My Yeti tattoo was inspired by the Dark Anchor buckle/medal from 2023. I got this tattoo nearly two years after Dark Anchor. My plan was to chase 100 miles. I was literally 2 days out from having a sinus infection that had lasted for weeks before the race. When I got to Georgia, I felt pretty good and had trained for the race – so I was going to run it. I felt strong for the first 40ish miles. But then as dusk fell I started to develop a dry cough, eventually the dry cough turned into a pretty terrible cough, and by nightfall I couldn’t breath. I had to have help back to the tents (Allie, Aly, Felicia, and Jeremy) and use Jeremy’s (Chad Ultras) rescue inhaler. My race was over. Well, Dark Anchor was over for me. My race back to wellness was just beginning.
When I got back to Oregon I was diagnosed with bronchitis and then I got the flu, and then another cold, and then found out I was suffering from adrenal fatigue and burn out. My endocrine system was a complete mess. Autoimmune issues were happening and after so many blood tests I found out that I also had some sort of genetic mutation that has impacted me my entire life. I was no longer able to lift or run or even hike the way I always had. I spiraled into a very dark place. I’ve been navigating significant health issues since Dark Anchor. I’m only able to run short distances but I’m not giving up. I got the tattoo nearly 2 years after the race as a reminder. I am Yeti strong. I will run Yeti long again. I’m anchored in my faith which has helped me navigate the darkness. It won’t always be dark. Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” This tattoo is my reminder of that. No matter how many waves have crashed since that day in Savannah — illness, loss, unanswered questions — I remain anchored in my faith in God. That’s what’s kept me steady when everything else has felt unmoored.
