With a backpack full of snacks and Gatorade, Junior Charlie Rolfsen set out to try and run 100 miles straight with no training. This idea started just three days earlier, and he said it turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of his life. 

“I don’t really have an answer as to why I did it. Maybe it was to show off, or prove something to someone, or maybe I was just bored,” Rolfsen said. “I wanted to test my mental strength and see if I was strong enough to push my body to the absolute limit.” 

The run started off pretty light, as the first 60 miles were easier than expected for Rolfsen. The pain started to increase in the last five miles of his long run, slowing his pace and forcing him to rely on his mental toughness. 

”Those last few miles from 60 to 65 was the hardest thing I have ever done and will ever do in my life,” Rolfsen said. “Toward the end I had no intention of quitting but it had taken me two and a half hours just to walk mile 65. My body won’t be back to its normal self for about a month but my mind is stronger than ever.” 

At the beginning, not everyone believed he would actually attempt this run. Despite this, friends, family, and even neighbors came out during the day to run with him or cheer him on. 

“Many people did not take it seriously at first and thought I was just joking around. It wasn’t until I started that everyone realized how big of a commitment it would be and the support that I would need,” Rolfsen said. “I was running for 21 hours straight and was only by myself for three of those hours. I am so grateful for everyone that stopped by, ran with me, and even dropped off snacks.” 

Through this whole experience, the moment that stuck with Rolfsen the most was at the end of his run. After almost a full day of running, his neighbor stopped him and had a meaningful conversation that changed his perspective about the run.

 ”He told me something that changed how I saw the challenge and what my goal truly was,” Rolfsen said. “I don’t remember his exact words, but what he told me made me realize that I had done enough already and I didn’t matter if I stopped then or at 100. After he told me what he did, he walked away into the dark. I stopped, looked up at the stars, and went inside.”