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Lisa Van Dyk's avatar

I am running one 10 mile loop on Sunday :) Have yet to try a salted coke, but maybe I will after the race!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Have the best time on Sunday! Salted Coke brings me back to life :)

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Pia Hinckle's avatar

Love that you are an instigator to inspire your friends to bigger running goals. I am so grateful for my swimming instigators, without whom I may never have ventured beyond my comfort zone.

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thanks Pia! Yes I had an instigator so I need to continue the tradition!

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Paula Gregorowicz's avatar

We all need instigators!

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Courtney Bierschbach's avatar

Ohh this was such an enjoyable read for so many reasons! What a special day for you and for MB. Sounds like one of those perfect trail magic days. Can’t wait to hear how the next one goes!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thanks Courtney! Trail magic is the best! How's your training going? When's your race?

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Courtney Bierschbach's avatar

Race is in September so I’ve still got some time and I’m in no hurry to rush summer along. But I’ll be at the TC Trail Running Fest this weekend! Hoping to squeeze in a few other fun race for training between now and fall!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

cool! which distance? MB is volunteering at that race I think. you two should connect and train together!!!

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MaryBeth Sellers's avatar

It was such a day! I actually just showed up as you planned the whole thing. Thank you for having faith in me! Not only faith but the calls and txts we had during the winter training. Your support is beyond amazing! Grateful for you! Stay tuned there will be a story about my first Ultra! PS, I find a piece of a pop tart in the bottom of my vest, would you eat it? (IYKYK)

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Can't wait to read your version!! And also can't wait for you to CRUSH Marquette! Pop Tarts for life !

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Thomas Scherrer's avatar

How does one "salt" a Coke?

Btw, I totally love reading Ultra stories. They sound like weird eating contests, wrapped around some running.

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Ali Lopez's avatar

I just add a pinch of salt to a cup of coke. it will foam and bubble a bit so don't add too much or it becomes a science experiment :) And yes... ultras are basically just that... eating contests with some running thrown in.... picnic to picnic!

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Marty (KC) Kanter-Cronin's avatar

Ali, Great write up! And, Marquette is.a BEAST of a race. The last climbs after the marathon are challenging. I have run about 30 or so 50K races, and by far, time wise this was the slowest. It is worth it! All the climbs, and all the scenery makes it worth it! Good running to you and Marybeth both!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you! Yes, def a beast but so worth it! That's what I told her... I think she will adore it though!

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

Big congrats Ali! I love your positivity. I'm sorry I hadn't read this yesterday, before our group zoom, or I would've given you a shoutout about it to the group!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you Sarah for your kind words and all your encouragement! Enjoyed the Zoom as well!

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Paula Gregorowicz's avatar

Yay and a beautiful photo! So do you add salt to the coke? And if so how much? Using something like base salts?

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thanks! And you just add a pinch of salt to the coke. If you add too much it will bubble and foam like a science experiment :) I use pink himalayan salt but sea salt is fine too. Nothing special.

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Paula Gregorowicz's avatar

Got it! Never tried but perhaps I will on a long ride or town day on backpack. I carry base salts which IMO are likely overpriced Himalayan salts.

Good advice on not too much. Like those memes I saw this week where the title was “no one knows how close we were to the end of the world” and it was a photo of two tractor trailers in an accident. One was coke and one was mentos 🤣

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Isiah Smith, Jr.'s avatar

Inspiring!

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Joe M's avatar

Great story, Ali. Sounds like MB is now training for her SECOND 50K race! 🙂

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thanks, Joe! You betcha she is.....and it's a doozy!

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Sandee's avatar

Such an inspiring story. Very happy for you and your friend reaching her goal and making a new friend too.

I read the whole thing because I love the way you write and at the end being it full circle. That says a lot because having ADHD I don’t often get through the whole thing . Plus I then feel connected to you.

.

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thanks Friend.... love you!!

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