3 Days @ the Fair = 144 laps for 123.52 miles. Thoroughly, thoroughly pleased with this first foray into multi-day fun.
It's Thursday the week after the run and my brain's still got a general fuzziness about it, but here are some impressions that I need to commit to words in hopes that they don't vanish.
Things to remember: Take a table. Take a lawn chair. HEED watermelon rocks. Fresh fruit (watermelon, blueberries, strawberries) rocks even harder!!! Decide to take a sleep break only when your eyes begin to cross. Opt for covering two more laps before each sleep break. Eat a belly-full immediately before sleeping. Change SOCKS!
More things to remember: Spray bottles with cool water. Rain hat. When running on this much pavement for this long, re-apply sunscreen often. Pitch tent as close to the tangent you will be running as you can. Extra steps matter a LOT when you're going for this long.
Practice VERY slow running. Often. So that it doesn't seem quite so weird when you are forced to do it. Develop several different walking "gears." Practice those often, too.
For 2011, remember to bring RD Rick McNulty a six-pack of Starr Hill Lucy.
So, how did it go? Still not sure I have the words to convey it just yet, but i did learn a few lessons along the way.
10) A .85-mile loop is just about perfect for the multi, especially when there's a full-service kitchen right on the course that stays open the entire race.
9) Walking through the heat of each day = solid strategy.
8) Cheese quesadillas are ridiculously tasty at Hour 42.
7) When you sleep, make sure the shoes are off and the feet are ABOVE the heart.
6) A kind word is always worth the effort.
5) Sitting in a "normal" chair without propping your feet above your heart? Worthless.
4) Tough is contagious. Soak it up at every chance.
3) Laughter is strong medicine. For yourself and those around you.
2) Bacon. rules.
1) Run 3 mins., walk 2 mins. is solid. And will be even moreso as I learn how to run slower.
Random thought that flashed through my mind about 3 a.m. Sunday: There is a universe between "I think that I can" and "I have."
5 comments:
Wow. 128 miles? That's awesome. Congrats, dude.
Will you run trail ultras again?
Most DEF yes to trail ultras, Soph. Too many cool ones out there still. :)
You ROCK Bill. Impressive. Smart. Badass!
Truly amazing. You sound so pumped and excited. Already ready for 2011. Congratulations. You make me want to take a spin around the block on one of these things!
WOW-WOW-WOW! I'm in awe over your accomplishment Bill. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Very good and wise ones indeed.
Congratulations!
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