"I should be dead". Sabrina Pace-Humphreys talks to Sophie Raworth about hearly dying at the UTMB

In this episode of the Runners World Podcast, host Sophie Raworth interviews fellow runner Sabrina Pace-Humphreys about her traumatic experience completing the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Initially, Sabrina struggled through severe fatigue and hallucinations during the race, culminating in a life-threatening condition called exertional rhabdomyolysis.

Sabrina described that while crawling up the last stage of the race, she lost consciousness and her memory of that part completely. After being evaluated by medical staff—who noticed her confusion and inability to function properly—she was withdrawn from the race and flown by helicopter to a medical facility.

At the hospital, Sabrina learned she had acute kidney failure due to the breakdown of muscle tissue and high potassium levels affecting her heart. She spent time in intensive care and discussed the importance of recognizing the warning signs of something like rhabdomyolysis, which can manifest through symptoms like dark-colored urine and unusual muscle weakness.

Both hosts reflected on the broader implications of pushing oneself in such extreme sports, contemplating the balance between ambition and health. Sabrina emphasized needing to reconsider her approach to racing and where to draw the line for future events, as well as the importance of becoming aware of one's body's signals to prevent serious injury.