Here at runladylike.com, Fridays are all about sharing the inspiring stories of fit people who motivate all of us to be better tomorrow than we were yesterday. My Friday FITspiration series profiles runners, triathletes and casual exercisers who are making choices every day to be as healthy as they can be – in both huge ways and through simple, small victories. Their stories are about the journey of transforming from ordinary to extraordinary each and every day.

If you’ve ever run a marathon, you know how challenging the training and race can be. If you’ve ever run an ultra marathon, you know that the challenge is even greater. Now, imagine running 2 marathons a day for 90 days. Impossible, right?

Wrong.

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Jessica Goldman. In April, this ultra-runner set out to run across the United States – from California to New York City. She ran nearly 3,400 miles in 90 days, which amounts to running about 2 marathons per day. And she did it all self-supported, meaning no van driving behind her giving her food and water when she needed it. No medical personnel to massage her sore legs and check her vitals. She also raised more than $27,000 for the Brain Injury Association in the process. Jessica’s running journey and accomplishments will make your jaw drop. I’m simply in awe of her determination and physical and mental tenacity, and I know you will be too.

When did you start running and what inspired you to start?
I didn’t really start running competitively or seriously until I was in my 30s. I live in New Hampshire and find running on our endless trails and dirt roads to be meditative. It is a great way to stay healthy while enjoying the outdoors and having quiet time for thought and reflection.

In April, you set off on an epic journey to run across the United States – from California to New York. What made you decide to take on this incredible challenge?
I rode a bicycle across the country in 1999. Once I started distance running, I wondered if it was possible to cross America on foot. I discovered usacrossers.com, where they have kept record of people crossing the U.S. on foot since 1909. Once I saw I had the opportunity to be the second woman in history to cross solo and self-supported, I got very excited and set my plans into motion.

You ran about 3,400 miles in 90 days – that’s like running nearly 2 marathons per day for 3 months in a row! How did your body hold up with the high mileage and travel across the country? What did you do to help prevent injury?
I trained for about 4 years in preparation for this, doing high mileage or long steady distance running to slowly build my body and endurance capabilities. I also read many scientific peer-reviewed journal articles and read literature about how to physically prepare for such an endurance challenge. I worked on dietary issues and trained hard to see what deficiencies might be issues and resolved them before being on the road. I used diet and food and absolutely no NSAIDs (pain relievers) on the trip.

How did you train to run across the country?
I ran about 100 miles per week for about 4 years. As my start date approached, I started running 2 and 3 times per day to shorten recovery time – eventually ramping up to 45 to 50-mile days. My training approach involved running long steady distance and incorporating hills and difficult terrain rather than using speed work to improve performance.

You accomplished your 3-month running trek across the U.S. without any support or aid van. How did you carry your hydration, food, clothes and other needs? Where did you sleep?
My friend who is an engineer helped me strip out and rebuild a Bob Ironman stroller with a waterproof storage compartment. I carried everything I needed in that cart as I ran. I was prepared for camping but also stayed with families, at bed and breakfasts and at hotels.

What was the best part of your run across the U.S.?
That moment at the end of each day where I got to eat and drink cold things.

What was the hardest part? Did you ever consider quitting?
The weather really beat me up and caused several delays which made me sad when I realized I would not have a shot at the women’s world record. But I had to put on my big girl pants and change my attitude. I never considered quitting. However, I sometimes contemplated how nice it would be to sit down for a while.

You chose to take on this incredible challenge to raise funds and awareness for the Brain Injury Association. How did you choose this charity and how will they use the money you raised?
I have raised more than $27,000 so far and donations are still coming in. You can see my progress and make a donation here.

I was a passenger in a taxi that struck someone while I was in Ethiopia and wanted to find a way to make peace with that tragic experience. I decided to help others who experience traumatic brain injuries and other brain injuries. The Brain Injury Association of America will use the funds I’ve raised to advance brain injury prevention, research, treatment and education and to improve the quality of life for everyone impacted by brain injury.

What were your 3 favorite cities or places to run along your journey?
I loved the stretch of Colorado between Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins. Going through the great Salt Desert in Utah was intense and something I will never forget. I was also very charmed by the people and town of Grove City, Pennsylvania.

Did you learn anything new about yourself through this process?
I am still digesting this whole experience, which I finished in July. Although I thought the journey would involve deep thinking and self reflection, I actually had quite the opposite experience. In order to keep moving and not become overwhelmed by the fatigue, stress and challenges of the run, I had to almost be “not present,” I’m sure people who have run ultra races can relate to this process of slipping through time and miles without absorbing them in a linear way.

Do you listen to music when you run? If so, what are your favorite songs to run to?
I only listened to music a few times. Most often it is necessary to be listening to traffic for safety. But I do like to bust out some miles to Fat Boy Slim when I get a chance.

You are a vegan. What are some of the plant-based foods and fuels that help you run your best?
I brought supplies of Raw Meal with me and mixed in an adaptogenic herb blend from the Mustard Seed. Eating on the road was difficult because I was frequently eating fast food and gas station food.

What would you tell someone who thinks they want to run or cycle across the country?
Prepare to be unprepared. You can’t really plan for something like this because your route and strategy will need to change frequently. Critical thinking skills and adaptability are very important.

How can people connect with you?
My Facebook page is the best way for people to reach me.

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If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for Friday FITspiration, email me at runladylike@gmail.com.

What inspires you most about Jessica Goldman’s story and journey? Would you ever consider riding or running across the country?