Dirt Nap Diaries

Episode 7: When Finishing Isn’t the Win: The DNF I Didn’t See Coming

Brittany Olson Season 1 Episode 7

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0:00 | 1:03:02

In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m sharing the story of my Mogollon Monster 100 — the miles I did cover, the moment it all fell apart, and why calling it a “comeback” doesn’t sit right with me. Sometimes strength looks like pushing through, and sometimes it looks like knowing when to stop. This one’s about resilience, change, and what a DNF can teach us both on and off the trail.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • How the day started strong — perfect weather, solid legs, and smooth climbs.
  • The aid station where nothing would stay down, no matter what I tried.
  • Why this DNF felt different than “failure” and why I don’t see it as a setback.
  • The difference between bouncing back and being changed by an experience.
  • What resilience looks like outside of running, when the ripples of change reach the people around you.

If this one hits home, share it with a trail buddy who’s been through their own hard stop. And if you haven’t already, follow the show and leave a review — it helps more everyday athletes find these conversations.


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