50 miles
I was talking with someone yesterday about the JFK 50. “Fifty miles!” they said. “Why? Why would you do that?” they asked. “Isn’t a marathon enough?”
Well? Isn’t it? The answer, for me, is yes and no. A few years ago I would have been very satisfied finishing a marathon. A few years ago, I couldn’t believe I finished an Olympic distance triathlon. But once those things became possible, human nature – or my version of human nature – took over. If I can train for a half-ironman, why can’t I train for an Ironman? If I can run a marathon, if I can train for an Ironman, why not a 50 miler? It’s “logic” that might not (ok, does not) make sense to everyone, but in my brain, it’s perfectly linear thinking. I do this because I can – or because I want to see if I can. Back to the original question, Yes, a marathon is enough. Any race I do is a goal within itself – I ran my heart out when I ran New York in 2006 and thought I might collapse well before the finish. I didn’t sign up for the 50 because the marathon was too easy; I signed up to attempt a different challenge. And that’s what I’ve gotten – training for this 50 is similar to, but also very different from, training for a marathon. I’ve still been out there running my tush off, but I’ve been training myself to run more slowly and I’ve gotten used to running on trails. I’ve learned to carry more supplies while I run and to consider challenges in gear and clothing that don’t come up during a “shorter” race. I have to think more – much more – about pacing and energy conservation and fueling. Variety is the spice of life.
While I was packing last night, I laid everything out on the bed just to make sure I wasn’t forgetting anything. It’s amazing how much stuff I’m packing for a “run” – two pairs of shoes, enough gels to stock an aid station, extra socks, shirts for every contingency, a hat and a visor, a watch, a back-up watch… Options, lots of options. Here’s a picture of my clothing and gear for the race (including what I’ll wear before the race):
My back is feeling better today. Still not perfect and I expect to feel it tomorrow morning before the race, but if it’s anything like my recent training runs, I shouldn’t notice it once I start running. I’ll also have more than enough other things to be thinking about tomorrow morning to be worried about a little sacrum pain! We’re headed up to DC shortly and then, bright and early tomorrow morning Assaf and I are driving up to Boonsboro for the start. Race report to follow as soon as I’m able to think. Here goes nothing!
Run – November 16
Distance: 2.25 miles
Time: 20 minutes
Average heart rate: Did not wear HR monitor
Course: Washington Square Park
Conditions: Sunny, cold (low 40’s) and windy