271. Embracing Discomfort and Achieving the Extraordinary as an "Ordinary" Woman: Lessons from Ultramarathon Running with Crystal Clark

Have you ever had a goal other people thought was crazy? In Crystal Clark's case, that was running 160 miles in the Sahara desert (among many other ultra-endurance feats)! Ultra runners aren't supe human but what they learn about themselves and become in pursuit of their goals can make them seem that way. Crystal is joining me today to share how ordinary people can do the extraordinary. I know you'll love it even if you have zero interest in running unless something is chasing you! Crystal is an ultra runner, mom, and wife who has completed over 25 ultramarathons, earning eight podium finishes along the way. One of her most notable accomplishments is completing the Marathon des Sables, a grueling 257km (160-mile) stage race across the Sahara Desert, often referred to as one of the hardest races on Earth. Despite these extraordinary achievements, Crystal describes herself as an ordinary woman who balances her passion for running with working full time at a large nonprofit and managing the responsibilities of family life. She didn’t grow up an athlete—she even came close to failing gym class more than once—but her journey into running later in life is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and embracing challenges. She shares her story in the hopes of inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones, follow their passions, and discover their own potential—whether in running or other pursuits. Follow her journey on Instagram @SeeCrystalRun, where she offers an authentic glimpse into her training, races, reflections, and the balance of chasing big dreams while staying grounded in everyday life. Tune in each week for practical, relatable advice that helps you feel your best and unlock your full potential. If you’re ready to prioritize your health and level up every area of your life, you’ll find the tools, insights, and inspiration right here.  Buy Esther’s Book: To Your Health - https://a.co/d/iDG68qU Follow Esther on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@estheravant Follow Esther on IG - https://www.instagram.com/esther.avant Learn more about booking Esther to speak: https://www.estheravant.com Learn more about working with Esther: https://www.madebymecoaching.com/services