11/04/2021
A great write up about CMC member, Shawn Goertz. Shawn is an asset to our local running community and to our club!
This week UltrAspire would like to share why we are Inspired By: Shawn Goertz. Shawn is many things:
Recovered alcoholic and addict
Trail and Ultra runner
Cancer Survivor
Founding member of the Columbia Missouri Trail Association.
Race Director, Thursday Night Trail Races and 2022 Rock Bridge Revenge 25K/50K.
To us and his local community, Shawn is an inspiration. We asked Shawn to write a little bit about his story and it is included below. More than the humble words which Shawn shares, we have had people reach out to UltrAspire and comment on Shawn's kindness, understanding, motivation and ability to bring people together. Shawn supports others in their efforts and has improved the lives of those around him.
"My struggle with addiction lasted for almost 20 years. After getting sober in 2007, I was warmly welcomed into the local running community and became part of something bigger. Running helped me gain self esteem and confidence where I had none before. The trail and ultra community helped me find myself and realize that I was capable of more than I thought possible. In less than two years I ran my first ultra marathon. In 2013 I helped launch a free biannual trail race series in my community geared towards new trail runners. I wanted to share my love of the trails and help others build confidence and belief in themselves. We've built a real trail and ultra community here! I am continually inspired! Our group has grown from an initial 12 members to over 600 today.
Like most folks, Covid-19 derailed my running goals for last year and this year I've been plagued with injury. However, things are turning a corner and I'm registered for Tillamook 50K in Oregon for Spring 2022. I'm hoping to have a good race there and if things go well, get back to longer distances and possibly tackle a 100 miler.
We are capable of more than we know! We just have to put in the work and believe it's possible.
Happy Trails." ~Shawn Goertz
Thank you, Shawn!