Jenn's Losing It

Everyone has had one those moments mid-workout where you just want to throw in the towel and quit. Whether it’s because of the pouring rain, a pounding headache, sheer exhaustion, or the fact that you just aren’t feeling it, one thing separates those who give in from those who push forward and ultimately get fitter, stronger, and healthier: mental tenacity. Zoë Romano, a 25-year-old University of Richmond graduate, knows a thing or two on the subject. Right now, she’s in the midst of running the Tour de France course (yes, you read that right— running !) to raise at least $100,000 for the World Pediatric Project, a charity that helps critically ill children and brings healthcare to developing nations. Romano will run an average of 30 miles per day over the course of two months and finish the 2,000-mile course on July 20—just one day ahead of when the pro cyclists will get there. This isn’t the first time she’s put her physical—and mental—limits to the test, either. In 2011, she ran 2,8...