Today's training run:
As you know, the race is on Dec. 5.
This will be my fifth 50K race on the High Bridge Trail. One thing I've learned is that you never want to think of the race as a 50K race. You want to divide it into more manageable chunks. (Runners call this "chunking.) In my previous ultra races I've reframed the race as a combination of five 10K races (= 6.2 miles each). Once you've checked off 3 of the 5 legs, you are over half way done! Since I've already completed dozens of 10K races, my brain already knows how to manage those distances.
This time, however, I'm thinking about splitting the race in two. The first half, from Farmville to Rice and back, will be leg 1. The second half, from Farmville to Prospect and back, will be leg 2. The first half I'll consider nothing more than a long, controlled warm-up where I'm saving up energy for the second half of the race. I know I will have done this right if I reach the halfway mark feeling like I can easily run the exact same distance again. From this point forward, every step brings you closer to the finish than to the start. Of course, I might have to abandon the "halves" mindset if I get extremely tired. Then I will just fall back on focusing on the next mile marker or aid station. For the entire race, I will take scheduled walk breaks to hopefully give my running muscles a break.
I don't know why I keep talking myself into longer races. Before my first marathon I thought, "Well, it's only two half marathons put together. You'll do fine." And before my first 50K race (32 miles), I said to myself, "C'mon, Dave, this is only 6 miles longer than a marathon." Thankfully, the Farmville event has a race director who creates a welcoming environment for all ages and all experience levels. He often says, "Please don't dismiss this race as not for you." I love the inclusive nature of ultramarathons: first timers, crazy fast racers, run-walkers, and everyone in-between. I'm always one of the oldest runners on the race roster, and honestly, I think that's pretty cool. I'm so thankful for my friends and family who cheer me on that day and for always supporting me, no matter how I do. Thank you being a part of this journey.
Running didn't just change my life. It helped me build a life I love. Thank you, Lord!