My husband Tyler and I are relatively new to running. A year and a half ago I knew I had to make a change in my life. I was dealing with depression and a friend suggested I sign up for a 5k and start training. I brushed off the idea, but then saw a groupon in September of 2014 for a “Chocoholic Frolic 5k.” I quickly signed up because I read there would be lots of chocolate involved at the finish line. I did some research online and discovered a couch to 5k training plan. It was almost unbearable to run a half mile at first, but week after week it became easier and before I knew it, I could run a 5k without stopping or being completely out of breath. I began to feel so much better mentally and physically. As a result, I began to really enjoy going out for a run everyday.

When Tyler watched me finish my first 5k I remember him telling me how proud he was of me and that it inspired him to want to do the same. He made up his mind that he wanted to live a healthier lifestyle because he was tired of being overweight and not feeling well a lot of the time. He came home from work one day and decided to put on some tennis shoes and see if he could run a mile. Ever since that day, he hasn’t stopped running! He has lost over 50 pounds and feels incredible. After several 5k’s and a half marathon, in May of 2015 at the Indy Mini expo, we came across a booth advertising a marathon four months later in September. Ready for the next challenge, we decided to sign up!

For our marathon training, Tyler would run trails at Mccormick’s creek state park during his lunch break and loved it. Some friends of ours who are ultra runners encouraged us to get on the trails together and described a much more enjoyable running experience. It took me some time before I decided to go out and try the trails. Honestly, I was very comfortable on the road and a little intimidated by the trail. I thought it would be way too difficult for me. Tyler ran the “Run with the Foxes” 10k trail race two weeks after his first 5k and was immediately hooked with the trail running world.

Shortly after our first road marathon in September of 2015, we watched a documentary about an IT100 event and knew right then and there that we wanted to participate in it someday. It was quite a bit of money so we contemplated signing up for a while until a friend suggested we ask to be registered for this event as a Christmas present. Tyler’s mom and dad ended up registering us as a gift! January of this year we started training for our very first ultra marathon. That’s when I had no choice but to get over my fear of the trails and give it a try. My first time out there, I was hooked just like Tyler. I loved every second of being out in nature. I didn’t have to use headphones and never got bored as there was always an incredible view. We trained for 16 weeks and during that time had many unforeseen obstacles that we had to overcome, but those didn’t stop us and we pushed through. On April 30th, we ran our very first 50 mile ultra marathon together and finished under the 15 hour time limit. What a wonderful experience we had! We are already looking forward to running it again next year.

Also, we are excited for many more trail runs and races this spring and summer. We love to run/walk with our friends and family any chance we get. We have two little girls ages 5 and 3 who love going out and hiking/running on the trails as well as supporting us during our races. When they see us cross the finish line and see our medals they always say with excitement, “you won!” That’s so special to us. Our oldest participated in two races last year and did very well! We absolutely love that we can be role models for our children to be active and have fun at the same time. We love to inspire others to be active in any way they can. Without a doubt, if we can do this, anyone can!

-Shayna Bonney

Thank you Shayna and Tyler for sharing your awesome story. Congratulations on becoming ultrarunners over the weekend!!