CA Marathoning Mom Leaves Tread On 7 Continents, North Pole

SAN DIEGO, CA -- A lot has changed for San Diego County resident Vivian Lee in the last few years. The software consultant and mother of two went from doing pilates and yoga in 2013, to completing some of the world’s most brutal marathons.

Lee, who was recently inducted into the Marathon Grand Slam, has completed marathons on all seven continents and the North Pole in the past three years. She has jogged her way through areas such as the Sahara Desert, Inca Trail, and most recently, Antarctica.

Lee, who is now one of about 100 people in the world to complete the Grand Slam, said her journey to becoming a serial marathoner began in 2014 when a friend asked her to participate in a half-marathon rely.

“I had never ran before. Well, maybe to catch a bus,” said Lee, 47. “I don’t actually like to do any particular workouts and running had always been my most-dreaded activity. But, I did (the half-marathon rely) and it was actually easy and enjoyable.”

From there, Lee ran four half-marathons in 2015, before running her first marathon in the North Pole the following year. Lee said her infatuation with the destination drove her to run the marathon in the extreme cold.

“I met a bunch of experienced runners in the North Pole and they encouraged me to do the Grand Slam,” Lee said. “They told me the North Pole was the hardest marathon so I figured I could complete (the Grand Slam).”

But, the North Pole wasn’t the hardest marathon for Lee. She said the most difficult marathon was the Marathon des Sables, where she ran more than 150 miles in six days across the Sahara Desert in the unforgiving heat.

“Day 1 was hot,” Lee said. “Day 2, I got a blister. By day 3, I woke up thinking, ‘Jesus, what did I get myself into?' My body just swelled in the heat. It wasn’t even that bad during pregnancy.”

The African race has been named the “Toughest Footrace on Earth” as people suffer from dehydration while carrying their belongings throughout the course. But, Lee successfully finished the race.

“It was very intense and very raw,” Lee said. “Once you’re done, you feel good about yourself and you feel like you can overcome anything.”

With those thoughts in mind, Lee plans to run a 100K in Arizona soon. She also hopes to qualify for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a 103-mile race through Italy, France and Switzerland.

Lee admits her life has changed significantly since her first race in 2014 but says anyone can follow in her footsteps.

“I’m not someone who is considered athletic,” Lee said. “But, I’ve met a double-amputee and a blind man who ran in the marathons with me. If you want to do it, just put in the work. Just take one step at a time.”

--Images courtesy of Vivian Lee