having something like running for an outlet is really important. For me, running has given me that really nice balance of a place to go and work my thoughts out and just leave it all out there.”

She often runs with friends met through the local long distance running community.

“That was my socialization piece,” Wickham said, who adamantly won’t run with headphones on.

Experienced endurance racer Christine Almond was among Wickham’s support network for the Zion Ultras event.

Almond, 40, said she and Jenna both had unwavering resolve for their end goal, despite a difficult course and running conditions.

“It’s definitely not for everyone, even if physically you’re able to do it sometimes that element can be the thing that you either enjoy or don’t.

Almond is preparing for an upcoming 160 kilometer marathon in the same region.

“It was a good confidence boost for my training up to this point and potential outlook for my upcoming A race at the end of May, which will be similar conditions,” Almond said.

As for people thinking about getting into running for the first time or returning after a lay-off, Almond recommends people try to make it fun, then push yourself if that’s what you’re looking for.

“I love listening to an audio book when I’m out there. Some people like Jenna really love the community, so find a friend or running group. I also love running with my dog.”

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes