I was on my own for the training for Lost Soul in 2014. Let me tell you it is a big scary thing to sign up for one of the most challenging 50Ks in Alberta without anyone talk you down from the crazy edge. I was still new to the ultra game and I was petrified. I didn’t want to DNF or get injured.
Mark was set to run the 100K. But schedules never matched so we rarely got to train together. I didn’t know anyone else who would be at the race (at least in the 50K). That’s fine and dandy but you know it’s always nice to know someone on the course, particularly at the end of a hard grind. (Note: Hugs are encouraged and appreciated.)
This year is different. I know a handful of people who are running varying distances from the 54K to the 100 miler. Believe me, it will make the next eight months of training a little more bearable. I love to talk trail, training and strategy. Plus it’s a huge boost to know others going through the gruelling training cycle.
ON THE RUN
Speaking of motivation, let me introduce you to Terry, a Calgary runner whose training puts us all to shame. Whenever I need a little kick in the butt, I check out Terry’s Instagram feed. She had a fabulous 2015 and I have no doubt even bigger things are ahead for her in 2016. Terry writes about Lost Soul here.
Oh then there’s Susan. She’s a bit of a nutcase who will no doubt keep the fun in the training and racing. She is as real as real can be as a person. Love her screw-it attitude and positive vibe. She hasn’t written about Lost Soul yet but why not check out her 2016 goals.
It took some “gentle” encouragement but vegan runner Rachel is also running Lost Soul. Rachel has such positive energy that I am happy to call her my pal.Read her post about Getting off the Road and No excuses.
Closer to home, old man Bill Kossmann in Red Deer is challenging the 100K. It should be no sweat for Bill as he has run just about every distance imaginable and placed in . He owns the finisher’s rock for all distances save for the 100K.
Yesterday I met Kristina Meyer who I interviewed for my next Running with Rhyno column in the Red Deer Advocate. Kristina is running 100 miles. I have no doubt this badass will rock the distance and leave many people in her dust. Go ahead and read her 2015 Lost Soul Race Report. Be prepared to be impressed.
Bibs have almost sold out, if they haven’t already for Lost Soul. It seems like everybody wants to challenge the race in September. It’s going to be a blast.
My training has already started. In a couple of weeks, I will run a half-marathon. It should tell me where I am endurance wise. Later this weekend I will post my training schedule. I feel blah but I think it’s a result of running around like a crazy person all week to fit in work, freelance, blogging, eating, sleeping, reading, yoga, running and life.
Speaking of which …. got to run.
Are you running Lost Soul? Got any training tips for me?
Sounds like a tough challenge! I have no plans to run an ultra…but I may do a trail half in the fall…
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…5 new songs that will ROCK YOUR RUN!
That would be great. Love trail running! Thanks for stopping by Wendy.
Well I registered because you told me to. So you will know someone on the course this year! I just ran the Goofy in Disney World…half marathon Saturday,full marathon Sunday. I felt fine and it was pretty hot too. It’s always good to have a goal staring you in the face. Robert is doing the 100km…it will be fun! See you at the races!
Yay! It’s going to be awesome!
This post reminded me of how happy I was when I finished the 100k, in 2014.
Omg, I am so thankful for all the amazing volunteers! (:
Tell them I said HI! Hehe
Yes 🙂 I remember!