Kristy Truesdale is no stranger to endurance—both in her work and on the racecourse. As the Building Operations Supervisor, the Obesity Medicine Fellowship Coordinator, and assistant to the Executive Director and the Director of Finance and Administration, she plays a vital role in keeping the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center running smoothly. But Kristy’s dedication extends far beyond the walls of the center. This year, she put her mental and physical resilience to the test by competing in The DRIFT, one of Wyoming's most extreme winter endurance races. Battling freezing temperatures and relentless winds in unforgiving terrain, Kristy proved that strength isn’t just about finishing a race—it’s about the determination to start in the first place.
Through this Wellness Warrior feature, we dive into what drives Kristy to take on such a formidable challenge, the preparation that went into it, and the valuable lessons she’s learned about perseverance, wellness, and pushing past limits.
Wellness Connections: What drew you to participate in The Drift, and what motivates you to take on such a challenging race?
Kristy Truesdale: Our family is part of a very wonderful and active community. When asked by a friend to consider The Drift, I initially dismissed it. I have run plenty of warm-weather races and was not concerned about the distance (half-marathon). It’s the weather that is daunting. The weather can be extreme and change quickly in the days before and while on course. It could be a Wyoming 
blizzard, a bluebird day, or wind so strong it can hold you upright. You have to be prepared to be primarily self-sufficient and be prepared for the unknown. The half-marathon distance that I completed was quite manageable to prepare for, but this race includes 28-mile and 100-mile distances as well; another level of preparedness to consider. I said yes to participate in The Drift when my 13-year-old son decided he was up for the challenge. I certainly wasn’t going to let him show me up. We have raced together plenty in the past, so I decided to join in. He motivates me, as do my good friends who brought up the challenge initially. They are both competing in the 100-mile race. One was on a bike, and the other on skis. You can compete on foot, ski, or fat-bike in any of the distances offered.
Wellness Connections: How do you balance training for an endurance race like The Drift with your daily life and responsibilities?
Kristy Truesdale: Training for this distance has been very easy to integrate into my daily life. The goal to complete the 13-mile distance has kept us active all winter and trained us on what gear works best in each type of weather. It looks like a variety of hiking distances on the weekends (6-12 miles) and shorter hikes whenever else we can fit them into our schedule (2-6 miles). I have a busy schedule with our family and work, so if our time is limited, we just get out there for a few miles, several days in a row if possible. A longer distance would require a much greater time commitment, which I don’t have available right now, but possibly when my kids are a bit older!
Wellness Connections: How has your involvement with the Center helped you understand the importance of long-term wellness and fitness goals, especially when training for something like The Drift?
Kristy Truesdale: The professionals who work at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center are always a fantastic source of information and live by example. From wellness-focused Town Hall meetings to the majority of faculty and staff making a point to take the stairs as their primary travel throughout the building, every aspect of the center teaches me something. We have an excellent culinary team, discussions on mental well-being, wellness-focused research, and leadership that promotes wellness by example. It is an all-encompassing center for wellness, and a wonderful place to work.
"I believe that the most powerful tool that we have is the mind. This race was a mental commitment more than anything."
Wellness Connections: Can you walk me through your training process? What’s the hardest part of preparing for a race like this?
Kristy Truesdale: Of course, I have previously mentioned the training, and I added weight training. I do try to stretch every day. Like many people, I have some back issues, so if I stretch regularly, it makes all the difference. Knowing when to rest is important, and how different types of snow (groomed, deep, powdery, chunky) might change the energy and time needed to complete the distance is important—finding the right gear that works with the weather. The hardest part for me was learning that success is really about self-care. You HAVE to take care of yourself to complete a race in extreme weather conditions. You don’t want to sweat, so how do layers accommodate that? Are they easily adjustable? Do you have a way to carry extra things you don’t need on your body anymore, or a way to store items with you if the weather turns for the worse? Calories are very important in adverse conditions. How will you keep your water from freezing?
Wellness Connections: What small but impactful changes have you made in your training that could benefit others looking to improve their fitness or endurance?
Kristy Truesdale: Nutrition and consistency with stretching!
Wellness Connections: What advice or strategy from your training would help anyone, regardless of their fitness level, stay motivated and consistent with their wellness goals?
Kristy Truesdale: I believe the most powerful tool we have is the mind. This race was a mental commitment more than anything. I think having a person to train with, or an accountability partner, is very helpful. Nutrition, of course, plays a big role. I am always the most motivated when I have a goal to work toward, so I typically sign up for a race far in advance to keep myself moving.
Kristy described the race as the "most challenging race I have completed, but also the most rewarding." With temperatures in the teens and twenties, 30-40 mph winds, and trails that could easily bury you in several feet of snow, every step was a battle against nature. "When you push yourself to do hard things, you realize you are capable of so much more," she shared. Despite the tough conditions, the support from the community stood out, with even the 100-milers cheering on the shorter race participants. "I’ll definitely be back next year," Kristy says, already preparing for the next challenge ahead.
To learn more about The Drift and how to sign up, visit their website here.
