It’s Time for Me to Try an Ultra
If you’re a regular listener of the podcast, you know that every time I have an ultra distance runner on the show, I always have to ask what makes him or her want to go beyond 26.2 miles.
And you also know that no matter what their answer is, I always tell them there is no way I can imagine going any farther.
Yeah, about that.
I’ve been warming up to the idea of venturing into ultra-ville for a few months now, and I seriously think it’s time for me to give an ultra a shot.
I mean, why the hell not?
The Race I’m Eyeing
Deciding to try an ultra, especially with how poorly I’ve been doing when it comes to logging mileage this year, may sound like a stretch. That said, there is a method to my madness.
I’m the kind of runner that needs a race on the calendar to really help me step up my training, both in mileage and intensity. While I have recently added a couple of races to my fall calendar (Florida 10 Series in October, Disney’s Wine and Dine Half in November), I know I can do both of those races without too much stress when it comes to training.
I’m not trying to sound cocky, but as long as I can get a few long runs in before either of those races, I know I’ll be able to finish with a somewhat respectable time.
But an ultra? That is going to take some serious drive and some serious commitment to training, which is exactly what I need right now.
So, I’m looking at signing up for the the Bulow Woods Trail Race and Ultra in December in Ormond Beach, FL. I’m choosing this race as my first ultra for a couple of reasons:
- It’s “only” a 50k.
- It should be super flat.
- My in-laws live in Flagler Beach, which is just 15 minutes from Ormond, so travel on race day won’t be an issue and it won’t cost me a hotel room. (Yes, I’m a cheapskate)
- It’s not that expensive. (See above)
I Guess That’s That
So with that, I guess I’m going to actually try an ultra. I think deep down I always knew I’d do it eventually, but I really didn’t think it would come this year. Or even this decade.
But I do think it will be a good thing, and it will definitely give me more drive to get more mileage in, especially those long runs that I’m none to keen about doing if I don’t have a big race on the calendar already.
If any of you guys have any tips, tricks, or advice for me as I start to gear up for this race, I’d really appreciate it if you’d share it with me! This is definitely uncharted waters for me, and I’ll take all the advice I can get!
You didn’t really think I was going to sign up for an ultra this year, did you? I’m fairly certain I will try an ultra one day, but it won’t be this year!
Great April Fools there. I am in the “not interested crowd” when it comes to Ultras! Good luck when you do try to pursue one! 🙂
Thanks! I feel like a lot of people haven’t made it all the way to the end of the post, because I’ve gotten a lot of comments on FB from people encouraging me! I even got my wife! She texted me all upset that I hadn’t even talked to her about the race yet!
Glad you saw the humor in it!
Aw, c’mon, man, I’m going for my first one in December – you could totally do it! Nagnagnagnag
At least you didn’t post that you’re not going to be posting any more. I’m so sick of that AF joke. It’s not funny.
Hehe. My original thought was that I’d do a post about how I just don’t have as much to run as regularly as I’d like to, but that would have been BS. Sure I’m busy, but making time to run is a priority and I didn’t figure people would buy it. The ultra idea literally came to me just a few days ago, and I immediately knew it was perfect!
And keep nagging! I’ll get there eventually….
I’m definitely glad to hear that you’re not doing the ultra. That means there’s still room on your calendar for Space Coast. I’ll look forward to seeing you there and comparing notes during training. *nudge, nudge*
Hehe. No ultras (this year at least), not sure about Space Coast. I wouldn’t mind doing that race, but I need to run fewer fulls in FL and get outside of the state some more or I’ll never get to all 50 states!