Courtesy Photo | Lt. Nathanael Griggs, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville...... read more read more
While many of us took time to relax during the Veterans Day weekend this year, Lt. Nathanael Griggs, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville Fleet Logistics Support department Reserve Program director, was participating in the Tampa Bay 100 Mile Endurance Run in Tampa Bay, Florida.
This was Griggs’ first time competing in a 100-mile run but it had been on his mind for some time.
“This challenge has been sitting with me for about two years,” Griggs said. “Each year I kept procrastinating, I felt I wasn’t ready yet mentally and physically. This past August, I finally told myself to just register for one and give it my all. I wanted to see if I had the mindset and grit to overcome a challenge when things got dark and felt impossible.”
To prepare, Griggs did many long-distance runs of more than 10 miles, strength training for his legs, and hikes while wearing a 40-pound vest.
The race started on Nov. 8, 2025 at 5 a.m. and Griggs was at the starting line. During the course of the 100-mile run, there were many highs and lows he said.
“The experience was fun, brutal, challenging, and rewarding,” he said. “You will go through a wave of emotions throughout the race. One minute you’re on top of the world, and the next minute you’re regretting everything. I really did appreciate how everyone was caring and wanted to help in any way possible. Everybody just wanted each other to achieve the same goal.”
He said he did think about quitting several times during the 100 miles.
“Once when I reached the 50-mile aid station and finally sat down,” he said. “Just a wave of pain hit me and the lingering thought of having to do another 50 miles again was overwhelming.”
The most difficult part for him came around the 65-mile mark with 17 miles before reaching the last aid station.
“Every step I could feel the blisters that developed on my feet and just a simple jog was excruciating,” he said. “On top of all of that, I couldn’t wrap my head around that I had to do another 20 miles after the last aid station to make it to the finish line. The course felt like forever, and I was already sleep deprived.”
One thing that helped Griggs keep going was his parents and his friend who came to support him.
“The best part was seeing my crew at the finish line cheering me on,” he said. “Just a wave of emotions hit me all at once. Seeing how proud they were and the belief they had in me made the whole experience worth it. I had proven to myself that I have the grit to push through anything I put my mind to.”
With a final run time of 29 hours and 24 minutes, Griggs had finished the 100 miles.
“Running an ultra-race is an impressive accomplishment,” said Bert Brunson, NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville Fleet Logistics Support department deputy director. “It isn’t just the physical endurance that is required, but a mental challenge to endure and push through to the finish. He and his family should be extremely proud of what he just accomplished.”
For anyone crazy enough to want to do a 100-mile run like Griggs, he has some advice.
“Do a lot of long distance running and do a couple of marathons or 50-mile events prior to,” he said. “Get used to running when you’re tired and stay disciplined. Most importantly trust your heart and remind yourself why you’re there. There will be moments when you want to just throw in the towel, and that’s when the true race begins.”
Maybe you will see Griggs at the next 100-mile run as he is already planning to do another one in the fall of 2026.
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 07:46 |
| Story ID: | 551076 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Going the extra miles: NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville Sailor completes 100-mile run, by Tyler Grimes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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