100k - Born To Run Ultramarathon Prep

In about two weeks I will be driving about six hours to run for about twelve hours (actually, I have no idea how long I will be running. It could be seventeen for all I know so I plan on bringing my headlamp just in case.) 

The Born To Run Ultramarathon is the perfect opportunity to test my training and endurance and I almost missed it. Whew. That was a close one.

Am I ready to run 60+ miles? Who knows? My plan is the same as always. Get my ass to the first aid station and see how I feel from there. My only real big question mark right now is whether my feet will hold up. I plan on wearing my Merrell Pace Gloves. Its by default, really. I don't have any other option other than barefoot or my Invisible Shoe huaraches, which might be a possibility at any given point. We'll see. I also plan on bringing some socks that might add a little cushion if my feet get a little battered. This trail is probably not as technical as my last few races so I may not get the fatigue I'm used to, but I've never ran more than a 50k so how would I know? I won't. Not until race day. Its all a guessing game at this point.

This race is organized by Luis Escobar, a seriously talented photographer and one of the official characters from McDougall's book, Born to Run who ran the first Copper Canyon Ultramarathon in Urique Mexico.

Inspired by the book, Born to Run, Luis describes this race in his interview with Caity McCardell of Run Barefoot Girl, as more of a mini running festival than a race. Encompassing an entire weekend of camping, music, games and plenty of hard-core running, its not commercial by any means. In fact, its a small, home-grown runner's race. Designed by runners for runners. Luis labels his race in his own words as "FUN-KY." Its essence is old-school, community based. There's no timing chips. No shirts. No awards. No swag (that I know of.) There's minimal support. You go there to run for the pure love of running. It truly is a race that embodies the spirit of ultrarunning. Its about sharing the experience and the passion with fellow runners (and their pooches - yes. Its a dog friendly race as well.). Its ultramarathon fiyah! See why this race is so perfect for me?

Its also a popular race amongst the purist of barefoot runners. Apparently, the trail proved to be challenging last year and few barefoot runners were able to complete the longer distances completely sans shoes. Luis is looking forward to seeing more barefoot runners at his race this year. There's even a community lottery that's being collected that will provide the first award for the first 100 mile barefoot runner. No shoes. No socks. No tape. Nothing. Just pure barefoot. It would be exciting to see that happen.

So I'm getting my camping gear sorted, checking to see if my air mattress will fit in the van, gathering all my running gear and hemming and hawwwing on whether or not to dope. Yeah. You heard me right. I think I might be doping for this race. As soon as I heard Luis mention grass in his interview (not the kind you smoke, but the kind you run on) my allergic ears perked up. I'm thinking I had better not forget my trusty pills or I will be miserable. It might even be a game changer for me.

Words can't begin to describe how stoked I am about participating in this race. I couldn't have made a better decision.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .





Comments

  1. I love your attitude and I can relate to a certain level. I too sign up for low tech races, where people gather at the beginning of a trail, the race director counts 3, 2, 1, go and runners start their journey...while some are still waiting in line for the bathroom.
    I signed up for a race much longer then the longest distance I ever ran, and I don't know if I will finish it. I don't care. I didn't really have time to train, but I'm sure it will be a memorable experience.
    This Born to Run Ultra seems like the perfect atmosphere to have a blast.
    Good luck and take fresh batteries for the headlamp, you never know ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Steph! I know all about being in the bathroom once a race has started. I spent the beginning of the NYC Barefoot Run that way. Ha! Good luck with your race as well!

      Delete
  2. Have an awesome time, Krista! I just completed my first olympic distance triathlon and you've convinced me my next challenge will be a 50K trail ultra at the end of this summer that I've been eyeing. Bring it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow Brahm!!! That's awesome! Congrats on your first olympic distance tri! My only advice to you on your future trail ultra is to pick something fun and enjoy every single second of it. Keep me posted on how that goes. I will be following your tweets...

      Delete
  3. Hope it all goes well in the run, I can't imagine running for that long or that far. I've done marathons in the past but I was half my age then. I'm sure it will be a run to remember.
    What course does it follow?
    Neil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil - The trail is on a private cattle ranch. Its a 20 mile figure eight loop with the center of figure eight being the camp. So I will be passing through there every 10 miles. This makes it so I won't need crewing or support. I can grab whatever I need back at my car. I'm also thinking about running free of the hydration pack since if I need it, I can always pick it up. We'll see. Its all an experiment at this point and I'm looking forward to learning a few things. :-)

      Delete
  4. Still a long time to be up on your feet, will they ever forgive you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Born to run ultramarathon....
    ...forced work:-(

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Twenty Miles Of Punishment

Shame and Camel Toe

Evofem's Softcup Review

I'm A Sucker For Beauty & Athletic Eye Candy

A Running Orgasm?