Running with Tonks

Bear Chase 50 Miler Looking back on the last two years of ultra running, I recognize my pattern now.  In the days leading up to my goal race, anxiety intensifies until I pick up by bib.  At this point the nerves disappear and in its place is a calm excitement.  A friend a couple weeks before asked if I just wanted it to be done already.  Truth is, I LOVE race day.  I love the chill in the morning, the nervous excitement at the start line, seeing how the day unfolds, working through and solving problems and crossing the finish line.  Race day makes the training worth it.        Start line selfie!    National Anthem Start line sunrise The Bear Chase 50 miler is comprised of four loops each 12.5 miles. I chose to complete the first loop without music or entertainment. I wanted to experience it with no distractions. It was like I was hyper aware of everything from rocks on the trail, run neighbors, ...

Cold, Snowy, and Icy Training Block.   During my recovery after my Arizona 50k, I felt insanely good. I knew I wanted to go for a 50 miler.  It would be my first and it felt incredibly daunting. I decided to really go for it after meeting with my coach.  I researched and even made a google sheet comparing the different races. (The small portion of Ravenclaw in me had a field day with this! HA! If you are interested, HERE is the comparison chart.) I decided on The Antelope Island Buffalo Run in Utah.  It would be the start of Spring Break which would be a perfect recovery week. The training block was incredibly difficult with big snow storms corresponding with every long weekend back-to-back run.  It was miserable and lonely but I got it done.  I realize now that it was excellent mental training. Once I hit taper, I already felt so accomplished.  snowy shake out run with Kirsten The days leading up to the race I was riddled with a...