It's not an accident that this race is called the Buffalo Run. There are indeed 500 head of buffalo on the island. Last year when I ran the 50 miler none of them got too close.
ALTHOUGH......check out what the race website says:
Last year some of our 100 mile runners had a friendly chat with some bison as they were running on the Mountain View Trail. As in close enough to touch them. It was a bit scary, but no one got hurt. If you encounter bison on the trail, generally they will get out of your way, however, some of the bulls (1500-1800 lbs.) are obstinate and won’t budge. Bison will also charge you (and not with credit cards) if you enter their personal space. The charges are generally short but can result in having to clean out your shorts, and that leads to chafing issues.
I am undoubtedly hoping I don't have to "clean out my shorts". My daughter Danica drew me this picture, I assume to help me be one with the buffalo:
I am also incredibly fortunate that my pacer for the last 30 miles is my good friend Jared Thorley. I ran an ultra with him last year and he understands distance races well. He is going for the whole enchilada, the Zion 100 next month. I'm so thankful he wanted to join me. He has full permission to slap me if I start whining that my legs hurt, or complaining that I keep seeing Smurfs.
I'm better trained than I've ever been for a race. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. Before my first 100 miler I tried to imagine that it would be the worst pain I'd ever experienced. Even then, I far underestimated how much it would hurt. I'm nervous about night time and that tight grip of exhaustion and fatigue that makes me fall asleep while running.
Despite those challenges, the rewards far outweigh the costs. You are not the same person at the finish line of a 100 miler that you are at the starting line. I'm ready to fight.
I can't stop laughing. They will charge you and not with credit cards. I didn't know that buffalo were so menacing till I went out to Yellowstone. Pretty much buffalo don't play. HAHAHA!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! So excited for your race!
Good luck Cory!! I am sure you will do great and that the pain will be more than worth it. Stay away from the Buffalo!! :)
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I love your kids. Seriously they are great. Secondly I always appreciate your perspective about everything. You definitely have your head glued on straight. :) You have done the training, you are ready, now go out there and enjoy the journey!
ReplyDeletehmmm- can't say I'd like to come across a buffalo in the middle of the night.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on those lovely 100 miles!
Good luck, I can't wait to hear how it goes.
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome prerace tidbit of info! Definitely trumps "watch for wild mustangs". Good luck!! I can't wait to hear all about it and see your amazing pictures!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I hope it all goes well and that your daughters picture doesn't come true! I know buffalo don't charge you with credit cards, but I hear they're taking paypal these days.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear all about it!
If I am ahead of you I will ask them kindly to step to the side and let you pass!! Normally at night if I can make it past midnight I am good as far a sleepiness. Since this one starts at noon it may be a bit delayed as compared to others. Mine have been early starts, wasn't Javelina like 6am?
ReplyDeleteWhile thinking of motivation tactics, I figured I could convert my old Ace of Base and Paula Abdul cassette tapes to digital (or just re-buy the digital versions, but that's not as nostalgic). I'll pump up those tunes if you start complaining. I'll even sing-along if things get apocalyptic. You'll start moving if I'm behind you singing, "All that she wants is another baby, she's gone tomorrow boy. All that she wants is another baby, iiieeeeaaaa...Do-do-do-doop." I have my ways...
ReplyDeleteHowever, you are really gonna rock this thing. I see a 100 mile PR in the near future. And it won't be because of me. You have those 4am runs and 100 mile weeks to thank for that. May the bison bring you home.
Good luck!!! What an accomplishment! Don't get charged by any bulls...maybe you should carry an extra pair of underpants just in case ;)
ReplyDeleteOh boy, I can't decide if reading this helped me be more nervous, or more excited about my upcoming adventure. Do you have a packing list you would like to share with me? What precisely do you use on your feet for blisters? Duct tape, moleskin, bandaids? Any tips for feet??
ReplyDeletePS-your daughter's picture is pretty cute. I wonder what gave her the idea you would be running in cowboy boots :)
Bring an extra pair of shorts, just in case!
ReplyDeleteI'm super excited for you this weekend, Cory. Make it hurt bad, really bad, and all will be good! I'll be thinking about you out there, listen for my cheers from Denver!!