Run. Run Some More.
Interesting to see the running threads as the year was ending that read, “like my post and I will run 3 miles, comment on it, I will run 5 miles and share it, I will run 10 miles.” That is surely one way to get motivated and help ring in the new year and your goals you have set for running. After feet problems and a busy schedule today starting my training for my next running challenge.
Initially I wanted to compete in my first 100 mile race, but after the disappointment I felt logging my first DNF in October while running the Dick Collins Firetrails 50, I have reconsidered my skill and abilities at this point in my running. I plan on running two races the first part of 2016. The first race is the Relentless Razorback that will take place in early March. This will be the second time I have participated in this race. What makes this race amazing, Tracy Johnson, the organizer and race director. She is flat out AWESOME when it comes to supporting the event and all the runners. This will be my first 100k (62.5 miles) event over a 2-mile loop that only has a 90 foot elevation change. All things considered, I should be successful in this challenge, which will make this the longest race.
I never intend to win an event or even my age group. For me, at age 46, finishing is winning. This is the same way I approached the American River 50 last year and ended up crossing the finish line in 13:52:55. The race challenges your physically, yet you continue to find that strength deep inside to make it to the next aid station. This sort of endurance race can mentally break you demolish you. I felt this in my last 50 mile attempt as my lack of training and all the hills put me in a bad place and I was never able to recover and make up lost time.
The following month, April its back to Folsom and the 2016 American River 50! This year I plan on crossing the finish line with my running partner, Brian N. It was very difficult to go on after he dropped out of the race at mile 41 due to a swollen and twisted ankle he suffered around mile 20. Amazing to think he soldiered on for another 21 miles. Without him, I am not sure I would have crossed the finish line. Thankfully, things went my way that day and I was blessed with good friends and a finishing medal when I heard my name and time as I crossed the timing strip. It was an amazing race, one I look very forward to this year and improving on my time.
