If there’s one guarantee about running an ultramarathon, it’s that the unexpected will happen. It’s just a question of what and when. It’s part of the odd appeal of running for crazy long distances in remote places. Safe, urban cattle-drive marathons? No, thank you. And so I was back in the Arizona desert this weekend …
Tag: planning
Grandmaster of Disaster
After running the Grandmaster 100K last month in the Arizona desert, I now share one characteristic with legendary ultrarunner Jim Walmsley, who has now twice set the course record at the Western States 100. No, I did not win Western States. I haven’t even tried to qualify for it (yet). But we do indeed share …
No BHARG This Year? What’s Wrong with Me?
I have a confession to make. For the first time in four years, I have no BHARG. It’s February, and I ought to be at the peak of my winter training, working my buttinsky off at Body Specs and prepping for my spring ultras, culminating in a Big Hairy-Ass Running Goal in late May or …
“Half” Measures
As a competitive runner, there are two main factors I consider when planning a race: speed and endurance. Which one takes precedence depends on the distance. When I run a 5K race (3.1 miles), I don't worry if I will finish, only how fast. I set a target pace for the first mile, then go all …
RUN COFFEE WRITE 