Ultra Wannabe No More

rickwhitelaw

Barefooters
Apr 27, 2011
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Beryl Utah
Early this morning I competed my first Ultra race, the Bryce 100 K. Good thing there was no cutoffs because I finished in 19.5 hours. Not last place at least. Time was not a concern, my goal was just to finish, but I did try to make a schedule for my pacers. I'm so glad they were patient and they really helped me get to the end. According to everyone, it was a very hard course and many runners dropped. Pretty amazing experience.

Finally experienced a major low that has not happened in any of my previous long runs. If I break the run into 3 parts, 1st went great and I was ahead of schedule, 2nd part was a struggle with fatigue and hydration issues and overheating, and the final part went great when it started getting cooler and I was finally able to process some calories. I certainly have a lot to improve on, but the positives far outweigh the difficulties that I experienced. No injuries, not even a blister. Sore muscles, but I expect to be back at it in a few days.

Even though running barefoot or even wearing minimal shoes was not an option, I give barefoot running most of the credit for getting me to this mileage level. I'll try to get some pictures and a report, but you know how I am flaky about these reports.

Just wanted to share my experience. Zero mileage and injured in February to a 64 mile Ultra four months later.
 
Nice job Rick and the bonus good news is that if you can go for 19.5hrs, it's only a small step up to a 24 hr race ;)
 
Awesome Rick, it's that middle bit that is so hard to train for but you know you got it right because it was mission accomplished! A hearty congrats!
 
Awesome man! Way to go!!!
 
Nice job Rick!! The girls and I were talking after Zion about doing that 100k next year. Matt Gunn directs that race as well. Curious about the course. Elevation might be a factor for us Ca valley girls.
 
Nice job Rick and the bonus good news is that if you can go for 19.5hrs, it's only a small step up to a 24 hr race ;)


Excellent idea DayRunner, I hadn't even considered a timed event. That would be a good in between distance to figure things out before attempting a hundred. Across The Years in Arizona anyone?

Nice job Rick!! The girls and I were talking after Zion about doing that 100k next year. Matt Gunn directs that race as well. Curious about the course. Elevation might be a factor for us Ca valley girls.


Hi Zap, good to hear from you. Utah definitely needs another visit from the DirtyGirlZ. Loved your trip report and congrats to Maggie. Course reviews and comments are coming in on the Bryce 100 FB page and some great pictures and video.

www.facebook.com/bryce100miler

I think the elevation affected everyone, but the course was so stunning, I'm going to recommend it to everyone. Definitely plan to arrive a few days early and acclimate and take those uphills slow.

I'm toying with the idea of making the Zion 100 my first 100 attempt. It would nice to see you guys again (your turn to run it). We'll see if Vanessa and Shacky want to give it another go also.
 
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I'm toying with the idea of making the Zion 100 my first 100 attempt. It would nice to see you guys again (your turn to run it). We'll see if Vanessa and Shacky want to give it another go also.


Zion looks like a great first 100. In fact, I was joking with Maggie that THAT should have been my first. Ha! We'll see if I still like 100 milers after Pine To Palm. o_O
 
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Well done Rick, great going.

You toughed out the hard bit and came back strong, and learned from the experience. Well done indeed.

I'm of th esame opinion as you, even if I don't run barefoot, the minimalism has gotten me into a much better place then I would have been without it
 
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