Although I had already ran a 30 mile run before (Octabridge Run), the 2015 Blackwater Trail Challenge 50k was my first ultramarathon distance that was a trail run. Running through the Blackwater State Park for the first time helped me fuel my desire to focus on endurance running instead of just street races. The natural beauty and sense of freedom I felt while running down single track trails through the forest caught my eyes and sparked my desire for more.