You would not believe how dark it can get at 5am in the woods, which is when the Boulder Field 100K starts in Hickory Run State Park. We’re talking pitch black outside. It’s so dark that not only can you see the stars in the sky, but you can see the stars behind the stars.…
Grit
Grit is one of the key qualities that makes for a successful ultra runner. I can’t adequately express all of it’s nuances, but I know it when I see it. And if that link was too depressing for you, then try this one.
2017 Boulder Field 100k Preview
Well, this should be interesting. My race this weekend (Boulder Field 100k) has kinda snuck up on me. And with only a couple days left until the start this Saturday, I am remarkably ambivalent about the whole endeavor. This shouldn’t be the case. This is a new race and a completely new distance for me.…
It’s Not You, It’s Me
Dear 100-Miler, Dude, we are absolutely crushing it this year. My first two sub-24 hour finishes to start things off followed by an enjoyable ES100 finish. I wouldn’t quite say I feel comfortable with our relationship, but I’m definitely becoming more comfortable. When things are going well, there’s a tendency to do one of two…
Is Endurance Transferable?
Given I write a blog about running ridiculously long distances, it won’t surprise you to learn that my primary forms of exercise are either running or running’s slower cousin, walking. This isn’t the entirety of my fitness routine, but it’s pretty close. In addition, I do 5-10 minutes of core work 4 or 5 days…
Not Gumby
It’s fairly well known that if you want to do well in ultras then you need to have grit. I won’t buck conventional wisdom, however I do think there’s another trait that is equally important: adaptability. As the races get longer, you need to be more flexible with every strategy and tactic you’ve planned heading…
Who Finished 2017 ES100?
When I pulled together the information for my demographics post, it was primarily to see who would be able to finish. I had some ideas about who would be better able to finish this race and I have to say I’m a little surprised at how wrong I was on several many all of them.…
2017 Eastern States 100 Race Report
Easier doesn’t mean easy. The cooler temperatures just about doubled the finisher rate (59% vs. 34%), however it didn’t feel that much easier that last year. The website has an overly detailed course description, however it does a poor job of adequately explaining how difficult the trails are (i.e. there are exactly 3 runnable sections…
Eastern States Buckle(s)
Added a second ES100 buckle to my collection last weekend – total time 33:29:31.
2017 Eastern States 100 Preview
I’m in the front row of a roller coaster heading up the first climb. This isn’t one of those newfangled metal constructions though, but an old school one. I can hear the wood creaking as we gain altitude and . . . yes, I think the track is even swaying a bit in the breeze. …