catherine bradley cat bradley the runner

The Inspiring Journey of Catherine 'Cat' Bradley: From Burnt-Out Athlete to Ultramarathon Champion

Catherine 'Cat' Bradley's life is a testament to perseverance and determination. A former burnt-out track athlete, she never thought she would run again after struggling with exhaustion. But fate had other plans for her. In 2015, Cat moved to Boulder, Colorado, to pursue her newfound passion for trail running. Little did she know that this decision would lead her to become a champion ultramarathoner.

Cat's journey began when she took up hiking in the Appalachian Trail. She hiked an estimated 2,190 miles, which sparked her interest in outdoor activities. This led her to become an outdoor guide and later a kindergarten teacher. However, she still had a competitive streak within her. In 2017, Cat decided to take on the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, despite having only been serious about trail running for a handful of years.

What made her victory even more remarkable was that she started with a mere 2.5 percent chance of getting into the race due to its lottery system. Furthermore, the course conditions were less than ideal, with knee-deep snow and mud at points, and temperatures ranging from highs of 95-degrees to lows of 75-degrees overnight.

Cat's win was not just a surprise to everyone else; she herself was taken aback by her performance. She upset a talented field of runners, including three past champions who were all having great seasons, as well as several high-placing finishers from the previous year.

Today, Cat continues to inspire others with her remarkable story. Her journey serves as a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions and that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible. Catherine 'Cat' Bradley has truly become a champion in more ways than one.

Catherine bradley cat bradley the runner