When people found out I was planning on running 100 miles the typical question of "why?" would be followed with some variation of "how long will that take/will you sleep/stop/eat?" I was hoping that I could complete the run between 25 hours (optimistic time) and 28 hours (cut off). As for sleeping, I knew that people didn't typically sleep so I would answer no, to which people were typically dumb founded. "I couldn't run that long..." or could they?
The mental part of ultra running is the part that I am really intrigued by. I firmly believe that most people are not really aware of what their bodies are actually capable of doing. I was turned onto the book Deep Survival by a blog post over at irunfar. The article and book gave great insight into what it would actually take to finish this thing, namely decide to do it and accept nothing less. This became a motivator in the remainder of my training through the spring.
As the runs got longer, and I was finally able to chase the receding snowpack out onto the trails, I embraced the mental challenge. On one particularly brutal run on the Crow Pass Trail my resolve was tested. What I expected to be a 48 mile out and back (traversing the entire trail twice) turned into a 35 mile run/power hike through ankle breaking terrain. Hobbling into the parking area 10 hours after beginning the run my body was hammered. Mentally it was difficult to wrap my head around the idea of running this long multiplied by 2.5, but once I remembered that the ResPass Trail was much more runnable, and several hours later when I was no worse for wear physically (other than being tired) I became charged up. I could totally do this thing.
In the few weeks leading up to race day I began my taper. It was eased by working out of town one of the weeks and battling a little cold, but come Friday July 27th at 3pm I was raring to go. I drove my truck and camper down to Hope, AK solo, leaving Anchorage around 10am. My final preparations had begun on Monday with lists, sorting, and packing race day gear, food, and personal items for the weekend. I also recorded my planned splits for various distances on the trail. Included in these splits, especially the later stages, were both realistic and (optimistic) times. The race could be broken down pretty easily:
Start at Cour d'alene campground Mile 0 - 3pm
Run downhill to the Hope TH 12 - 5:30pm
Resurrection Pass (high point) 31.5 - 10:30pm
Cooper Landing TH (turnaround) 50 - 3am
Resurrection Pass 69.5 - 9am (8am)
Hope TH 88 - 2:30pm (12:30pm)
FINISH at Hope School 100 - 6:30pm (3:30pm)
As I drove I thought over the last six months. So much preparation had gone into this event. Sacrifices had been made by both myself and my family: time away, energy (I was tired a lot), and money (consuming much more food nowadays and buying gear). I am blessed to have an understanding and supportive wife who recognized this was important to me. In fact my wife Tiffany and my two sons were going to join me later that day, as well as my brother-in-law Shane and his family. I knew that would be a boost on the trail, knowing they were thinking of me and praying for me.
I pulled into Hope School with about 2.5 hours to spare until start time. After some gear shuffling I set my alarm for one hour later and forced myself to lay down in the camper. I laid with my eyes closed but couldn't sleep. I was supposed to have found a camping spot, but hadn't been able to. My wife texted me not to worry about it, they would figure it out when they arrived. With that off my mind I just tried settle myself until the alarm went off. After a clothes change I filled my bottles, mixed my Perpetuem, grabbed my drop bags and headed to the assembly area.
It was finally almost time and I couldn't wait...
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
my first 100 part 1: preparation
I read on someone's blog that one of the biggest motivators to finish a race is the thought of having to explain why you didn't finish for the following year. I can tell you firsthand that this is true. After a DNF (did not finish) at the Resurrection Pass 50 in 2011 I was burdened with the task of retelling the story every time someone found out I had run 50 miles.
"So you ran 50 miles?"
"well...actually I didn't finish. I dropped at mile 42...my feet, mental toughness, blah, Blah, BLAH..."
It quickly got old. I was determined to make it right the following year. At some point in my thinking I reasoned that I should just go for 100 miles because I would complete 50 in the process. Against the advice of most resources I consulted, I jumped right in with both feet and self-proclaimed my intent to run the Resurrection Pass 100 on July 27th, 2012.
A goal like this becomes a reality when you begin telling people. I probably told my wife first but I don't really remember. I followed this up with telling a handful of close friends and co-workers. The response was typically "Oh. Why?" I would answer with something like, "To see if I can," which seemed like a good enough response. The question of why is probably the most difficult to answer. Did I have something to prove? Maybe.
Training officially began 24 weeks prior to the race date, it was the third week of January. Using a training plan from Bryon Powell's book Relentless Forward Progress I began to rack up the miles. Many times while slogging through a multi-hour run in the snow I contemplated why I was doing this. I have run trail races since 2004 completing distances from 4 to 25 miles with no training to speak of. This is the first time I have actually trained for a race. My off-the-couch failure at the 50 had convinced me that REAL preparation is necessary to run 100 miles. Maybe I was looking for structure, discipline, focus...
I built up the mileage week by week throughout the cold, dark Alaskan winter. Running by headlamp became second nature as my runs typically began between 5-6am. Tues-Thurs I would run 5-7 miles per day with Saturday bringing the longest run, and Sunday a mid-distance run. The long run began at around 12miles and would build each week. It was definitely a challenge as Anchorage had a record snowfall winter, accumulating over 100" in town, with more at higher elevations. I remember my first long run of 18 miles on an early Saturday morning. I awoke to 6" of new snow on the roads and trails. That day I ran down the center of the outside lane of a major road. I think only 6 vehicles passed me that morning for the 12 miles I ran on the roads. Most people stayed snuggled in bed.
As these long runs racked up I figured out eating and drinking on the run, as well as what socks, shorts, undergarments, packs, and shoes chafed. The preparation was not only for the physical aspect of the run, but the gear needs and nutritional requirements as well. When the going got rough I would keep in mind the end result. Each day spent training was one in the bank that would keep me going on race day.
I liked the structure of training and I stuck to it, exhibiting a determination that is lacking in other areas of my life. On an early June run across the ball field below O'Malley peak the phrase "what it takes" popped into my mind. The pouring rain was turning into snow, the wind was howling, and I was only 2 miles into a mountainous 10 mile effort. Did I have what it takes to complete a 100 mile run? Maybe this was the answer to the question of "why?"
"So you ran 50 miles?"
"well...actually I didn't finish. I dropped at mile 42...my feet, mental toughness, blah, Blah, BLAH..."
It quickly got old. I was determined to make it right the following year. At some point in my thinking I reasoned that I should just go for 100 miles because I would complete 50 in the process. Against the advice of most resources I consulted, I jumped right in with both feet and self-proclaimed my intent to run the Resurrection Pass 100 on July 27th, 2012.
A goal like this becomes a reality when you begin telling people. I probably told my wife first but I don't really remember. I followed this up with telling a handful of close friends and co-workers. The response was typically "Oh. Why?" I would answer with something like, "To see if I can," which seemed like a good enough response. The question of why is probably the most difficult to answer. Did I have something to prove? Maybe.
Training officially began 24 weeks prior to the race date, it was the third week of January. Using a training plan from Bryon Powell's book Relentless Forward Progress I began to rack up the miles. Many times while slogging through a multi-hour run in the snow I contemplated why I was doing this. I have run trail races since 2004 completing distances from 4 to 25 miles with no training to speak of. This is the first time I have actually trained for a race. My off-the-couch failure at the 50 had convinced me that REAL preparation is necessary to run 100 miles. Maybe I was looking for structure, discipline, focus...
I built up the mileage week by week throughout the cold, dark Alaskan winter. Running by headlamp became second nature as my runs typically began between 5-6am. Tues-Thurs I would run 5-7 miles per day with Saturday bringing the longest run, and Sunday a mid-distance run. The long run began at around 12miles and would build each week. It was definitely a challenge as Anchorage had a record snowfall winter, accumulating over 100" in town, with more at higher elevations. I remember my first long run of 18 miles on an early Saturday morning. I awoke to 6" of new snow on the roads and trails. That day I ran down the center of the outside lane of a major road. I think only 6 vehicles passed me that morning for the 12 miles I ran on the roads. Most people stayed snuggled in bed.
As these long runs racked up I figured out eating and drinking on the run, as well as what socks, shorts, undergarments, packs, and shoes chafed. The preparation was not only for the physical aspect of the run, but the gear needs and nutritional requirements as well. When the going got rough I would keep in mind the end result. Each day spent training was one in the bank that would keep me going on race day.
I liked the structure of training and I stuck to it, exhibiting a determination that is lacking in other areas of my life. On an early June run across the ball field below O'Malley peak the phrase "what it takes" popped into my mind. The pouring rain was turning into snow, the wind was howling, and I was only 2 miles into a mountainous 10 mile effort. Did I have what it takes to complete a 100 mile run? Maybe this was the answer to the question of "why?"
Monday, October 24, 2011
Resurrection Pass 50
The main take-away from running my first ultra is this: PERSPECTIVE - the application of which is spread across racing, training, effort, mental toughness, injury and life in general.
First for racing - it is just an excuse for me to get out and run trails with a like minded group of people. I am by no means fast. When speaking with people about trail running and racing they like to think in terms of times, places, or records. For me it is about the experience, so the act of racing is to get out there and do it, not compete. I have no illusions of reaching the podium or capturing age group titles, however I do sometimes judge my effort by comparing my times to the oldest person(s) faster than me. Running almost 50 miles gives me an appreciation for the preparation of those who do compete at ultra distances.
Training - because of the previous discussed concept of racing, the role of training for me has been redefined. I will train because I want to enjoy the experience more. In the case of this race, it was only my 10th time running for the year. The fact that I was able to run for 11 hours and complete 42 miles is amazing to me. The fact that I didn't finish though has convinced me that training has it's place. I can race without it, but is the experience more complete when it is a capstone to dedicated preparation. My body is capable of extreme efforts of endurance, and training may prepare me for the journey.
Effort - it is difficult to run long and far, no way around it. Both physically and mentally.
Mental toughness - running an ultra distance is more an exercise of the mind than the physical. One may be the most well conditioned athlete, but without mental toughness, they cannot endure. The physical will only take someone so far. Maybe it's the farthest previous distance ran, maybe it's a perception of what one's body can do or is capable of. Mental toughness is what keeps you going after everything else fails. Going into this race I knew that I was not physically prepared, not even close. So I set my mind to be ready for the most difficult endeavor I've ever experienced. I even joked with those I spoke to before the race that I was excited to enter the "pain cave" and see what I found there. From reading numerous race reports elite runners, I knew this was going to suck, and I was ready...actually looking forward to it - the pain, hallucinations, fatigue - all of it. The race definitely didn't disappoint. It was interesting to be prepared mentally because when the emotions, hallucinations, and dispair were experienced I was able to see it from a third person perspective. I could reason that the emotions, etc. were irrational, but couldn't help from having them. It was like I was watching it happen and experiencing it at the same time. Definitely cool.
Injury - nothing serious happened other than the feeling that my entire left foot had fused into one giant toe, and that giant to hurt like hell. Only after stopping did I pull off my shoes and socks and discover that I would lose all the toenails on that foot, with the second and fifth toes actually losing the entire nail bed as well. I would also lose my right big toenail. Other than this superficial toe pain, I experienced no other lasting ailments. I cycled through hip pain (IT band) and intermittent ankle discomfort but nothing afterwards. In fact, my recovery was pretty breif - some latent soreness in the quads, right ankle pain and knee stiffness, and overall hunger and lethargy - but I ran an easy 2 miles three days later. I feel that with my lack of training it should have hurt much worse. Chalk it up to the wonder of the human body God gave us.
Life - Nothing I have done in my life has been this physically or mentally difficult...well, raising a 4 year old boy is mentally challenging but on an entirely different level. I dropped at 42 miles, however I am still unsure whether this was a mental or physical decision. I like to think that mentally I was ready to continue up the last 4 mile hill and back down to the finish, but that my body was feeling too crappy, especially my foot. More likely though this physical component paired with the thought of running for 2 more hours was too much to bear. The perspective gained has enabled me to see what I'm capable of, and what I can endure when I level mental preparation towards a task; it shows that I can run ultras with minimal preparation, but that I'll have more fun if I train; and injuries can be overcome, even nagging ones that need surgery.
Ok everyone, happy ultra running. I know you can do it.
I'm the surly looking one on the right. This is on the 12 mile road section after 38 miles on trail.
First for racing - it is just an excuse for me to get out and run trails with a like minded group of people. I am by no means fast. When speaking with people about trail running and racing they like to think in terms of times, places, or records. For me it is about the experience, so the act of racing is to get out there and do it, not compete. I have no illusions of reaching the podium or capturing age group titles, however I do sometimes judge my effort by comparing my times to the oldest person(s) faster than me. Running almost 50 miles gives me an appreciation for the preparation of those who do compete at ultra distances.
Training - because of the previous discussed concept of racing, the role of training for me has been redefined. I will train because I want to enjoy the experience more. In the case of this race, it was only my 10th time running for the year. The fact that I was able to run for 11 hours and complete 42 miles is amazing to me. The fact that I didn't finish though has convinced me that training has it's place. I can race without it, but is the experience more complete when it is a capstone to dedicated preparation. My body is capable of extreme efforts of endurance, and training may prepare me for the journey.
Effort - it is difficult to run long and far, no way around it. Both physically and mentally.
Mental toughness - running an ultra distance is more an exercise of the mind than the physical. One may be the most well conditioned athlete, but without mental toughness, they cannot endure. The physical will only take someone so far. Maybe it's the farthest previous distance ran, maybe it's a perception of what one's body can do or is capable of. Mental toughness is what keeps you going after everything else fails. Going into this race I knew that I was not physically prepared, not even close. So I set my mind to be ready for the most difficult endeavor I've ever experienced. I even joked with those I spoke to before the race that I was excited to enter the "pain cave" and see what I found there. From reading numerous race reports elite runners, I knew this was going to suck, and I was ready...actually looking forward to it - the pain, hallucinations, fatigue - all of it. The race definitely didn't disappoint. It was interesting to be prepared mentally because when the emotions, hallucinations, and dispair were experienced I was able to see it from a third person perspective. I could reason that the emotions, etc. were irrational, but couldn't help from having them. It was like I was watching it happen and experiencing it at the same time. Definitely cool.
Injury - nothing serious happened other than the feeling that my entire left foot had fused into one giant toe, and that giant to hurt like hell. Only after stopping did I pull off my shoes and socks and discover that I would lose all the toenails on that foot, with the second and fifth toes actually losing the entire nail bed as well. I would also lose my right big toenail. Other than this superficial toe pain, I experienced no other lasting ailments. I cycled through hip pain (IT band) and intermittent ankle discomfort but nothing afterwards. In fact, my recovery was pretty breif - some latent soreness in the quads, right ankle pain and knee stiffness, and overall hunger and lethargy - but I ran an easy 2 miles three days later. I feel that with my lack of training it should have hurt much worse. Chalk it up to the wonder of the human body God gave us.Life - Nothing I have done in my life has been this physically or mentally difficult...well, raising a 4 year old boy is mentally challenging but on an entirely different level. I dropped at 42 miles, however I am still unsure whether this was a mental or physical decision. I like to think that mentally I was ready to continue up the last 4 mile hill and back down to the finish, but that my body was feeling too crappy, especially my foot. More likely though this physical component paired with the thought of running for 2 more hours was too much to bear. The perspective gained has enabled me to see what I'm capable of, and what I can endure when I level mental preparation towards a task; it shows that I can run ultras with minimal preparation, but that I'll have more fun if I train; and injuries can be overcome, even nagging ones that need surgery.
Ok everyone, happy ultra running. I know you can do it.
I'm the surly looking one on the right. This is on the 12 mile road section after 38 miles on trail.Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Res Pass 50 mini recap
This is a mini recap, with a full race recap to follow. Mini as I don't really feel my thoughts are consolidated right now.
I DNF'd my first ultra the Res Pass 50. I completed 42 miles and called it good. A valiant off the coach effort, meaning that I have only ran 9 times since the first of the year due mainly to rehab-ing a knee injury and my adverseness to training. My mind was ok and I was willing to continue, but my body didn't want to and I didn't want to make it.
More to come over the weekend...
I DNF'd my first ultra the Res Pass 50. I completed 42 miles and called it good. A valiant off the coach effort, meaning that I have only ran 9 times since the first of the year due mainly to rehab-ing a knee injury and my adverseness to training. My mind was ok and I was willing to continue, but my body didn't want to and I didn't want to make it.
More to come over the weekend...
Monday, April 11, 2011
running outside again
yay, running outside again! only 2mi. at a time but better than nothing, and great to get off the treadmill. I'm testing out the knee for outside movement along with taping techniques learned in PT. all miles on pavement so far in the Hoka OneOne Mafates.
I'm going to try to get up to 4 mi. then get on trails this week. Boo yah.
I'm going to try to get up to 4 mi. then get on trails this week. Boo yah.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
2011 already?
wow, first post in the new year/last quarter of last year....lots going on.
firstly, and most important, I'm going to be a new father any day now. we're expecting our second son and I'm stoked. preparations for the new arrival have kept me busier than normal, but so too has our 3 year old and all that goes along with having an expanding family. there's no better job than that of a Dad if you ask me, which you didn't but it's my blog so I can write whatever I want.
anyways, family commitments, high school soccer, AND recurring knee problems - ok, mostly recurring knee problems - have kept me from running very much since the first of the year...it was december, everything fitness-wise was going fine and then BAM!!! I'm leveled at a soccer game. injury to my lower back keeps me out for 6 weeks then after being cleared to run I tick off an easy 2 miles on Jan 1 and my right knee swells up. D'oh!
long story short I more than likely have more torn cartilage in my knee, but am trying everything to avoid surgery, in fact my new knee Doc, Vermillion, seems to think that surgery could clean it up but in the long run it will probably continue to 'flake off' meaning continuing to tear/I'm osteoarthritic at 36 years old. his Rx was glucosamine, PT, Synvisc injections, and orthotics, which sounded a lot better to me than a 5th knee surgery. I've been going that route for almost 2 months now and things are starting to sort out or at least the knee is feeling stronger/more stable.
at times I'm discouraged that it doesn't feel 'normal' anymore, but like my wife said last night, "you have torn cartilage in your knee. it's not going to feel normal." it is progressing though, I'm running on the treadmill, and I'll be back outside on the trails soon (or as soon as it stops snowing and blowing).
firstly, and most important, I'm going to be a new father any day now. we're expecting our second son and I'm stoked. preparations for the new arrival have kept me busier than normal, but so too has our 3 year old and all that goes along with having an expanding family. there's no better job than that of a Dad if you ask me, which you didn't but it's my blog so I can write whatever I want.
anyways, family commitments, high school soccer, AND recurring knee problems - ok, mostly recurring knee problems - have kept me from running very much since the first of the year...it was december, everything fitness-wise was going fine and then BAM!!! I'm leveled at a soccer game. injury to my lower back keeps me out for 6 weeks then after being cleared to run I tick off an easy 2 miles on Jan 1 and my right knee swells up. D'oh!
long story short I more than likely have more torn cartilage in my knee, but am trying everything to avoid surgery, in fact my new knee Doc, Vermillion, seems to think that surgery could clean it up but in the long run it will probably continue to 'flake off' meaning continuing to tear/I'm osteoarthritic at 36 years old. his Rx was glucosamine, PT, Synvisc injections, and orthotics, which sounded a lot better to me than a 5th knee surgery. I've been going that route for almost 2 months now and things are starting to sort out or at least the knee is feeling stronger/more stable.
at times I'm discouraged that it doesn't feel 'normal' anymore, but like my wife said last night, "you have torn cartilage in your knee. it's not going to feel normal." it is progressing though, I'm running on the treadmill, and I'll be back outside on the trails soon (or as soon as it stops snowing and blowing).
Monday, September 13, 2010
bum bah bah bum...ULTRAWORM!
so the inaugural Ultraworm 50k is going down in 2 weeks, September 26. it will begin and end at my house. we're shooting for an 8am start time. should be amazing. see you there! (but actually probably not...)
see http://akworm.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html for map and more info.
contact me here or at jeremyhinshaw@gmail.com with any questions about participating.
see http://akworm.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html for map and more info.
contact me here or at jeremyhinshaw@gmail.com with any questions about participating.
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