I'm doing it. I'm going to run the Burning River 100 Mile Endurance Race this weekend. Maybe the hyperbole in my header isn't necessary, but this is, most certainly, not the best idea I've ever had.
Is that keeping me from going? Well, no. So, who's the more fool? (Or something like that.)
I'm not even going to go into all the reasons why I shouldn't do this. I'm embarrassed to lay them out in detail. Suffice it to say, my training has not progressed in the most fruitful manner lo these past two months. I have been unable to put in the quality long runs that would have been ideal given the goal race at hand.
However, I have a few things going for me: I am not a novice. It will be my first attempt at 100 Miles, yes, but it will also be my 19th Ultra and my 4th of 50 miles or longer. (That, to go with 10 other, "regular" marathons.) I am also healthy. 100%. No aches, no pains, no tightness, no illness. So that's good.
And I will have a little help. My sister has volunteered to make the 2 hour drive over from Pittsburgh to be my crew for the event. She'll be able to drive in and see me at 14 different aid station during the event, and will have a trunk full of supplies for me at each one.
Best of all, I have absolutely no goals or expectation for the event other than to finish before the cutoff times. The finish line closes after 30 hours. There's a very high probability that if I'm able to finish at all, it will take the full 30 hours. (Woohoo!)
I'm just going to try to have fun and keep moving steadily forward.
But if I die before I'm done, I'll try to let you know...
6 comments:
Good luck! With no expectations or goals, you can relax and just jog/walk the whole 100 miles with no stress. Enjoy it.
Thanks, Chris, that's exactly the plan. I'm actually trying to think of it as an advantage!
Whatever happens, it will make a good story. I'm looking forward to hearing about it. :)
Hot DAMN, G!!!! I'm so EXCITED for you! Dude, you can totally do it, there is no question in my mind. If I can do it, you will have no problem finishing this bad boy! I ran Vermont on a max of 40 mpw (twice, the rest of the time it was 30 mpw!) lingering knee and shin issues, and no hill training...and I had a kickass time! You have this in the bag. I can't wait to read all about your adventure.
Don't get caught up in everyone else's race (which I found very easy to do at first), and remember that when you hit rock bottom that it's just a short phase 'cuz you're going to soar very shortly. Having your sister there is going to be awesome for you and really make a huge difference having all your stuff, reliably, in one place each time, and a smiling familiar face to go along with it :)
Oh, man, I am so HAPPY for you, I'm downright giddy!!!
Smile a lot, have fun, and bring home that buckle!
Thanks, David, and Paige especially because I know you're still fresh in the afterglow of your first 100. I'm actually feeling relatively confident. If I can make it through the heat tomorrow afternoon and then the wee small hours of the morning, it'll all be good.
The well wishes mean a lot, guys, thanks!
Good luck, Greg! 100 miles, I know that is going to translate to a monster race report - can't wait for the good read.
Try hard, live the moment, no regrets....
JW
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