Hotshot Firefighter & Ultra Runner: How Sarah Fondaw Fights on Two Fronts
By The Feed.
Sarah Fondaw is no stranger to challenge – in fact, her life is a living testament to it. Serving as both a hotshot firefighter and an ultrarunner, Sarah's story is one of grit and grace.
Sarah Fondaw doesn't shy away from challenges. From fighting wildfires to tackling ultramarathons, she's no stranger to finding her limits… and pushing them. Her journey stands out as a testament to resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This is who Sarah is – what she’s about. See how her journey brought her to where she is today.
The Origins of Sarah’s Dual Interests
Sarah's journey began in college, dabbling in the world of running through half marathons before diving into wildland firefighting. Fast forward to her entry into the realm of wildland firefighting where joining a Hotshot crew wasn't easy…but she proved herself. Sarah is now a member of Lewis & Clark Hotshots, located in Great Falls, Montana. Running became her off-duty outlet, bonding her with like-minded wildland firefighters-turned-runners and allowing her to explore the sport.
The Intersection of Wildland Firefighting and Ultrarunning
Why do Wildland firefighters gravitate to ultrarunning? For Sarah, the answer lies in the pursuit of pushing boundaries and finding purpose amidst the chaos. Finding poise among the noise.
Ultrarunning mirrors firefighting's mental and physical demands, while allowing some room for freedom to the athletes, making it a natural fit. Once they reach the ultra-running trails, firefighters have an advantage – oftentimes, the mental aspect is the hardest part of ultra-running, yet firefighters already have that conquered. When you’ve battled a fire for days on end, with minimal-to-no support and replenishment, you begin to develop an uncanny ability to endure.
Facing the Beast: Black Canyon Ultra
Sarah’s most recent event, The Black Canyon Ultra, posed its challenges. Yet, Sarah took them head-on. Initially, apprehensions loomed large with weather delays the day before during the 100k cast shadows of doubt. Despite weather worries and chilly mornings, it turned out to be a beautiful day.
Clocking in at an impressive 7 hours and 34 minutes, she met her goal head-on, right on target. It was her longest race yet, and she nailed it.
Fanning the Flame: Sarah's Secret to Success
Sarah's fueling strategy for success in these ultras is straightforward: GU gels, SiS beta fuel, and Styrkr bars. With guidance from her running coach, she hones in on what works best for her, ensuring she's ready to tackle any given trail that lies ahead.
Post ultra race, she relied on Tailwind Recovery Drink Mix to kick start her recovery.
Sarah Fondaw is more than just a wildland firefighter and ultrarunner – she's a living testament to grit and determination. Her journey inspires us to embrace challenges and push through our limits, one stride at a time. She already has her next unsupported ultra race planned - she’s heading back down to Arizona to complete the Rim to Rim to Rim of Grand Canyon, around a 46-mile round trip.