What does it take to complete 100 miles on a treadmill? Here’s a breakdown of what it took for Shawn –

14 hours 53 minutes and 23 seconds
2 Cokes
1 Dr. Pepper
2 bananas
2 bean and cheese Taco Bell burritos
2 Hammer gels
Unknown number of bottle of Fluid & Hammer Perpetuem
4 shots of pickle juice
2 fans
2 squirt bottles of water
4 movies
1 documentary
Countless hours of music
1 pair of shoes & socks
1 pee

Started around 6 am, finished 10 minutes to 9 pm. As I write this, I’m nauseous. Sore. Stiff. It reminds me of my first marathon. I’m moving around the house slowly – which actually feels better than sitting and then subsequently trying to move again.

The first 50k went smooth. I watched some horror movies (which my wife hates), and it went by quickly. I wanted to quit between miles 40-50 – my energy levels getting low. After 50, knowing that I was halfway, my spirits lifted and I chugged on. I don’t think I could have completed this goal without the support of my wife, Kristina. Running 100 on a treadmill was definitely easier for me, because I could set the pace and stick with it, or fall back on the belt, plus there was distraction with audio visuals. An environment you can control. It was motivational to see all the thumbs ups and hearts and most of all the words of encouragement come through online. I had second thoughts about doing this, and started to come up with What If’s…What if I don’t make it? What if my treadmill dies? Etc. But THE REASON I endured was to be able to help the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, and to commemorate my dad – these reasons alone more than enough to keep my motivated and on track.

The final 20 miles went by fairly well. I was upbeat and excited to finish. When the conclusion drew near, Kristina called the boys in to count down. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1!!! And just like that, it was over. I did it. I ran 100 miles on a treadmill.

I celebrated with a beer and my bed.

By Shawn Bussert

Shawn took this endeavor on, on Father’s Day this past Sunday, to raise money for the Brave Like Gabe Foundation and in honor of his father, who he lost to cancer last year. The Brave Like Gabe Foundation supports rare cancer research and empowers all cancer survivors through physical activity. For more information on the foundation, about Gabe Grunewald, or to make a donation to this cause, please see HERE!