The Weakest Comeback

Disappointment and accomplishing nothing I dreamed at Cocodona 250.

Five weeks ago I crossed the finish line of Cocodona 250- an accomplishment I hoped would solidify me with great confidence into the other races on my 2026 calendar. Instead, I was left with disappointment.

And before I continue, I will acknowledge the ever popular response to the above statement I just made: YES, I know running 250 miles a year after knee surgery, and a couple months after two surgeries to remove cancer (and I quote) “is so awesome.” And YES, I know the actual journey of 250 miles on your feet regardless of pace or circumstances is a rare feat that only 0.01% of the human population will ever attempt. And YES, I am deeply grateful I have a body capable to do such things, but my brain works differently- and I don’t believe I did anything “awesome.”

Climbing up Hangover Trail 160+ miles into the race. Photo: Jesse Cornelius

The way I approach race goals is how I approach every goal in life- all in and committed. Yes, I have perpetual high expectations for myself, whether as an athlete, mother, business owner, or speaker; and I have trained my mind to dissect the lessons in every failure as invaluable feedback to get better. In fact, this is often one of the main topics in my keynote speeches and more thoughtful social media posts. I believe, as humans, we connect more deeply and commonly in our losses, pain, and challenges than we do in our joy and accomplishments. Having the hope and determination to see the light in the darkness is one of the greatest strengths we own; and I passionately encourage people to lean into it.

So, why disappointment? Simply put, I missed all my goals; and when I train as hard as I did for Cocodona 250, it’s disappointing to come up drastically short. It was also the slowest 200+ mile performance of the six times I’ve completed the distance. Countless mistakes and extra hours in aid stations had me moving like a sloth (huge shoutout to my very enduring crew and pacers.) Might I also acknowledge the readers scrunching their noses at the word “disappointment.” Society increasingly dislikes any reference to negative feelings; we are encouraged to remain positive and stay grateful- to shun anything that makes us feel lesser than amazing, but here’s where the difference lies in those who strive for greatness and those who seek comfort: disappointment in missing the mark. I’m quite comfortable with being uncomfortable and feeling disappointed is uncomfortable. Disappointment beckons us to do one of two things: sulk and feel sorry for ourselves; or evaluate ourselves in truth and acknowledge where we went wrong.

Running toward Mount Elden with pacer Tim Tollefson around Mile 220. (photo: Jesse Cornelius)

I don’t like being wrong. I don’t like making mistakes; and I certainly don’t like failing after giving my best efforts in preparation. But, here’s the gold: I don’t quit. Whether I win or lose; climb the ladder or fall off- I believe every experience of my life is meant for good- whether in the immediate or far off, down the road.

It’s taken five weeks to drag myself back to Substack to write my “race write-up” when I then decided my Choose Strong Podcast Episode and handful of Instagram posts were sufficient in that and writing something here of deeper insight and vulnerability might be more valuable. Hopefully this introspection will bring encouragement to someone feeling the same way.

Simply put: it’s okay to be disappointed. It’s okay if no one understands or cares about your goals as much as you do (in fact, this is perfectly normal and most common). But, as someone who’s been doing this for most her life (and who’s very publicly known failures) might I lovingly encourage you that through all your disappointments you are no less capable of achieving great things and you are no less valuable in WHO you are. In fact, allow me to lean in here, those who fail much, are marked by having great resilience and an enduring capacity to never give up. You can’t fail unless you first try; and YOU are one who tries.

Maybe you are disappointed because you cared so much and maybe you are disappointed because you believe you are capable of better.

For me, I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to test myself; and I’m grateful to have crossed the finish line with such a supportive crew in my corner. But, I’ll be wrapping my disappointments up in old newspapers and tossing them in the fire. After all, is this not how we fuel our training for the next goal?

It’s beautiful and hard and all part of the journey- thanks for being here with me.

Keep Choosing Strong,

sally