Dana Easterly

ABOUT ME: 

I have always considered myself a runner, participating in distances varying from 5K's to 55K's. It wasn't until the last couple of years that I fell in love with the 50K distance on trails that took me deep into the mountains. I became fascinated with the terrain and the challenge to climb to the top. 

It has always been a dream of mine to participate in the UTMB-OCC 50K and run the Swiss Alps. I distinctly remember receiving a postcard advertisement in a runner's packet about 5 years ago. I held onto this postcard and kept it stowed away in a kitchen drawer because I couldn't bring myself to throw it away. Even though I dreamt of being the one pictures on the postcard, it never felt like it could become a reality for me. For years it was always a dream and I would make excuses for why it wasn't possible. Last year after some big life changes, I realized life is too short and I went ALL IN on this dream. I have been diligently training to be physically capable to compete in this race in 2023 if picked from the lottery. 

Since last October I have competed in 6 - 50K's and 4 half marathons with the majority of them on trails and including challenging elevation gain. What has kept me driven has been my desire to test my limits and unleash my potential. Along the way I have confronted many fears and pushed through the discomfort of being out on the trails alone. I have found so much strength, courage, mental toughness, endurance, and determination through running ultras. If I can start from what felt like nothing and put in the work and effort to reach where I am now, then so can anyone else. I am excited to share my journey with others and hope that they too can see their potential and explore it. 

 

SPECIAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: 

Heaven's Gate Half Marathon: Oct 2021 | 5,361 ft elevation gain | 2nd Female, 3rd OA

Coyote Wall 55K: Oct 2021 | 7,795 ft elevation gain | 5th Female

Lalik Half Marathon: Nov 2021 | 2,103 elevation gain | 2nd Female

Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass 50K: Jan 2022 | 4,760 ft elevation gain | 3rd Female

The Canyons Endurance 50K UTMB World Series: April 2022 | 7,172 ft elevation gain | Finisher

Smith Rock Ascent 50K: May 2022 | 4,646 elevation gain | Finisher

Wy'East Wonder 50K: June 2022 | 5,630 ft elevation gain | Finisher

 

INSTAGRAM: @distancewithdana

 

FAVORITE QUOTE: 

"Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't." - Rikki Rogers

"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin." - Tony Robbins 

 

FAVORTIE PRODUCT: 

OS1st KS7 Performance Knee Sleeve

OS1st Thin Air Performance Calf Sleeves