Rocky Revelation
I learned something this weekend, which will probably come as no surprise to you.
I can't run 100 miles without training.
I know that sounds weird, but I guess that thought never occurred to me. I don't live like that- with limits on myself. Deep down, I think I can do anything, any time. And that's not exactly true. I can't run 100 miles without training.
I haven't exercised in months. I don't go to the gym; I don't run; I don't bike; I don't do anything but work. I ran once in August, twice in September, twice in November, and again this past weekend (all races). I didn't have the physical capacity or the mental clarity to finish. I stopped at 60 miles, not because I was physically broken down- I had run the cleanest race ever- but because I simply did not want to run any more.
It's very difficult to withdraw from a race, and this one was especially hard. I've finished it the last two years, and I might could've this year, had my mind been in the right place. And when it was all over, and I distanced myself from the situation, I came away with three things:
Don't try to run 100 miles without training.
Don't run in worn-out shoes.
Get brighter lights.
That's it. If I decide to race this length in the future, I'm going to have to find time to train. I really want to get back on my bike, but we'll see.
The guy who won, Anton Krupicka, (and his girlfriend, Jenn Shelton, who got third overall and first of women) were incredible. It's like they're not real people. They run like antelope through the woods and at the end (finishing times 13:32 and 14:57) they didn't even look tired. They are amazing.
Thanks to my friends Kari and Audra (pictured, left to right), who drove me down to the race, catered to my every whim, put up with my attitude, and generally did the dirty work of crewing an ultra-runner. That can't be fun. So thanks a lot to both of you for that.
Back in business tomorrow. I just finished roasting, and we're raring to go with $2 Tuesday just hours away.
More (obvious) revelations when I come up with them...
I can't run 100 miles without training.
I know that sounds weird, but I guess that thought never occurred to me. I don't live like that- with limits on myself. Deep down, I think I can do anything, any time. And that's not exactly true. I can't run 100 miles without training.
I haven't exercised in months. I don't go to the gym; I don't run; I don't bike; I don't do anything but work. I ran once in August, twice in September, twice in November, and again this past weekend (all races). I didn't have the physical capacity or the mental clarity to finish. I stopped at 60 miles, not because I was physically broken down- I had run the cleanest race ever- but because I simply did not want to run any more.
It's very difficult to withdraw from a race, and this one was especially hard. I've finished it the last two years, and I might could've this year, had my mind been in the right place. And when it was all over, and I distanced myself from the situation, I came away with three things:
Don't try to run 100 miles without training.
Don't run in worn-out shoes.
Get brighter lights.
That's it. If I decide to race this length in the future, I'm going to have to find time to train. I really want to get back on my bike, but we'll see.
The guy who won, Anton Krupicka, (and his girlfriend, Jenn Shelton, who got third overall and first of women) were incredible. It's like they're not real people. They run like antelope through the woods and at the end (finishing times 13:32 and 14:57) they didn't even look tired. They are amazing.
Thanks to my friends Kari and Audra (pictured, left to right), who drove me down to the race, catered to my every whim, put up with my attitude, and generally did the dirty work of crewing an ultra-runner. That can't be fun. So thanks a lot to both of you for that.
Back in business tomorrow. I just finished roasting, and we're raring to go with $2 Tuesday just hours away.
More (obvious) revelations when I come up with them...
posted by Brian at 9:26 PM
1 Comments:
I am so happy you made it back all in one piece. Now just watch out for Paul Tay :)
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