After last year’s foray into ultra running with the Antelope Canyon 55k, I came to two conclusions:
- That was a fun distance!
- When can I run the next 50k?
Naturally, as things go, I was also burned out on running. I’m not one of those runners who can jog five days per week, every week, without getting bored. In fact, that is one of my favorite things about CrossFit: it’s always different and varied so I never get bored. But as the case was last spring, I was D-O-N-E with any form of running.
It took awhile for the itch to return so I rode it out. I kept CrossFitting and hiking with a lot of time spent backcountry skiing. I’d get out for walks with Tals, but I just couldn’t handle the thought of running. Fortunately, my apathetic view towards the sport passed–as I knew it would!–and the itch to tackle some new challenges returned with a vengeance.
And so I registered for a new race: the Bryce Canyon 50k!
Last year’s race at Antelope Canyon was so fantastic that I knew I wanted to sign up for another Ultra Adventures race. I scoured their list of events, and it was tough to choose: Zion, Monument Valley, Capitol Reef. Is there any ugly location in the bunch?!
In the end, I chose Bryce Canyon solely based on its date. April-May is incredibly busy for our business, and the thought of getting away for a race made my head hurt. So instead, I opted for Bryce Canyon in mid-June. Sure, I’ll have to train through busy season–which hasn’t gone well historically–but hopefully it will work out okay. Plus, would you look at this course??!
Bryce Canyon will be different than Antelope Canyon and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Antelope Canyon was a bit longer but didn’t have much elevation gain. Bryce Canyon has roughly 6,000 feet of gain, so there is a fair bit of climbing. I have no idea if there is deep sand but if that elevation gain is combined with ankle-deep sand like last year’s course, it could be tricky.
Regardless, I’m psyched. I have a goal again–albeit a long time from now–and it’s sparked an excitement for the trails that I haven’t seen since last spring. Conveniently, it has returned at a great time: I have the Moab Trail Half Marathon in 11 days and haven’t done a whole lot of single track. Guess it’s time to see how well cross training works!
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