Hardrock is in 1 month. While I was doing my long run, 10 miles on flat smooth gravel at a speedy 10:45 pace I was saying to myself, "self, your ankle will be at about 25% ready and your fitness will be at about 25% ready and that adds up to 50%. Heck, you got a 50-50 chance of finishing that thing."
I like the way ultra runners rationalize. It all looks so easy sitting here in the AC sipping a Fresca on ice. I keep forgetting how big and god aweful steep those mountains are and how freaky it gets traveling thru the backcountry in the middle of the night. And it would take me two nights to finish this one if I made it that far.
But what do they put in that stuff? This race is so adicting. It is truly like the best and the worst drug. you just can't quit it knowing full well how bad it's gonna make you feel if you do it. and for what? you do it because it's the purest high out there. It's just so big. It's just so much. I hope it doesn't kill me this year. I hope standing there facing the beast I have the nerve to do the right thing and I hope I can survive the choice I make.
10 miles under 11 min. pace in the heat of memphis. I'm gettin' there.
About Me
- Billy
- Memphis, TN, United States
- Well, I'm 53 years old, trying not to waste the last few remaining years of a semi non-productive life. I live in Memphis, TN where the air is thick and the hills are flat and for that fact alone, you must feel some sense of pity for me. I have done my share of work and now it is time to play until I die or until the money runs out, not necessarily in that order. My goals are to meet as many interesting people as I can, travel to the ends of the earth, see my children into a happy adulthood, and hopefully do a few good things along the way for my fellow man and our good mother earth.
5 comments:
Wish I was there to run with you at MY pace right now, because I know it's not gonna last long. And now, the voice of reason...I know how much you want to do Hardrock. Please don't hurt yourself. Listen to your body...I trust you'll know what's right...I am really excited about quickly you are recoveing. That long, sedentary spring is far behind you now....I miss you!
Lenore
I love your number games!!!
So true brother. Hey even if you do die I can't think of a better way to go. Out there doing what you love to do. In the greatest mountain range in the country. San Juans Baby!!!
Billy,
I like your blog and general approach to life. Anyway, if your progress continues and you can get just some improvement in fitness, then you have a better shot of finishing than not. I say go for iteven if you DNF, to me that is better than waiting a year wondering what if...
Billy!
Best wishes for Hardrock, man. :) Wish I was going to be there, but it's not gonna happen...
Next adventure?? Let's run the PCT in '09? '10??!!
:) :) :) :) :) :)
Sue
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