Interview
So recently, my friend Sarah has just finished her first 50 mile ultra. She is contemplating running a 100 and had some questions for me (and some other 100 mile finishers). I thought that it would make for some good content for my blog as well. So for your reading enjoyment:
1. Why, in the name of all that’s holy and good, did you decide to run a 100-mile race?
I would say this is the most commonly asked question, and, to be honest, the answer is really simple to see if I could do it. My dad did Leadville one time, I went out to pace him. I had no idea what to do, turns out I was a horrible pacer. I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t know how to act, I wasn’t sure if I should be in front or in back. After the whole experience I said to myself I never want to run that far. Guess it turns out I was wrong. There’s something about running 100 miles that removes barriers from your life and puts everything else in perspective. Sure running it is an accomplishment in and of itself, but the real accomplishment is removing barriers to success in your life.
2. What 100(s) have you done?
So far only Rocky Raccoon 100 (easy) and Leadville Trail 100 (hard)
3. How do you train for such a long distance? (I’m sure you get this one all the time.)
Basically I just run and run aaaaannnnd run. Working a full time job Monday through Friday doesn’t leave a lot of free time, especially when I have friends and a girlfriend, so finding time to run get’s difficult. So I usually run at night Monday through Friday, and then will run in the mornings on the weekends. I find myself more comfortable running the Trails at Clinton Lake at night due to my familiarity with the rocks, roots, colors smells sounds etc…
I would say two important things for being ready for a 100.
1) make sure that running a 50k each week is something you can just do. It’s not an event, it’s not a production and it doesn’t leave you hobbled for the following week.
2) Back to backs are very very very important. If you want you can spread your 50k out over a weekend. That’s fine, too, but I’d might suggest if you’re gonna split your 50k, make it heavy. (like closer to 40 miles).
I know these both sound big. But they are something you should work up too (and coming off a 50mile you should have no problem with it). Feel free to do a percentage of each, but as each and ever week goes by add just a little more. (the 10% rule still applies, don’t increase your weekly milage by more than 10% a week)
4. How does 100-mile training differ from 50K and 50-miler training?
I kinda covered this in the previous question, but I’ll add nutrition comes into play more. Also you have to be dedicated to your running. Half-assing your training for a 100 will lead to a VERY difficult 100. You will be spending a lot more time on the trail than you did before. You might find that your SO will struggle with it. It can be similar to having a new girlfriend/boyfriend who you spend your time with. Gary is working on an article about mixed couples (runner/non-runner) and how those relationships handled. Don’t let me discourage you from doing it though, cause it’s very rewarding experience.
4. What’s the hardest part about 100-miler training?
I answered this in the previous question 
I’m good at that! Time away from friends and family is the hardest part.
5. What’s the best part?
The best part of training for a 100 is actually the time spent on the trails. I love it!
7. Any training secrets you’re willing to share?
I told you my two secretes already!
8. Did anything surprise you about your first 100-miler?
I was told that the wheels would fall off. I didn’t really understand what that meant. And boy did they! In fact the wheels fell off, exploded, ran way and then the car blew up!
But some how magically it all comes back together (but then it’ll blow up again)
9. What’s the hardest part about completing a 100-mile race?
Forcing yourself to keep going, even though everything hurts. They say “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” I’d say there is truth to that statement. Even when everything hurts, and your chasing cut offs, don’t stop. No matter how hard you want to stop and just be done, keep going. It’s better to be pulled for a cutoff than to stop of your will.
10. What’s the best part?
Knowing that not only did I beat the trail, I conquered myself. Any doubt, questions of ability, strength, will power, perciverence all solved! I’m a stronger person. I’m a better person. I know that limits are only self imposed and can be shoved aside!
11. Any racing tips for newbies?
Hmmm racing tips. Biggest one is relentless forward motion! Do not stop!
12. (Here’s the selfish question.) I just finished my first 50-mile race a few weeks ago (Blue Springs 50 on Oct. 25). If I decide to go after the 100-mile distance, do you have any training suggestions for me? (Especially how long it takes to work up from the 50-mile distance to the 100-mile distance?)
I don’t think it’s a matter of if. it’s a matter of when! Took me Oct-Jan to get ready for my first 100 after my first 50. I’m positive that the same thing can happen to you.
