Going the Distance
| August 13, 2012 | Posted by Emily under Uncategorized |
A few big things have happened in my running world this year.
First, I crossed the finish line in Eugene with a time that exceeded every imaginable expectation that I ever held for myself and marathoning.
Dreaming so big by reaching for a 3:15 pace band, 24 hours before running a 3:08.01. Nope, STILL don’t know what happened with that one.
And then, I dipped my toes in the pool of ultra running (twice) and found my feet crying over and over again “dive in, Em! The water is AMAZING!”
Between these two things, I’ve really struggled with whether I wanted to close out 2012 by staying true to my roadie roots with a full, no messing around 16 week marathon training cycle to go for another 26.2 mile PR attempt. Or, if I want to play around some more with ultra running and go for distance.
Well, last week while I was all runners highing on ultras after the Dahlgren 50k, I finally answered this “what next?” question that’s haunted me all summer long.
And the answer:
Marathons can wait.
The 50 mile distance, to be exact.
While I may regret this decision at mile 18 of my second long run in a single weekend in the very near future, for now, I am straight up, giddy excited about spending October 6th running 50 miles around a lake in Western New York.
When I come down from my registration high, we can chat more about why I chose this race and how I am going to spend the next two months getting ready to tackle the 50 mile distance.
Until then, get ready for even more miles!
Yes!! I love watching you crush these ultra distances. Good luck!
That looks like an awesome race! Good luck with training!!
One of my adventure racing teammates lives right around there. Very cool…I love to see people reaching further and further. Can’t wait to watch you smash this as well!
You are very inspiring. Good luck with training.
OMG!! I grew up 20mins from that lake. I now live in northern PA but maybe I will travel home to see the race!! Good luck training that lake is beautiful to run at.
I LOVE how many of you are telling me how awesome it is. I can’t wait! And definitely let me know if you make it up!
How exciting! I live like 5 minutes from Canandaigua! I’ll definitely be there to watch!
I can’t tell you how awesome that would be! Let me know closer to race date if you’ll definitely be there and where to look for you! So exciting!
YAY! You are totally going to rock the 50 mile distance – I just know it! Can’t wait to hear all about the training, let me know if you want a running partner one weekend (keeping in mind that I’m only running 13.1 this fall). Good luck with training!!
Yes, definitely! Let’s plan a run ASAP!
Canandaigua is gorgeous! I grew up near there. Be sure to hit up some of the great local wineries after you’re done!
Wineries=officially added to the To Do list. Thanks!
I can’t even imagine. Good luck, lady! Way to finish out the year with a bang!
Get it girl! I have no doubt you will conquer and destroy that 50 miles!
I just joined Twitter, follow me @SouthGirlRun, thanks!!!
Thanks! And followed!
Canandaigua Lake is my Ironman stomping grounds! I am there like every weekend over the summer :)
So I will have to ask you for lots of tips before I go! Is it as hilly as the RD claims?
It’s definitely hilly – I ride down there all the time! I have a friend who ran it as part of a relay team, so I will have to ask her about it in more detail.
You are AMAZING!
My friend did that race a few years ago and loved it! In two weeks she is running her first 100 miler…
I wish I had your drive
Crazy lady, you are on a roll this year!! Your blog is ridiculously exciting!!!
Dang girl! I have no doubt that you can do it, but I think it’s a little crazy to want to! ;)
You’re scaring the heck outta me!!! Ok, kidding. I was wondering when you were going to up the 50k distance. Looks like you did it. Wanna guess what I think will be next? ;p
Wowza 50 miles!!
50 miles?! AMAZING! I’m preparing for my first 13.1 and that seemed like so far when I started…. 50 is amazing!
I’ve been following the blog for a while, and Canandaigua Lake is like 20min from me! Will def scoot over there to cheer you on ;)
That would be AMAZING! Definitely let me know if you end up deciding to come and where to look for you, etc…I LOVE having people out to say hi to, it makes the race so much more fun.
So exciting!! You’re going to rock it. I’m tempted to venture into 50k territory so I like reading about your ultra-endeavors. I’m close to Canandaigua too (sounds like you’ll have some local fans). While you’re there make sure to check out MacGregor’s – I think the beer list will be right up your alley. Perhaps for post-race libations? Here’s a link:
http://www.macgregorsgrillandtaproom.net/beers.asp
You know the way straight to my heart. Will def have to check this out for pre and post race carbo loading/refueling. Thanks so much for the rec. You should TOTALLY venture into 50k territory. It’s SO MUCH FUN. Seriously all caps, so much fun. Let me know if you decide to take the plunge!
Yay! More running stories.
Hey Emily! I have been struggling with this same issue (1/2 marathon PR or an Ultra for my next goal). Considering my recent Hoka purchase, this probably doesn’t surprise you. I am just not sure I have enough miles under my belt to really give it a good shot in Oct. What is your current mileage? Oh and congrats on your Eugene PR! I had no idea!
Hey Sarah! My mileage is about 65-90ish right now. Feel free to shoot me an email if you want to chat more about the mileage I was at when I did my first 50k in May. Also, I want to hear more about your Hokas!!!
You are definitely crazy ( but in a good way) to run those kind of miles ! Canandaigua is so beautiful. I live an hour from there and swim at Kershaw Park on weekends. Good luck with upping your training miles.!! Btw- Ryan Lochte is originally from Canandaigua .
Fun fact about Canandaigua! (PS how the hell do you pronounce that shit?) Love hearing how beautiful the area is!
Great place to do it! And great time of year too. Much luck!
Damn girl! You are inspiring. Can’t wait to follow you during training. You got this!
I’m from Central New York, and I went to college in Geneva, which is about 20 minutes from Canandaigua–absolutely gorgeous area! Good luck with training!!
Thank you! Everyone who has been keeps saying how gorgeous it is. I can’t wait!
Way to go!!
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How is that even possible? Is it split up over days? Congrats on such a great year in your running goals. You’re nuts! :) Jessica
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