In 2009 I ran my first 50 miler. It was an amazing experience and a huge part of that experience was due to a darling lady named Jenna Gruben. She was the 2008 winner and also acted as the local volunteer race organizer. She not only helped put on the event, but she also ran the race, and she won it again.
Jenna and I traded of the lead for the entire race. We ran a 6 mile stretch together. When do you ever see two people in the lead position of a race running together, chatting it up, and developing a friendship on the trail? This is part of the magic that is ultrarunning, and also part of the kindness that was par for the course for Jenna. Jenna eventually pulled away from me at mile 42 and took the win, with a smile on her face and jumping into the arms of her husband.
Jenna and I had just a week to add each other on Facebook and throw around a few conversations about teaming up for the Trans Rockies Run this year, but first she was off on a 4 month honeymoon to Nepal. This girl lived life in a big way. She did things that we all dream of. She made them happen.
Recently back from her honeymoon, I saw Jenna on this starting line this weekend. She introduced me to her two running pals Cara and Angie. They were super excited to run the 33K which Jenna called “the fun run”. We exchanged a big hug and it was time for me to hit the starting line.
Jenna ran a great race and placed 4th amongst stiff competition. She hit the road with her gal pals to head back to Steamboat after the race.
Jenna and her two friends were involved in an auto accident on the way home and Jenna is no longer with us. I am so terribly saddened by this, and I know she wouldn’t want me to be sad but to think of the amazing things she did with her life. And, really, her short life was truly an amazing one.
Ah, she will be so very sorely missed.
Today all I can think of is her wonderfully loving husband, her running partners that adored her, and her family. I am willing thoughts of love and strength their direction. We all know what an absolutely amazing person she was, it oozed from her every pore.
One that Jenna liked:
“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”
Jenna makes an appearance in my Run Rabbit Run movie.
What wonderful memories of a special person–it seems like everyone that knew her loved her.
wow – such a great person to be gone so soon; yet what a wonderful life to celebrate! it’s not the average person that makes such an impression in just a couple hours – my thoughts are with her family.
Thank you for sharing this. My thoughts are with her husband and family.
Yes, thanks for sharing – how sad! I remember you writing about your 50 mile race and your story with her. I think you’ll be able to reach a lot people with post and help her send a message – LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!
So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. My thoughts are with you and her family.
thank you for sharing her story. my thoughts will be with you and her family.
What sad news. People like Jenna (and you) make me want to live my life more fully every day. The world needs more people like Jenna.
That is so sad. My thoughts are with you.
Those types of accidents are always the most scary to me. I guess you never see something like that coming but it always saddens me when I hear about them. Jenna sounds like a wonderful person. I’m so sorry for her family and friends.
Sonja,
;
Sometimes the people we meet for the briefest time in our lives leave the greatest impact. You will carry on Jenna’s wonderful
running spirit because you love trail running in the same way as she did. Think of her during your next trail race with that huge smile on your face and you will be helping celebrate her life and spirit.
Thoughts and many prayers to her husband and family.
So incredibly sad – my thoughts and prayers are wih her husband and family. Thank you for sharing her warmth with us!
During times like these you simply have to be happy that you met her, and were able to see her perspective on life, so that it may help you lead a better one…
Please extend my thoughts to her husband and family.
What a nice tribute to friendship!
Stay tuned…
Wow. Completely blindsided by this post Sonja.
It sounds like she didn’t leave us with many regrets. That is all that you can really ask for.