I waited a week after my first 50 mile event to register for my next one: Lake Sonoma 50 Mile.
Saturday that day arrives.
I’ll be running a 50 mile trail race with 10,500′ elevation gain (and an equal amount of loss – see chart below) and several water crossings. Why can’t I run an ultra without getting wet? It has 6 river crossings (that you do twice), it says “ankle-deep water,” but I see pictures of runners in previous years in waist deep. Never trust an Ultra site (half serious).
I’ll be running with my good friend Chris. We ran NFEC 50 together, so it will be great company and a familiar approach to the distance. I feel like my training has been better and Chris has been killing it on runs and rides.
4 months after my first 50 miler, I’ll be trying to finish in under 11 hours, the qualifying standard for the Western States 100. That would be shaving an hour off of my time. Chris has finished in that time before and it’s more of my “self-imposed goal,” but he’s down for some qualifying fun.
Click here to see some course photos from a fellow blogger!
Running races the past few weeks has allowed me to keep my mind OFF the fact that its time to put all the cards on the table, so to speak.
Here are my current thoughts written without filter:
- What did I get myself into?
- You’ve got this. A 50k PR and a marathon PR in your pocket, get it son!
- Anything can happen when running for 11 hours, good or bad.
- You’re not ready.
- Yes you are, trust in your training.
- Chris ain’t going to wait for your slow ass.
- You cant tweet out your failure.
- Yes you can, they’ll understand.
- Do it for wifey, she’s waiting at the finish line.
- It’ll be a story to tell the First Lady, make it a happy one.
- Find your motivation. Run with it.
I’ve been running a lot and racing often. My training has been consistent and there are definitely confidence builders on the calendar.
I’m nervous, plain and simple. It’s a distance that you can’t just go out and race again if it doesn’t go right.
I’m going to follow advice often given and well received: “Trust in your training.”
Tomorrow on my mind.
You always feel like you could have done more,
but I’m a day away from finding out if it was enough.
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Run the mile you are in.
This is your time, PR,your time!
One step at a time! You’ve done the leg work. You are strong! Go get it!!
good luck!!!
Good luck!!! You are going to do awesome!!!
Have a great race. Enjoy the challenge. Can’t wait to read about it afterwards.
Trust in your training 100%! Have a great race!
50 miles? you.are.awesome!
gooooood luck! have no doubt you’re gonna crush it!
With those SF hills being something you’re SO used to, no bigs man!
Holy hills man – and miles – and I love your thoughts. They made me smile. No matter what happens, you’re a total rock star and the First Lady will be the proudest girl when she can brag about her dad! And I love that last thought. Sums it up perfectly.
YOU GOT THIS!! And then you get to come run with me! Your favourite Darwinian Fail! Can’t wait to hear all about it!!
Good luck!! I can’t imagine running 50-miles, and through water! Amazing!
Go get it! I’m feeling good about the roll you’re on and how that’s gonna translate tomorrow. I’ll be thinking of you!
You’re a beast! And I love your filterless thoughts :)
One mile at a time :) You’ve got this! And no matter what time you finish, you will still be accomplishing 50 miles!! Not many of us can say that :) Wishing you a strong and happy trail run!!
Oh, pre-race jitters … they don’t listen to logic or reason, but you’ve put the work in, and I’m sure that will pay off! Good luck!
Pre-race jitters are just part of the journey. It is so easy to doubt your training but have faith, stay in the moment, enjoy the journey! But you know all that.
Good luck!
You’ve totally got this. I agree with Miss Zippy – you are on a roll and I believe that your PR streak will continue. Yes, trust in your training. Dude – you’re killing it. Trust that and go get it!
One mile at a time! Good luck!
I find it takes a special kind of person to run an ultra-marathon. I mean special as in “cuckoo”. LOL!
Bad. Ass. That is all! :)
I’m excited for you! I want you to make that qualifying time. I’m not an ultra girl, but I’m reading born to run and am on the part where they’re talking about Leadville and the western states 100 so I’m excited to recognize that name. Can’t wait to hear about it. You’re ready! You don’t need luck.
Good luck!!! I can’t wait to hear how you do!
I’m running my first 50 in October – can’t wait!! Hoping that a 100 will be next!
Good luck! I think you’ll do great!
Love the first comment “Run the mile your in”
Good luck! You’re going to do fantastical! :)