I am not sure what to do this December. Shall I run the Honolulu Marathon as planned? Or shall I try another 50K ultra marathon on the High Bridge Trail? I thought about this question as I got in 8 miles on that trail today.
I would have gone farther but the heat got to me. It's weird how stuff happens. I love to run marathons (20 so far) but I love to run ultras (32 miles) even more. Clearly, I like running. Just look at the pictures on this blog. I am also a big fan of huge, audacious goals. I haven't done an ultra in a while. Am I still up for one? I say this because the High Bridge 50K Ultra is coming up on December 6, 2025. I'm not sure what to do. If you give it too much thought you will talk yourself out of doing it. An ultra is sheer torture. I remember doing three 50K ultras on this very trail and the mental fortitude needed to get to the finish line.
I write all this simply for what it's worth. Everyone is different, and you really need to figure out what works for you. Hawaii or Farmville? 42K or 50K? I won't lie. The ultra distance seems impossible for me. But maybe, just maybe, I've got one more 50K race in me. How will I know unless I try? As I've told you, running is at the center of my universe. I know it is for some of you too. One thing I am learning as I age is that confidence is essential. Confidence that your fitness is up to the challenge. Confidence that you will finish the race. Confidence that your body will adapt to the stress. Confidence that when race day comes you'll be ready for the challenge.
Prayers appreciated.