If you run for a long enough period of time, you will eventually reach an age where you stop getting faster. That age is probably different for everyone though. I’m too lazy to look it up, but I remember reading a while back that runners typically start slowing down after about 8 years of consistent…
Fifty Ultras
Glancing over my training log, I noticed that DUC was my 50th official ultra finish. Well, technically the 49th, but I’m counting my DNF at Capital Backyard as a finish and if you’d like to argue, I’d be happy to take it up with you in the comments below. Those of you familiar with this…
Dead Legs
Screw it. I’m just going to lean into this whole taper thing. My legs felt very tired after a completely chill 5 miles on Monday (and not my normal 7). Almost like I had just finished a hilly long run, not a typical weekday jaunt around the township. I’m guessing I never really let myself…
Eating Competitions
It’s said that ultras are glorified eating competitions. The implication being that the person who eats the most will perform the best. While this is obviously a little hyperbolic, it’s not completely so. I was reminded of this yet again at MDLD where I did a less than stellar job of shoving calories into my…
10 Years a Runner
It was during the summer of 2012 that I became a runner. That’s not to say I had never run before. Back in the ’80s, I did 2 seasons of spring track (high hurdles). I had also done the random 5K and mud run with the (very) occasional training run leading up to them. I…
When your motivation to run wanes. . .
. . . run less. And when my motivation to write wanes. . .
Mindfulness as a Race Strategy
I should probably start out by saying I don’t meditate or practice mindfulness in my day to day life. I have no formal or even informal training. Frankly, this isn’t a topic that I’m really all that well versed in really. I’m much closer to someone who’s read a couple random internet articles than someone…
The Lost Glove
I lost a glove on my long run last weekend. This wasn’t just any glove though. It was half of my favorite pair of gloves. A pair that I’ve had for almost as long as I’ve been running. It’s a cheap pair of red Nike branded gloves in some cotton/polyester blend that I picked up…
FAQ for New Ultrarunners
I’m sure several of you who stumble across this blog are relatively new to ultras and have some questions. I’ve shied away from offering advice in the past, however been in the sport long enough now that I can help out with some of the basics. The below questions are ones I’ve seen come up…
Dumb Things I’ve Thought or Said
Here’s an abridged list of dumb things I’ve thought or said over the years. I’ll spare you the unabridged list, which would take me the better part of a week to write. It’s only forty miles. (Naked Bavarian) A flat 100-miler should be much easier. (C&O Canal) It should be light enough that I won’t…