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 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 most famous ultramarathon in the US (and maybe the world), the Western States 100 Mile.

The fantasy picks were set, media was abuzz, and Ryan was rarely considered to be a contender, but we knew. We knew he was ready.

I had been by Ryan’s side for the absolute chaos (no exaggeration!) of the final few months of earning his MBA at Dartmouth, working, traveling, 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 his mental game was ready. Expectations were dropped after big setbacks in two previous WSER races. We did a lot of visualization and prep for tough moments ahead.

On 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 a million times so you make sure you have the right nutrition in the right bottle and you are ready to get all up in their space to put it on them. 30 seconds or fewer is the goal. Our crew nailed it. We were proud; Ryan's coach, Jason Koop, was there with words of belief Ryan needed. "You can do this." Maybe a few more expletives in there ;)

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. 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.

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

Cherished friends 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, about how badly I wanted to show up and what if I failed? I think you can guess who I would usually talk to in those moments when I do panic ;)

I reminded Ryan of the work, of the return to running post surgery (first run was only November!!), of the 🌈 community (the little Ryans) who would see that they too could run fast and be themselves, of those who love him 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.

2 hours and 52 minutes later, Ryan finished in 3rd place, with a Pride flag draped across his shoulders. 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 during 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.

P.S. Getting to have a conversation with Kilian Jornet was kinda cool, I guess (he’s wonderful!), but seeing him (and Jim) on course with a few miles to go, clapping and looking at Ryan with genuine admiration, that was a moment I will never forget.

In addition to the GINORMOUS weekend I had, before that, I had an equally exciting few days at the Race Management Program Summit, where the Bank of America Chicago Marathon team educates the rest of the run industry (hundreds of leaders and race organizers in the room) on what is coming, and where they should be focusing their energy.

They announced that this year, at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, they will have four refill stations on course (no, not reducing aid stations, this is an add...for now ;) ). Believe me (as I know them well), the Chicago Event Management team has put a LOT of time, energy, and investment into getting this right, and I am excited. So share the news, bring your refills, and stay hydrated!

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the leader; the other World Majors either have refill stations in place or are investing time and energy into making them. What the majors do, the rest of the run industry follows. Refill stations are here!

Want to be a part of shaping the run industry for the future? Fill out this global runner survey for Running USA. This is where races get a lot of their information about what runners want, so go ahead and make your voice known!

Know your limits, but also know that what you perceive to be your limits is probably just the beginning of your strength and resilience.

-Ky Furneaux

Thanks to our partner, Precision Fuel & Hydration.

On Saturday, I knew I would be pushing the edge of my limit, too. Ryan was FLYING, so the entire day, while Ryan was my focus, I was on top of my hydration and fueling to make sure I had the best chance of making it the full 20 miles with him. We ended up running the fastest any woman has run across that stretch (according to Strava), and I know I could not have done it without Precision Fuel and Hydration (and my ice bandana). I had PH 1000 in my bottles, I took a gel every 25 minutes, and even strategically planned my Precision Caffeine gel before the toughest moment.

I ran so far above what I thought I was capable of last weekend; I ran at an intensity I wasn't sure I could sustain (but I did!). I could never have done it without Precision.

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Be kind to one another, yourself, and this beautiful planet of ours.

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