Thoughts

I was running with a good friend the other day and we were talking about some of the stuff we have done and want to do.  She is doing ultra type stuff and has done quite a few half and full marathons.  She likes the longer distances and climbing up mountains and stuff.  I don't do the distances she does, but I love a challenge and she and I, along with some others have done 3 Tough Mudders and some other similar things.  We both agree that we like to run, but climbing on and over stuff is pretty fun too.  What I am trying to get at, is that we were discussing how far we have come in our running.  We both agreed that it took years of building a base to start feeling comfortable in longer distances.  During my first two half marathons, I was miserable.  They were a year apart.  I counted every mile.  I didn't really know how to train.  I did the training  on a treadmill and on the road when I could.  Hated it.  Not only the physical part, but the mental as well.  My attention span is limited.  That is one reason I like to run on a trail.  Because there is lots of stuff to look at and trip over.  You always have to be alert because you can trip or be eaten at any time.  The getting eaten part is not so bad in Pennsylvania due to the fact that there isn't much that can eat us.  But on the right day, if the conditions are  just right and the squirrels are pissed off...you quite possibly could get eaten.  I've seen some red foxes that if I tripped and fell and was half knocked out, they would put a good chew into me.  In other areas of the country, I've known people to get eaten by gators and bears and even a puma.  The most horrifying incident of runners being eaten was the Donner Party back in the 1800's.  The story was that they were trying to get over to California or something to settle, but they were really trying to get a good extreme run in.  I am a history major and I know stuff that others don't know, so you are going to have to take my word on this.  The Donner Party were doing an ultra through the alps of the western United States and they ate each other.   I can't really talk about it anymore.  Very upsetting.  It reminds me of the time I was running in a blizzard with two of my friends a couple years ago.  It was icy and cold and we were having a good time, until we came to a fallen tree.  I panicked and started chewing on Karl's leg.  We were about two miles out and I didn't know where I would get my next meal.  This is the kind of thing that happens when you run.  But you have to keep your wits about you.  I had only been running for a short period and I didn't think to relax, breathe and just go back the two miles we had come.  But I did experience human flesh and in what other sport can you do that?  Anyway, we were talking about how long it took us to get to the point we are at now.  It took us a good 4 years to build a base where we are comfortable doing the distances we are doing.  I know now that I can pretty much go out on any given day and run 10 to 13 miles.  It may not be fast, but I can do it.  I worked hard to get to that point.  I went through some pain and injury and frustration, but I learned what worked for me and got through it.  I see some newer runners getting frustrated and talking about ultra running and that sort of thing and they have really only done a 5k or two.  I just want to tell them to get real strong in the shorter distances.  Build on that.  Push the limits, but be careful.  3 miles becomes 5 miles becomes 13 miles.  The secret as I see is always push the boundaries.  I also want to tell them and anyone who will listen that the results will come, but not if you are hurt.  Sore yes, wanting to puke, certainly, but I think if you are somewhat careful you can avoid injury.  If you do get injured, learn from it.  Don't do the same thing again.  Too many people just run themselves into the ground.  Experienced runners as well.  Build the base, appreciate the experience, be patient, but push yourself.  Run with people who are faster than you on occasion.  Chase them til you can't keep up and then slow it down.  You will be amazed at the results.  In conclusion, always run with others when you are in a blizzard, because you will never lack for food.