Here’s the thing with baby ideas: they sit in my brain like a little kernel of information, rattling around from time to time, reminding me that they still exist. Then, one day, BAM! I simply decide to act on that kernel and help guide it into fruition.
And that’s exactly how this 50k came to be!
Run a marathon has been on my life goal list for as long as I can remember. And, I even made an attempt back in 2012 when I registered for the Rock ‘n Roll Denver marathon. I was trucking along with training and had even pushed my long runs upwards of 16 miles. However, that was when my back problems erupted and instead of running {or doing anything, for that matter}, I ended up visiting my ART doc twice per week for a solid three months. No marathon for me!
Since then, I experienced solid runner burnout. Simply put, I wasn’t interested anymore. I found CrossFit and that became much more entertaining. After all, if your workout isn’t fun, then why bother?
But wait! There was still a light at the end of the proverbial running tunnel?! Enter = trail running!
Once I rediscovered my fondness for trail running, I fell back in love with the sport. Running wasn’t a chore anymore and I didn’t dread lacing up my sneakers. I even found myself anticipating my early Sunday morning group runs with the girls from CrossFit. Each weekend, we’d pick a new trail to explore, finding new-to-us places that we had somehow missed. After awhile, I started to toy with the idea of running some longer distance races. Maybe it was time for a new challenge?
Truthfully, my goals this year haven’t gone so well. Mt. Evans ascent? I didn’t start once I realized that it was the same weekend as Will’s sister’s graduation from grad school. Family will always take a front seat in my world, so that massive hill climb is on hold for another year. The Girls Gone Rx CrossFit comp this past weekend? I had to find a replacement at the last minute while the doc researched my strep issues and pulled me from physical activity. Blah blah blah.
In short, this 50k idea was already hiding in the dark recesses of my brain, waiting for something to light the fuse. Naturally, that happened the weekend I crewed for Heidi’s 100 mile race in Steamboat. I watched all those runners frolicking in the mountains, eating weird-ass concoctions and verbally abusing their pacers, and decided I wanted in. I wanted to try running far!
{Let me be clear: I will in no way be running a 50 miler or a 100 miler. You can just erase that thought from your brain right now!}
More than anything, the appeal of trail races is the scenery. Y’all know that I love spending time outside, and this is just another way that I can spend some time on trails, soaking in the views and the feel of sunshine on my skin. Once I realized that ultras really have a fair bit of power hiking, I was intrigued. And then I heard that slow running was the thing to do. I mean, I can do that! I can so do that!
After the decision was made, I had to find a race. I debated my options, but in the end, I decided that I wanted to run over the winter after our company closes for the season. In my opinion, running can inherently be a selfish sport with runners heading out for hours on a Saturday morning. I realize that training will take a lot of time and I don’t want that to take away from family time with Will or my friends. If I train during my non-working months, I can do my long runs midweek while everyone is at work. Yes, I’ll be training through a Colorado winter which may be tough, but honestly, Denver winters are not as bad as people think. Nothing a couple layers of quality gear can’t fix!
As a result, I settled on the Antelope Canyon 50k in Page, Arizona. It’s near the end of February so it fit my time schedule. More importantly, however is the scenery. Would you check out this view?!
Like I previously mentioned, being outside with beautiful views is a huge draw to this ultrarunning world. While the 50k sadly doesn’t go through Antelope Canyon {a place I’m dying to visit!}, it does pass through some stunning slot canyons. It also runs along the rim with a view of Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River. Pretty sure I can tack on at least an extra 30 minutes to account for all the photos I will be snapping!
Lastly, I knew I needed to find a running buddy who would tackle this with me. I was hoping to find someone new to the distance so we could suffer together. Misery loves company, right? Will was an absolutely negative as he told me “he doesn’t even like to drive that far,” so I knew he wasn’t an option. Then, it hit me: I have the perfect friend for this! Heidi of BananaBuzzbomb fame {not the 100 miler above} is a close friend from my OmniTen season, and she is always looking to stretch her limits. And, she even lives in Arizona. Could it be any more perfect?!
And just like that, our plan was hatched. Heidi agreed to run, we both registered, and now we’re kind of wondering what the hell we got ourselves into! Fortunately, I’ve been training for the Moab Trail Half in early November, so I’ve got a solid base under my belt. I do know I’ll continue to CrossFit three times per week and I’ll definitely focus my training on back-to-back long runs to accustom my legs to running while tired. Aside from that, I’ve got nothing. That’s why it’s an experiment!
If you want to follow along on the adventure leading up to our February 21 race, check out the hashtag #50kAdventure on Twitter or Instagram!
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I’m all ears: any words of advice? Tips or training tricks? Anyone use CrossFit to help train for ultras?