1) I'm ready for the unknown. After doing maybe a dozen marathons, I'm pretty sure now as I stand on the marathon starting line that I'm going to be able to finish. The 100 mile ultra is something completely new and different. I'm intrigued by the unknown. Ultrarunners say you experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I want to see what that's like.
I'd be a liar if I said I'm confident that I'll be able to finish under the 30 hour cutoff. I really don't know. (I'm guessing that anyone attempting their first 100 would be lying if they said they were confident that they could finish.) But I DO know that I'm going to plan to race smartly, and give everything I've got to make it to the finish.
2) The Javelina Jundred in particular sounds like so much fun. All the race reviews say it is like a 30 hour party. A "javelina" is some kind of wild pig but it's pronounced "Havelina". Race directors played on this "J" that sounds like an "H" by saying it's a Jundred mile race. It is held on a weekend close to Jalloween. Some of the aid stations are Jeadquarters and Jackass Junction. The whole experience sounds just plain fun.
3) I'm slow. I knew I was going to sign up for the 100 after getting a PR at the Top of Utah Marathon. I had trained hard, was well-prepared, and was confident in getting a personal record under 4 hours 25 minutes. I hoped to get around 4 hours. And yet I crossed the finish line in 4 hours 24 minutes. It was a bittersweet moment. I was happy to get a PR, but disappointed that it was by only one minute. One sissy minute.
A light bulb went off. I realized that I'm just not a fast runner. Maybe I'm not ever going to be fast. But maybe I could use that to my advantage because I do have endurance. During an ultra you don't need to be fast, you need to be steady. This is right up my ally. I've run 50k and 50 miles so now I'm ready to go for the whole enchilada.
I have this strong desire to show that an exceedingly average runner can still accomplish something big. I'm excited for this new adventure. I can't wait to jave fun, run with my whole jeart and soul, and jave an excuse to eat all the Jostess my stomach can jold. Ja ja ja.
You're going to do great!! Remember to keep on top of your fueling and hydration and that's all that matters, speed has nothing to do with finishing a 100-miler. I KNOW you can do it! Very excited for you!
ReplyDeleteSpeed isn't everything. I guess I say that because I'm not fast either. But, doing 100 miles is no small feet! You're going to do something incredible in a months time. Good for you. Now all you have to do is, Jave Fun!
ReplyDeletelove that quote! and you are incredibly inspiring to me. i feel the same way about my own running in that i am really not fast and dont think i will ever be exceptionally speedy but i feel confident that endurance is something I can work on! i am going to be cheering you on (from afar because I will be in Toronto that week) but seriously will be thinking about you and sending you positive vibes!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for this. You will do great. It is all in the mind. Take it easy, eat and drink lots and lots and you will finish this. All the best with the last preparations!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post and reasonings. As someone who struggles with endurance I completely admire you. You do it with a smile on your face and make it look easy and fun. That is what I love about you. You are always able to find the positive in every situation. I am beyond excited to watch you accomplish something so great.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the title of this post, I thought, "I don't know...why would someone run 100 miles?" Now, I think I get it.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear how this goes!
I liked the line in born to run that described these events as eating contests with running. Next year Id like to break into the ultra scene and see how it goes. You are way ahead of me, thanks for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I think you're perfectly trained and ready for it. I'm so intrigued by the whole idea of ultras. I'd like to follow in your footsteps sometime. I too want to see the lows and highs and know that I could endure.
ReplyDeleteYou're crazy! Crazy awesome and inspiring! I think you'll throw down at Javelina just like you do on Jostess!
ReplyDelete"Ja ja ja!" I don't think these "j" jokes are ever going to get old for me. I laughed out loud.
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of you for going big! I already think you do- without running 100 miles. Multiple marathons is a freaking big deal. You are right though- steady is also a talent. I need to learn more of it.
I would not describe you as "an exceedingly average runner" by any means. This is quite a feat that you've taken on, and an average runner would not be able to accomplish this by any means. So you enjoy your awesomeness because it exists even if you don't see it.
ReplyDeleteyou are nuts! but i admire you and am excited to hear the full race report. and i know you will do awesome and finish!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome ... I have so much respect for 100 mile ultra marathoners!!! Take care of yourself while you're out there ... I mean ... THAT'S 100 MILES MAN!!! No doubt you'll be awesome!
ReplyDeleteCory, you can do it. All of your marathons have been like training runs for this. I can't wait to read about the adventure of it. And of course the Jostess at the end!
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