09/21/2026
Mammoth March Missouri 2026—what a day. ❤️
Four of us started this adventure together long before Mammoth March morning ever arrived. We trained, planned and looked forward to doing this together. In the end, three of us made the trip. Mandy was nursing an angry ankle, and as much as she wanted to be there, she knew 20 miles wasn’t what that ankle needed that day. But she was absolutely part of this journey and there with us in spirit.
One thing this experience reminded me of is that strength doesn’t always mean pushing through at all costs. Sometimes it’s knowing yourself well enough to listen to your body and make the decision that’s right for you.
So, Sunday morning, three of us stepped across that starting line.
Teresa and I eventually completed the full 20 miles. Megan made it 14 miles—the farthest she has ever hiked—and she tackled the hardest portion of the course. That middle eight-mile stretch was no joke: rocky terrain, lots of climbing, lots of descending, and plenty of opportunities to wonder exactly whose idea this was. 😂🤣 What Megan accomplished that day was a big accomplishment in its own right.
The last five miles were probably the hardest physically for me—mostly because we’d already been walking all day and my feet were definitely letting me know it. Blisters were starting, and yes, I was ready to be done.
But strangely enough, I almost enjoyed those last five miles in a different way. I knew I was getting closer, but I was also a little amazed that my energy and stamina were still there. My mind was in a really good place. It had gotten quieter, and I found myself just walking, thinking, looking around and taking it all in.
I wasn’t fighting the miles or getting too much in my own head. I was just there—putting one foot in front of the other and savoring the moment. I think that’s one of the parts of the day I’ll remember most.
Looking back, the finish line wasn’t really the point of this adventure.
Each of us had our own challenge that day, and success looked a little different for each of us. Knowing when to listen to your body. Going farther than you’ve ever gone before. Tackling the hardest miles. Finishing all 20. Every one of those took something, and every one of them is worth being proud of.
That’s probably my biggest takeaway from Mammoth March: sometimes the accomplishment isn’t about comparing where you finished to where somebody else finished. It’s about looking at where you started, what you face, and what you learned about yourself along the way.
Would I do it again?
Yes, I sure would.
My picture-taking gets a little scarce after mile 13 because my phone died and my power bank decided not to cooperate. 😊 But I put together a little look at our day from before sunrise through the finish.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what a Mammoth March is all about, have a look. And who knows… maybe the next time it comes back to Missouri, you’ll join us.
As for doing one in another state?
After this one, I just might be game.
20 miles. One unforgettable day.
