Abby Hall arrives at Western States this week with a very different mindset to 12 months ago.
As she says herself in a short film from sponsors Suunto, which is embedded below, it had been an “improbable” journey just to get a place and make the start line in 2025.
But she did have an inkling that something special might happen, saying: “I felt like I needed – was supposed – to be there but I don’t think I was on anyone’s list of people to watch or win.”
‘Road to repeating’
What happened next as she claimed an incredible breakthrough win has gone down in ultrarunning folklore, Hall explaining: “Last year’s race made everything worth it – like it made years of stuff worth it.”
And she is embracing the challenge of returning as defending champion this year, adding: “I know I can [win] this year – and that is the first time in my career where I have felt like that. I absolutely know what I can do because I’ve done it.
Not resting on laurels
And writing on Instagram it’s clear that feelgood attitude continues: “@wser RACE WEEK!!! ❤️🔥
“What an honor to be here, to get to the race happy and healthy, and to have the support year-round that makes it all possible.
“A quote that has rang through my head since I first heard it, was when @eileengu said ‘train like I’ve never won, compete like I’ve never lost.’
“I’ve made it a personal mission to not rest on my laurels returning as F1. yes, last year’s race emboldens me with vision and confidence that I’ll carry with me forever but every year is a new opportunity with a unique set of challenges.
“If I’ve learned anything about 100 milers over the years, it’s that nothing is ever guaranteed. Fitness positions you well, but the rest comes from some deep, dusty corners of the soul that can seemingly only be accessed when we completely empty ourselves.
“The reason I’m back here is pretty simple: I love this race with my whole heart. It has given me so much since my first go at it in 2021. I love the course, the people that make this race what it is, the training for it, the legacy that surrounds it. can’t wait to write another page of my western states story on Saturday.”
