Saturday, September 10, 2016

50 miler, March 25, 2017

First things first: Make a Plan.

27 weeks and 5 days.

Not necessarily in the right order this time but here's what I've done.
1) researched the race and lodging
2) asked Kassandra to join me
3) make a deposit on a hotel room in Mexican Hat, UT

This is what I need to do:
1) train for my first 50 miler
2) finished another 50K (my last one was in 2013)
3) register for the race

3 for 6 - I'm half way there.

Now for the reveal. This is the race:

The Monument Valley 50 mile

On March 25, 2017

Here are some of things people are saying about the race:

At every race, there are many stories to be told. But in the Ultra-Adventures Monument Valley Ultramarathons (100-mile, 50mile, 55km, and 25km), which take place on the sovereign Navajo Nation, the stories can be both ancient and fascinating. It is rare that a race can be both educational and breathtaking. The land and the people of this race have as much character and charm as can ever be experienced in any race. (Source: http://endurancetourist.com/2015/04/15/race-review-2015-ua-monument-valley-100/)

nobody complained about the sand. The very challenging running conditions were FAR surpassed by the stunning beauty of the course. The people I talked to were beyond willing to do some sand slogging to drink in the beauty that was surrounding us. We all knew we were surrounded by something amazing, something spiritual, something special. (Source: http://www.fastcory.com/2015/03/monument-valley-50-race-report-2015.html)

We were running on Navajo land, trusted with the privilege to explore a world that is usually off-limits to tourists unaccompanied by a Navajo guide. We savored the peace of the first five miles, past Left Mitten, to the aid station. (Source: http://www.trailrunnermag.com/races/featured-races/1234-a-rare-run-on-navajo-lands)

26 week training plan starts Monday.

 

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

A run to the wilderness

Monday was the bestest day ever. Although I paid for it today, Tuesday with too much work.

I woke up on Monday and decided if I'm going to do this Leadville thing I better get used to running above treeline at 11,000 feet.

My first plan was to drive to Berthoud Pass and run / hike to Flora. I forgot about the traffic leaving the valley. As I drove through downtown Tabernash and saw the line of traffic I turned and headed toward Meadow Creek Reservoir. I  didn't bring my map because I was just going to follow the trail from the top of Berthoud. So when I got to Meadow Creek Res I wasn't sure what trail or where to go. I started running the road not sure what was at Junco trailhead.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Bob Saint from the Grand County Wilderness Group manning the cabin. I knew about the cabin and I knew about the group. I just didn't really understand where it was. He was awesome, gave me a few options for a hike and off I was.

I decided on Caribou Pass since it was a little harder with more incline.

I make great decisions about 79 percent of the time. This was one of them. What a great/hard hike/run. Once I got above treeline and saw those freaking high peaks - I knew I made the right decision about Leadville.

I've been road biking and road running for so long - since 2008. It was time to get back to my 18-year-old roots - hiking in the mountains. Or in this case running in the mountains.

Why the heck have I never been up here. Caribou Pass was spectacular - rocks, crags, Continental Divide - seriously - I haven't felt so alive in so long. I haven't felt the AWE in so long.


Caribou Pass sign

The view looking south
Heading back down to Junco

The view looking northeast.

Don't forget to pay the day pass fee.
Here is the link to Movescount.


Saturday, September 3, 2016

The Ultra Runner's Prayer

I saw this posted on the Hideaway Running Events Facebook page and had to steal it. Good luck to all the ultra runners out in Winter Park today. While I was planning to run the 50K, today I am running the half marathon. #trainingslump


Lord,
Watch over me today as I run.
I have paid the price to run this race
through the summer heat, the winter winds,
up those hills.
There are other days and other races,
But this is the day and this is the time for this race.

Lord,
Watch over my body.
Keep it from injury.
As I run, may the tiredness and the pain be the symbol
of victory and not the reason for defeat.
May I acknowledge my limitations,
but not accept less than my potential.

Lord,
Watch over my mind.
May I be intelligent as I run.
May I listen to the signals from within
as I enjoy the scenes from without.
Keep me from foolishness at the start
so that I can finish with wisdom at the end.

Lord,
Watch over my spirit.
As time passes and my commitment
dims and blurs, may the inner resources that
You gave me come forward and give me the
resolve to press onward.

Lord,
Watch over my competitors.
As they face the physical, mental, emotional and
spiritual challenges we all face, may they find the
peace and strength that I have found through You.
Remind them that we all are struggling equally
and that their personal victory is a result of Your guidance.

Lord,
Watch over the trails and mountains.
As they seek to challenge me, may they also offer
havens of comfort and shelter from storms.
Please allow me to seek out that shelter and give me
time to enjoy the boundless beauty they possess.
Let the mountains offer me a test and a challenge
But also a passage through which I may safely pass.
As I continue to press to the summit, may the trail
lead me where You want me to go.

Lord,
Let me win.
Not by coming in ahead of my friends,
but by beating myself.
Let it be an inner win. A battle won over me.
May I say at the end,
I have fought a good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.”