I’m an Ultra Runner!

I did it.  50 miles in 12:48:00.

That being said, I'm going to crawl in a hole and die a thousand deaths.

I got plenty of audio and cool stuff (BIKES!) to turn into a podcast, so that's coming soon.

Somebody shoot me in the face!

By the way, I found out that the guy who convinced me to do this had never run a 50 miler before. For some reason I thought of this picture -

Relaxation

Relaxation can occur when you don't have much on your mind.

I have to run 50 miles tomorrow.

Many people would find that stressful. I find it relaxing. 50 miles. One step after another. Food is supplied, gear is tested. Just follow the trail.

I use two techniques to reduce the stress: Simplification and music.

To simplify, I am bringing only the basics. Complication can induce stress. The following may seem like a lot of stuff, but I could be bringing a lot more.

Non-running stuff

• tin pot


• tin cup


• oatmeal


• bamboo stirrer


• bathroom kit


• coffee


• hand-powered flashlight


• sleep in truck with sleeping bag


• camera


• recorder for podcast


• change of clothes

Running stuff -

• several types of layers for the top


• beanie hat and gloves


• shoes and back-up shoes


• running shorts and socks


• MP3 player


• running visor


• Suunto HRM strap and footpod


• headlamp and LED flashlight

There's really not much else besides that.  Keeping it simple lets the brain ease into neutral.  I'm listening to the new album from Radiohead.  It has a nice calming effect.

I've gotten word that my gang of buddies and I are staying in shelter #3.  Come by and visit if you'd like!

Trails and Tribulations Podcast Dissects my Sick Brain

The fine folks at the Trails and Tribulations podcast called me up the other day.  We had a nice chat and they made a show out of it.  It was a great time.  Make sure to visit their site, try out some of their shows, and support fellow ultra-distance athletes who put hard work into sharing our world with others!

Taper Time

I've cut down on the running hours and found myself stumbling across some funny videos. Here's two that I particularly enjoyed:

1. (Not safe for work) F*ck Planet Earth

2. Puppy vs. Robot with classic Nintendo effects

This is why we run

This is what I've been talking about, folks. You run because your ancestors have been doing it for thousands of years just to survive.

ULTRA HUNTING

I talk about this often on my podcasts. Humans are bred to run farther and longer than probably any other terrestrial animal. We use our hands and brains to leverage our endurance by carrying water and outsmarting our prey.

Running is part of our survival. We have an urge to do it, just like sex, eating, and language.

The video reinforces the Galloway method. We are intended to take short breaks on occasion. You call them "aid stations", but your ancestors called it "finding dinner's footprints again." It's not about speed, it's about tenacity.

Don't run like something you're not. Run like you were intended to. Keep up a good pace, take walking breaks, hydrate, envision your next meal scooting off over the horizon, and run with friends.

Big ups to Scott Dunlap for the original post.