9Round International Partner Conquers the Grindstone 100
At 9Round, we know that real growth happens when you push yourself beyond what you thought was possible. One of our dedicated International Master Developers, Ariel Cabrera of Guatemala, who also happens to be a passionate endurance athlete, recently completed one of the toughest ultra marathons: the Grindstone 100 in the Shenandoah Valley. This event isn’t just a race—it’s a test of physical and mental endurance that few are brave enough to attempt.
What is the Grindstone 100?
The Grindstone 100 is a 100-mile ultra-marathon trail race through the George Washington National Forest. Participants face 21,000 feet of elevation gain while navigating rugged, challenging terrain. It’s not just a race; it’s an immersion into nature, demanding strength, resilience, and mental fortitude. For anyone who has never experienced trail running, it’s about connecting with the natural world and testing your limits.
Why Take on the Challenge?
For Cabrera, the motivation to sign up for such a grueling race came from a desire to push past comfort zones and experience personal growth. “We live in a world of comfort,” he explains. “But true growth comes when we embrace discomfort.”
For him, this race was a way to stretch his physical and mental boundaries. And beyond personal growth, his greatest motivation was his family. His wife and kids constantly inspire him to strive for more every day. As he puts it, “If you’re not better tomorrow than you were today, what’s the point of tomorrow?”
The Preparation: Physical and Mental Training
Preparing for the Grindstone 100 was no small feat. With over a decade of endurance sports experience, Cabrera trained rigorously. The physical preparation involved gradually increasing his weekly mileage from 30 to 80 miles a week. Nutrition was a key focus, as he needed to fuel his body for an incredible 15,000-calorie burn during the race.
But the mental preparation was just as intense. “Ultra-running is as much a mental game as a physical one,” he says. His training included reading motivational books, watching videos of other ultra-runners, and journaling. By the time race day came around, his mantra became: “I am strong, I am solid, I am ready.”
The Role of 9Round in Training
While running on trails strengthens certain muscles, the supporting muscles, like the core, are essential for maintaining good posture and an efficient stride. Cabrera used 9Round to strengthen these key areas, improving his overall running form. By focusing on functional fitness at 9Round, he was able to better prepare his body for the grueling demands of this ultra-marathon.
Overcoming the Unexpected
Ultra marathons are unpredictable, and things don’t always go as planned. During the Grindstone 100, he encountered a tough moment at mile 70 when a storm prevented his support crew from reaching him. Without batteries for his headlamp and with limited food, negative thoughts crept in. “I didn’t know if I could continue,” he recalls.
But he took a step back, reassessed the situation, and adapted. With the help of fellow runners, he was able to get what he needed and continue the race. That moment of adaptability became one of the race’s greatest lessons.
33 Hours and 7 Minutes of Determination
After 33 hours and 7 minutes of non-stop running, he crossed the finish line—exhausted, but victorious. The sense of accomplishment wasn’t just about finishing the race; it was about what he learned along the way and the journey that brought him to that point.
Lessons Learned: Focus, Discipline, Consistency
Endurance sports, especially ultra marathons, offer life lessons that extend far beyond the finish line. Cabrera’s advice to anyone looking to tackle a big fitness challenge is simple: focus, discipline, and consistency. These three principles can help anyone achieve extraordinary things, whether it's running 100 miles or reaching any other significant goal in life.
Inspiring Others to Push Limits
At 9Round, we believe that fitness is more than just a workout; it’s about pushing your limits, embracing challenges, and growing stronger every day. Our International Master Developer’s journey through the Grindstone 100 is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible. His journey not only inspired his family and community but serves as an example for anyone willing to push themselves to be better, stronger, and more resilient.
If you're ready to take on your next big challenge—whether it's launching your own business, seizing a franchise opportunity with 9Round, or taking your career to new heights—take a page out of his book: embrace discomfort, stay focused, and keep pushing forward. Your future success is waiting.
