#88 Ann Ongena | A Golden Hour Hardrock Finish, Starting Late, & Running with Heart

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCEBEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“I had a 10-year journey to Hardrock. And when I kissed the rock, it felt like all those years finally made sense.”In this episode, Troy sits down with Ann Ongena, a Belgian-born runner and mom of five who discovered running in her 40s and went on to become the final official finisher at the 2025 Hardrock 100—crossing the line with just seven minutes to spare.Ann's story is one of quiet persistence, deep community roots, and a love for the mountains that shaped her into an ultra-runner. From training with a Flemish-language Couch to 5K podcast in Malibu to building up to qualifiers like UTMB, Kodiak Ultra Marathons, and Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, she’s embraced every mile of the journey.We cover:How Ann transitioned from a late-blooming runner to an ultramarathon finisherHer 10-year journey of trying to get into Hardrock—and what it meant to finishTraining while raising five kids and now juggling grandkids and a part-time hiking guide gigHer role in Malibu’s Trail Runners Club and love for the local trail communityHow crewing, friendship, and the right playlist carried her through the San JuansAnn’s story reminds us that age, pace, and finish time don't define us—showing up does.Relevant LinksAnn’s IG: @annongenaHardrock 100 Endurance RunTrail Runners Club - MalibuUltra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)Kodiak 100Ultra Tour Monte RosaPartner Links: Janji - Janji.comA big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com.Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comMade by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving.Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.comPortable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.Ann Ongena, Hardrock 100, Trail Running, Midpacker, Female Ultra Runner, San Juans, Trail Runners Club, UTMB, Kodiak, Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, Grandmother Runner, FKT, Perseverance, Grit, 100 Miles, Golden Hour Finish, Malibu Trails