Thoughts on the Run

Normally I don’t do this. The whole right down, or even say out loud, what my goals are for a race. I know that people say that it will help you achieve the goal. Well guess what … a lot can happen over 50 miles at 12,000 feet of altitude!

There’s always the first goal of survival. This is a race that I completed last year so from a mental standpoint, I know I can complete it. There are going to be moments of stopping, but I have a few tricks ready for my brain to keep things going. One of the constant challenges is making sure I eat. Doing anything for 12 hours requires consistent eating.

This race was also my first ultramarathon last year, so it holds some special meaning. The months leading up to the day were a new experience. Stress, unknown, no chance of doing this, dividing up my belongings at work, and planning for the worst.

My second goal I have for this race is to complete it faster then last year. It really shouldn’t be all that hard as long as I don’t take a wrong turn. Yup, that was me last year. At mile 27, had my head down and went right rather then left. I had some strong words for myself after that. Rolling into mile 32 I announced to everyone at the aid station that I was an idiot. Kind of therapeutic. If had to put an actual time on it, I want 12 hours.

The third goal of mine is the most consistent one: to have fun! Many people view me as a runner, but if you were to look at my running log, you may think otherwise. I consider myself more of an adventurer. Each time you step out onto a trail for a run, you lose a little bit of control. For all you know a mile in you could trip over a rock or run into a bear. It requires you to let go a little and connect with what is around you. Each marathon and ultra that I participate in changes my internal wiring a little more.

I have been having more and more fun at the ultra races this year because of the people there. I’m getting to know more and as it is a smaller group (900) then the big marathons (20,000 people) that it’s easier to catch up. The great part about those that run in these events is that they are (for the most part) humble, open-minded, and adapt to change. I mean, they have to be. Being on a trail for 8-12 hours in a day requires all 3 of those skills.

Since the Leadville Marathon about 2 weeks ago, I have put in a total of 20 miles on my feet. That’s really not a lot seeing as most train 60+ miles a week for this race and more for the Leadville 100 Trail Run that is a month away (oh yeah).

My next step is making the race plan for my crew (wife) with some time guesses and what I’m going to want at each aid station. If I think back, I do feel like I am in better shape and more prepared this year. The fact that I did the Leadville Marathon (6,500 feet of climbing!) with no music and no real impact by altitude (except at 13,125 feet) still seems like a dream.

Really what Sunday’s Silver Rush 50 in Leadville will come down to is forward momentum. When those moments of complete exhaustion, mentally and physically, just want me to stop.

It happens in everyone’s life. Just need to re-group, make your own choice, and move forward.