Denver’s Abby McQueeney-Penamonte ran four 100-mile races in the summer of 2013, in a period of just over two months. She finished 10th at the super-competitive Western States 100 Mile, eighth at the Vermont 100 Mile, seventh at the Leadville 100 Mile, and fourth at the Wasatch Front 100 Mile. But she’s barely run since. The ultrarunner-turned-CrossFit athlete tells us about the sporting change, and the reasons why she’s rarely run in recent years.
You ran the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning in 2013. You won it actually! And then I don’t think you’ve run a race since. What happened?
Wow. I guess I haven’t run a race since 2013!
Two months after the Grand Slam my legs were stale and I couldn’t physically run. I was jittery anxious, had insomnia, severe anemia, bottom-of-the-well-can’t-get-off-the-couch-fatigue, and was getting fat and depressed. Overtraining Syndrome is one of the scariest and hardest things I’ve endured. I watched myself go from being a Grand Slam 100 mile Champ and feeling invincible, to almost nothing, really quickly. It was frustrating and emotionally devastating. I was forced by my body (and husband, Dan) to withdraw from 2014 Western States and Hardrock (my lifelong dream) and focus on regaining my health. My running and racing as I knew it would never be the same.
The things that prevented you from running, those are not an obstacle to doing CrossFit?
I mourned the loss of my running and competitive career and was depressed. I wanted to improve my health and feel better. Through research I learned that heavier strength training could improve my nervous system and sleep/adrenal health. Desperate, I asked some of the Personal Trainers at LifeTime Fitness to help me start strength training. I didn’t even know how to pick up a weight. Fixing my severely broken body seemed daunting but I was fully committed to improving my health and was surrounded by the best professionals who were willing to help me. They saved me and changed my life forever. They were so influential in my recovery and helped me improve my health, sleep, energy, hormones, and strength.
After about a year of strength training and very little running I started feeling optimal. In the process I learned that I was relatively strong. I could complete 10 unassisted pull-ups and could squat over 200 pounds. But suddenly I wanted more! I went to watch a friend compete in a CrossFit competition and got goosebumps and was immediately inspired. My competitive and athletic spirit were reignited! I was suddenly motivated to train for a CrossFit competition.
It’s been two years post Grand Slam. I think most of my underlying health issues have been resolved with adequate nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle, and exercise modifications. I actually feel healthier and more functional now strength training than when I was a runner.
Looking back, what could you have done differently? Would more rest between races during the Grand Slam been advisable, or should you not have done the Grand Slam at all?
It took me awhile, but I see the bigger picture now, and I wouldn’t change a thing. The Grand Slam was an amazing experience that tested my physical and mental limits. I had my best 100-miler performances and set some significant PR’s that summer.
When I struggled with my health I went thru a long, devastating period of time where I was forced to take time off from running. I was so defined by my running and racing that forcing me to give up my love lead to an identity crisis, a lot of self pity, and depression. There were days when I regretted the Grand Slam. When I said I would have taken back my Top-10 finish at Western States and Grand Slam female win just to be able to complete a measly 3 mile jog.
Today, however, I’m finally at peace with not being a competitive ultrarunner. My dreams of winning the hardest 100 miler are now replaced with my dreams of being better than I was yesterday (a great motto that a great friend taught me). Over the last two years I’ve learned that it’s not running that I’ve been in love with for 27 years; it’s my desire to be my best and work my hardest. I can channel my love for activity and challenges, combined with my competitiveness and desire to always be better, into my CrossFit training. And anything else that I pursue.
Sure, I can’t go out and run and be competitive to the same degree that I was two years ago. But if I could, I wouldn’t have found this new passion and better balance in my life.
Do you feel like a runner doing CrossFit, or a real member of the CrossFit community now?
It’s been really interesting and fun to join the CrossFit community. I’ve been truly amazed at how welcoming, supportive, and inclusive CrossFit athletes are. They are so genuine and encouraging, and I’m really humbled in their presence. I’ve been blown away at the generosity of other athletes and coaches in the community that have helped coach me and offer advice on technique and skills. It’s also been really motivating and healthy for me to see so many different body types compete.
Do you think you’ll get back into running or ultras, or have you sufficiently moved on at this point?
Running isn’t enjoyable for me anymore because my body and fitness has changed. When I have gone out for runs I really struggle and end up feeling discouraged and bad about myself. I just don’t think that my body or motivation levels are ready to get back after it the way I once did.
I don’t think I’ll ever go back to competing in ultra marathons. My priorities are different now. I’ve seen the toll competitive endurance running took on my health, body, and relationships, and feel like I’ve found a much better life balance with strength training and CrossFit. With that being said, I think that running will always be there for me if and when I decide to get back into it.