Littleton’s Jamie Donaldson has set numerous course records (for both male and female divisions) and can boast of accomplishments at the United States’ major ultra-marathons including Badwater, Leadville, Lost 118, and Rocky Racoon (see below for more). She credits her friends and family, her support system, for her accomplishments.
Recently, Jamie took a short break from her busy life as a middle school teacher, cross country coach, and champion ultra-runner to share some of her story.
When did you start running, and why?
I ran in high school (Freeport High School ’92) and was a state scorer in cross country and track. I started cross country at my high school, actually. I competed for Division I Penn State from ’92-’96 in indoor/outdoor track and CC. I was a Big Ten scorer in the 10,000.
Why ultras?
I started running ultras after college when I was training for the marathon. I was trying to get better at the marathon by going beyond the marathon, so I ran a 50k and was hooked. That year, I ran my first 100 (the Leadville Trail 100).
So, you have a collegiate track background and you got hooked on 50ks. What hooked you?
I never liked to run fast! I love the idea of slow and steady for long periods of time.
Where do you train?
I train in Chatfield State Park, Deer Creek Canyon, Waterton Canyon (when it is open), and Roxborough State Park.
What does your typical training week look like?
When I am gearing up for a big race, I may run between 150-200 miles with my main focus being on the back to back long runs.
What is your most memorable race to date?
My first Badwater in 2007–It took me 41 hours to finish but taught me so much about myself and my family.
Like what?
That I could persevere no matter what the conditions.
Are ultra-marathons for anyone?
Yes, I think the varying distances in the ultra marathon make it possible for anyone–25k, 50k, 50 mile, 100k, 100 mile, 24 hour, etc. I think anyone can find one that they like even if it is just walking for 24 hours! I think ultras take a bit of patience, and realization that if things are feeling bad they will fill better and possibly bad again!
Jamie’s Accomplishments:
2010 Race Results
• Ghost Town 38.5 in NM (1/17/10)-2nd female 6:13
• Rocky Raccoon 100 in TX (2/6/10)–2nd female, 6th overall-16:54
• Lost 118 in FL (2/27/10)-1st female, 1st overall-18:36 (men’s and women’s course record!)
• Philadelphia 100 in PA (4/3/10)-1st female, 1st overall-14:58:23 (course record)
• Rocky Mountain Double Marathon in WY (5/30/10)-1st female, 3rd overall- 8:07 (course record)
• 24 Hour World Championship in France (5/13/10-5/14/10)-120.61 miles
• Badwater Ultramarathon in CA (7/12/10)-1st female, 3rd overall-26:16 (course record)
• Javelina Jundred in AZ (10/23/10)-1st female, 2nd overall-17:11 (new course record)
• Ultracentric 24-Hour Run in TX (11/20/10-11/21/10)-1st female, 1st overall-136.98 miles
2009 Race Results
• Rocky Raccoon 100 (2/7/09)–1st female, 3rd overall-16:51
• Delano Park 12 Hour Run (3/14/09)–1st overall (78 miles) & new women’s course record; tied men’s course record
• 24 Hour World Championships/Italy (5/2/09)–4th female, 1st American, 20th overall–136.83 miles
• The North Face Endurance 50 mile, WA (6/6/09)–1st female, 9:42
• Badwater 135 (7/13/09)–1st female, 5th overall-27:20
• Leadville pack burro race-(women’s race) 15 miles (8/9/09) with Sabina–4th women, 3:25
• Leadville Trail 100 (8/22/09)–2nd female, 21st overall- 21:53
• The Grand Tetons 100 (9/5/09) Paced Ashley Nordell
• Self-Transcendence 24 Hour in Ottawa, Canada (9/26/09)–1st overall, 133.28 miles, New American TRACK Record in the 200km (21:01)
2008 Race Results
• H.U.R.T. 100k (1/19/08)-1st female 20:30
• Pemberton 50K (2/9/08)-1st female 4:18
• Umstead 100 (4/5/08)-1st female 16:21 (new course record)
• Cornbelt 24-Hour (5/3/08)-1st female 113.4 miles
• Rocky Mountain Double Marathon (5/25/08)-1st female 8:17 (new course record)
• Badwater 135 (7/14/08)-1st female 26:51 (new course record), 3rd overall
• Salomon Equinox 6 Hour (9/20/08)-1st female 30+ miles, 2nd overall
• 24-Hour World Championships in Korea (10/18/08)-137.332 miles, 5th female overall, 1st USA woman
• Javelina Jundred 100 (11/15/08)-1st female 18:43
Photo, compliment SkirtSports, Jamie’s sponsor.
Feature article by: Connilee Walter