Do You Want To Run 100 Miles? - Part 2

"Inspiration follows aspiration."– Rabindranath Tagore

Once I got selected, in the Western States lottery, I entered John Medinger’s 50 mile plus the Epiphany trail run, the Jed Smith 50 mile trail run, the Way Too Cool 50 K., and the American River 50 mile trail run. Also, I put in 50- 95 miles per week of running to get ready for the event. Thus, this was my training. A friend, Tom Christofk, told me “Running 50 miles is not like running 100.”

Karl Meltzer has won more than twenty-nine 100 mile trail races, stated” You haven’t experienced ultra trail running until you complete 100 miles. It’s so much harder than 50, almost like three 50 milers, and it throws everything at you.” Other quotes found in Trail Runner, October, 2010, issue 68 include “it was the best of times and the worst of times.” “Agony and ecstasy.”  “A study in contrasts.”  “100 miles of heaven and hell.”

Issues that come up during the hundred mile run include: despair, self-doubt, hallucinations, tears, hard falls, blisters, mashed toenails, sunburns and projectile vomiting. In fact the 2002 Western States Endurance Run Participants Guide calls attention to the following: 1. Renal Shutdown 2.Heatstroke/Hyperthermia 3. Snow Hazards 4. Hypothermia 5. Wildlife Hazards 6 Low Sodium and Chloride Counts 7. Altitude  Sickness 8. Muscle Necrosis 9 Overuse Injuries 10. Common Fatigue and the list go on. One quote that I like is by Chuck Gabri “Eat like a horse, drink like a fish and run like a turtle.”

Well, I found out that running 100 miles or 200,000 steps (if one mile =2,000 steps) was a unique experience to say the least. I encountered many things for the first time. It is true that running 50 miles is quite different than running 100.  However, I had three terrific pacers (Chuck Mather, Bill Johnson and Jerome Beauchamp) and a super crew (including my sister Bev) that helped immensely.  A more complete description of the trials and tribulations of this event can be found in “It Has Nothing To Do With Age.”

Over training can be a detriment especially if one goes into this event injured. So it’s not uncommon for the athletes to be either tired or over strained before the start of the event. Most importantly, when competing, all that takes place between your ears cannot be underestimated. Runners have plenty of trail time as well as alone time. During the trail time, one encounters many emotions and many emotional changes and thinking challenges during the day and night. As a consequence, mental toughness is most significant.  In considering running a 100 miler, make sure you are doing it for the right reason.”

Within the past two years, after much thought, I have weaved together motivational concepts, that I think, pertain to ,define and comprise mental toughness .I am thinking about writing a second book employing mental toughness as the main theme. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, if you’re thinking of running 100 miles you might consider: Angels Crest 100, Hardrock 100, Javelina Jundred or H.U.R.T. 100 or 95 others.

Yesterday, Carrie, Alpha, the two dogs Jade and Porter and I ran about 10 mile trail run on the Western States trail. The plan for Sunday is to run at the Cronan ranch. Chris, Alpha, Madhu and I will cover about 15 miles. Remember to keep smiling, laughing and moving.

PS  I am presenting a paper to the UC Davis Cardiology Rehabilitation Department on April, 24^th.  You are invited, join Alpha and I.