I completed my first 50k just a week and a half ago and I'm ready to get back into training again. Last week I only ran about 12 easy, recovery miles. I know that's baby steps for hard core ultra runners. I think back to my first marathon 5 years ago (Portland 2001) and see how much I've changed. I don't think I ran even 12 miles that following winter!
This weekend I'll get back to the trails and see how far they take me. My schedule leading up to McKenzie River is flexible. I'll feel comfortable with one or two weekends of solid, long trail runs.
I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I just ran a 31 mile race. It really doesn't seem like that big of a deal. I don't feel wiped out like I used to after marathons. I know that many people think ultrarunners are crazy. I'm sure I thought that too not long ago. Now, it seems to me like the most sane thing in the world.
My next 50K is in September and for now, I'm going to take it one race at a time. But I think its likely that a 50 miler will be on my schedule in 2007. Will I ever want to go further? Hard to say. I think back to watching my brother run the SF Marathon in the early 1980's and I remember my thoughts at the time exactly (and I'm sure I verbalized them too): "There is no way I would ever do a marathon."
Famous last words....
12 comments:
A change in perspective is a wonderful thing! It's great that you feel so good, and are so ready to go again. I think that indicates that you did a great job on your training. Hope your vacation was fun!
I have found since becoming an ultra runner, the mind set is so different than a road runner marathoner. I think I took the day off after my 50K, then went right back at it. I know I ran 14 miles, then 10 miles the next weekend-I would have never even thought about that, if I was still a road runner!
I am having the same thinking as you, kind of "yeah, ran 50K last weekend, going to run 24 miles this weekend..." it just kind of gets into your system. Once you have that base, like Olga and Rob and many others, it's not so much the physical thing, it's the mental thing. You can run several 50K's in a short amount of time (and there are folks who run 100 milers in several weeks of time) and not really sweat it.
A year ago I could barely run 3 miles, now I am up to 16! Its funny how running really changes you and makes you get to know yourself better more than other sports.
Ha, I've heard that coming from my mouth before "Oh, I could never run a marathon/50K/50-miler" - lot of good it did me. These days I'm saying "I WONDER if I can run a 100-miler?" Perspectives sure do change fast! Sounds like you are ready to explore new running distances - have fun!
I remember being surprised at how much easier it was to run a 50K than to race a marathon. The slow pace and different mindset make ultras much more enjoyable.
Congrats on your first 50K, and good luck going further.
It sounds like someone is being converted.
I ran 4 marathons and then a 50 miler and it was a huge difference. I remember feeling pain in my legs where I did not even know I had muscles. I swore I would never run another ultra after that. Famous last words is right.
It sounds like your body is just at a better conditioning level if you're able to incorporate such long runs/races and not have them phase you too much. I love your 'famous last words'.
something tells me that you have bigger and better goals down the pike :)
you are a great runner with an amazing attitude, sarah!
sarah, I loved your comment! How we all start blogs for "me", and slowly creep up to feel obligated to write for "others". It is difficult not to slip, and then I just take time off...Thank you for your imput, it was definitely personal:)
yay! It's fun to have changed, isn't it?
Changing perspectives is great... have done alot of trail running... a good time to think things out. Now I spend more time on the trails on my horses here in Montana where we opened up the Fish Creek House B&B. Trail blazin' right outside the door
What growth! Your body is stronger and you've exceeded mental limits you never thought you would. You are an inspiration!
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