A New Challenge?

So, I am still a bit bummed about 9 Trails, but I know it is not happening, and I have to consider what I want to focus on. I have a hard time getting amped about running 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, etc... I know I can run well, but not fast enough to be pleased with the sacrifice it takes to get there. Talking with Adrienne and others, it seems I can go fast, but a bit slower than many of the elite and pro racers. This lack of desire to run for second will most likely change as I continue to get older and slower, but it has not yet changed. So, what's the answer?

A New Challenge!

I am curious how I will do over 50 miles. Once upon a time I ran 30 at about 6:10 pace. I would not have made it one more mile, but I did not have food or water on that run. I crawled into my bed and slept for 14 hours. It seems that I am genetically predisposed to handle a good pace for a long long distance, but I am not sure my body will hold up to the miles. I think it is time to find out! I am going to build from now until August and get my miles up up up! Then I will jump into a 50k (I am thinking about doing the 50k championships in San Francisco). After that, if I am healthy, racing well, and not back on the mile train :), I will enter The North Face 50 Mile Championship race in San Francisco in December. I will race throughout this time, but focus on the miles, and training that will support fat burning and energy conservation over that distance.

I had a nice run today with Peter Vail, and we were discussing the difference in a 50k and a 50 mile race. It is clear in the results that they are far from the same thing (much much slower)!, but I think a new challenge is in order, and it is something that feels a bit over my head. There are few things in life that I love more than running! I am looking forward to slowing the pace down, and running a lot more. I think Adrienne is in as well! I believe she will handle the distance better than I will, and it will be a fun challenge to embark upon together.

Finch