This year, we’ll be interviewing women who inspire us on the trail. These women display passion and perseverance, mentor others in the ultrarunning community and remind us to keep running, even when it’s hard. Below is our interview with an ultrarunner from Colorado who loves the challenge of high mountain races, Sheri Atkinson.
You are the third woman over age 60 to finish the High Lonesome 100. When we saw you at Cottonwood (31.3 miles), you looked great. How did the rest of your race go?
I projectile vomited before Cottonwood. I’ve never vomited in a race and thought it was a fluke, but it persisted. I sat a bit, letting my stomach settle. The climb to Saint Elmo (mile 37.5) was slow. I told one of the volunteers that this would be my last 100 and he said “Well, then you have to finish!” He sent me out with a bag of crackers, and I kept eating. If I drank too much water or tried to eat anything else, I would vomit.
By the time I got to Raspberry at 93 miles, I had 5 minutes to be out of the aid station. I told them I wasn’t quitting. I just kept running. Somehow, I was up 20 minutes at the finish line. Mentally and physically, I was just done, but I had my crew with me all the way to the finish line. So many people helped me train—so many people supported me. It was very emotional.
What’s next on your race list?
I used to say I can’t do fast races because I’m getting slower, but I’m getting better at shorter distances. I’m running the Pikes Peak Double in a few weeks, and I have plans for some 50ks. I’m done with 100s. I have other priorities. My grandson just turned one. We postponed his birthday because of High Lonesome, which is one reason I had to finish. I promised my daughter I wasn’t going to miss any more birthdays.
I also started a trail hiker and runner group that meets every Thursday in New Castle. I lead the runs and my friend leads the hikes. Everybody is 20-30 years younger and when I look at their Strava stats, they’re in zone 2 and I’m in zone 4. I remind myself not to compare.
How has menopause changed your training?
It takes longer and the minutes per mile drop. Everything takes longer and it feels harder— mentally and physically.
What would you tell women coming behind you about staying in the sport?
I may have mentioned this before, but rest and recover. Prioritize sleep.
I’d also talk about osteoporosis. Running alone is not enough to toughen bones. If my doctor had said, “Your mother had osteoporosis, you have osteopenia. You really should consider hormone replacement therapy and calcium supplements,” I would have.
And talk to a women’s health doctor about options. Ask questions! In women’s health, so many things are taboo, we don’t talk about them. But they affect us, and we need to talk about them. I talk to my daughter and to other runners.
I’d also tell women “Don’t give up!” It gets easier to find your rhythm.