The mental game

Ben was just behind me, pacing me.  I was struggling mightily to walk up a short incline.

"Its pretty sad that I have 4 hours to cover 14 miles and I'm not going to be able to do it." [regarding finishing sub-24]

It was just before I hit the Dam Nation aid station for the first time on my final lap. That statement resonated loudly and wouldn't leave my head. 4 hours to cover 14 miles? Even though I knew how slow I was going, I couldn't comprehend not being able to cover that distance in four hours. But I knew the pace I had been moving at. My 90 year old grandmother would have easily been able to pace me. I was coming to the realization that it was impossible to cover that distance, even with four hours to spare. But still, the thought wouldn't leave my head, so I made a decision. I was going to break 24 hours or go down in flames. I figured if I wasn't going to break 24 anyway, nothing would change if I cracked...I had enough time to walk it in under the cut off. The fatigue was almost overwhelming, my ankles were swollen, and my feet throbbed with pain on every footfall. I pushed and pushed harder. I almost completely stopped talking to Ben and focused. One foot in front of the other, only walking briefly each time my body revolted, shutting down. I had to will myself to start running again each time.

3 hours and 45 minutes later, I crossed the finish line of my first 100 miler, and Joe Pursitis handed me a sub-24 hour buckle. I had proven exactly what I told a some people only days before. Ultras are run in your head.

First run post-100

I did a short ~3ish miles tonight just to see how my body is recovering.  I took it really easy, but I felt fantastic.  This week I will give a shot  at putting in some decent mileage to see how I respond.  I'm still a little in awe of running 100 miles.  It doesn't seem possible.  I can't wrap my mind around running that far or that long.  Somehow I did it.

Finished!

Sub 24! ~23:45. What a crazy experience. I'm still not sure that it happened, or how I just ran that far.

Update #8

Scott is on his final loop. He has had some ups & downs throughout but has stayed focused & really powered through the low points. He is running the toughest/longest stretch now & I will join up with him at the last aid station to finish up his last 4.4 miles of his first ever 100 miler!
He seems determined to finish under 24 hours & at this point he's on pace to do so. Most likely meeting up with him at 4am. Finish line updates to follow shortly....

Update #7

Through 60 miles in 12:30.

Update #6

2 loops done. 3 more to go....

Update #5

Temps are heating up a bit, but Scott is still in good spirits & running smart. Just came through mile 36.

Update 4

Moving at a good pace...just came through mile 23.

Update 3

Loop 1 completed, 4 more to go!

Update #2

Still going strong at mile 15.6!

Update 1

Looking fresh & strong @mile 3!!

It is imminent

I'm waking up in 5.5 hours. Then, I run. Katie will be posting updates on my blog tomorrow.