Optimistically Failing… Moving On…

A quick recap of my most recent events… I ran 50 miles down in California, meaning that yet again I did not reach my goal of 100 miles. I know that in my heart, head, and legs that I can and will run 100 miles and much more in my future, but nutrition has been my largest opponent. Once you are not able to get food/fuel into your body, it of course does not want to move any more. The conditions were right, but I was unable to deliver. I had an amazing support crew (Megan Gayman), beautiful weather, and legs that were willing to travel the distance. I just didn’t have the next most important thing figured out, and that was/is maintaining nutrition levels. I will continue to read, research, try, and train, using multiple methods and fuels to supply my body until I figure it out. I am determined to reach my personal goals and become a successful ultra-marathoner.

The weekend following my 100 mile flop, I ran a fairly successful 20k @ Dam to Dam in Des Moines with the Miles for Muscles Team. It was a blast being a part of such a large group of runners (16 on our team I believe and 8000 others) who came together to raise $ and run for a great cause! I truly enjoyed trying a little speed work the day after a few drinks with the team at dinner. I get inspired to keep placing one foot in front of the other after such an event of this magnitude. Those running with speed, others with determination to reach a goal, and even more just running with their hearts and love for the sport. Thank you Miles for Muscles for letting me take part in this event with you!

Where I am heading from here… I am taking off for Wisconsin this weekend to run a 200 mile relay race from Madison to Chicago with another group of runners (which I know only 2 members personally). It should be a great weekend to run through two states and witness again how a group pulls together to complete a challenging task! After this race I take a few weekends off before I enter my 1^st true sprint triathlon that will lead to a couple others. Please follow along with me on my personal journey to push my body, mind, and spirit to new heights!

Side note~ I usually update my training schedule weekly, so if you see a run, swim, bike, or race you would like to join me on just leave a comment, call, or message me!

"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."
- Steve Prefontaine

Gearing up for 100 miles!

As the week winds down, I am anxiously awaiting another opportunity to attempt 100 miles in one run this weekend. I just got news at the end of last week that I will not be able to attempt my 200 miler this year due to the revised schedule of my graduate classes and theses are the last classes of my graduate career so I CANNOT SKIP. Since I will have to wait another year to attempt the 200 (which probably a good thing), I really want & need to make this a successful 100 miler. I am going to finish packing tonight and I will be ready to fly out on Friday as soon as my last work day is over! I will face several challenges during my run as it will be in the mid 80’s throughout the day and the California sun will be beating down on me. Aside from that, I fear that my legs will hit the wall many more times throughout the race because the last three weeks of training have not been tip top. I will keep relentless forward motion, push through the pain, and stay focused on the end goal, no matter if I have to finish by running, walking, or crawling to the finish line. As I say every time, but have not really done yet, I will provide pics and videos when complete. I have a lot of pics and some video from other races that need to be uploaded as soon as possible. Hope to see you all on the roads or trails, good luck to everyone in their own personal endeavors!

The only tactics I admire are do-or-die
--Herb Elliott