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I must have a little crazy in me. I've never run a race in my life. I'm not sure why. I love to run and have a competitor's drive deep within me. So, you may be asking why I think I'm crazy?
Here is why: I've decided to train for the Pikes Peak Ascent. Why start with a small race when you can go big? Plus if I can make it through this without managing to hurt myself, I will be in tip top shape for hunting season which for me... opening day just happens to be a week after the ascent.
If you are unfamiliar with the Pikes Peak Ascent, let me provide some context. It is a 13.32 mile race with 7815 vertical feet to climb. The goal? Reach the summit of Pikes Peak. Now there are some really hard core runners who will make a marathon out if it and run back down the mountain. (I think I'll pass on that this year.)
You must also qualify for the race. Apparently they don't want people just showing up, attempting to run this thing and end up scattered on the face of the mountain passed out. So, you need to have either already run a half-marathon with a qualified race or participate in the Tripe Crown series and put down qualifying times in the first two 10 Ks. Only if you meet these requirements are you allowed to participated in the final race - Pikes Peak Ascent.
Every morning since I've made this decision, I wake up staring this purple mountain in the face. She dares me to run. She motivates me to train harder. And in the evening there is a little flicker of light on the horizon, pretending to be a star in the fading light. I know better. It is the lone building on the summit reminding me of how far I'll have to run / climb. My constant reminder whether by day or night pushes me to train. So I'll train.
What is your motivation to train in the off season?
Some First Person race accounts (what am I getting myself into?!):
- "It was agonizing. I was delirious from oxygen deprivation"
- "I guess altitude and I are never going to be friends"
- "The race began a constant search for a good "sitting rock."
- "I realized that I would have to qualify for the Boston during another race."
- "I think I'll go back to sport climbing. I suck at that also, but at least it doesn't hurt so much."
- "What the heck was I thinking? This is a stupid idea!"
Go Get it girl! You'll do fine! Just remember to train train train, but I think you already know that. My goal in the off season is to work out like a crazy lady until I can draw 50lbs on my new bow, and get in really good shape for our fishing trip next spring so I can fight the big ones without too much trouble, and without going overboard!
ReplyDeleteIf I may call you Emily I think what you are going to do is awesome. It takes a lot of guts to do that even for a lot of guys. It sure sounds like it's no race for the weary. I wish you good luck and keep us posted if you can.
ReplyDelete[url=http://whitetailwoods.blogspot.com/]Whitetail Woods™[/url]
In support I posted this,
ReplyDeletehttp://whitetailwoods.blogspot.com/2011/01/obn-member-takes-on-pikes-peak-marathon.html
Whitetail Woods Blog / Deer Hunting and Blackpowder Shooting at it’s best.
A few years back, I did the Tripple Bypass and trained for it almost a year in advance. I had the best elk season of my life that fall, just a couple of months following the ride. You're on to something! Stick with your training, although I'm sure that won't be a problem based on what I've read about you.
ReplyDeleteWOW Emily, you set high goals. I bet you can do it though. Really. I bet you can. Just believe it and don't look back! I'm excited for you and I can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome, Emily! Best of luck with it and I hope it is a great experience. That will be good preparation for the season. I will continue to run my 2 miles at the gym and dream of heading up a mountain.
ReplyDeleteGo get 'em Emily! Good luck and I admire you for what you are doing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words everyone! My husband still thinks I'm a bit crazy for attempting this. He is beginning to realize I'm serious though. I just found out I will have to give up our annual trek to Bowcast 3D archery shoot b/c it conflicts with one of my qualifying runs. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteI'm contemplating adding a training record to my blog here. It would be a good way for me to stay accountable and also provide updates on my progress.
Way to go Emily you crazy girl you, lol!
ReplyDelete(teasin' of course.)
I'm sure you'd do just fine because you can do anything you put your mind to! I'm rootin' for you and I think you should keep us updated. I know I'd like to know how it's going.
Emily, that is quite a goal! I too find that starting off with a big goal can really inspire me to train more consistently than a small goal. Not only am I impressed with the run, but I am impressed that you would give up Bowcast at the Bird! I just found out about that shoot last week by looking at your blog archives. I will have to travel out for that one day! I wrote a post just a day before this one, that really speaks to your goal as well...
ReplyDeletehttp://soleadventure.com/2011/01/so-comfortable-so-miserable/
Take care,
Mark
Em, I need to start training again too. Just got back from the doctor and my cholesterol is a bit high. Wish I could join you in that race. Don't think my seventy year old knees would get me to the top. Guess I will have to just settle for an exercise bike, boring. I know you can do it. You know that Danny did it don't you. Love Dad
ReplyDeleteCrazy, crazy, and crazy. Good luck, though. Everyone will be pulling for ya. And it should make chasing elk through the hills and valleys seem like a cake walk.
ReplyDeleteWow, that sounds crazy! But awesome! I just started running last spring, and just recently decided to train for my first half marathon - although it is NOT up a mountain. Good look, you'll do great, and I'd be interested see how you're training for it!
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