Fresh off the heels from my finish of the Ray Miller 50K, I’m already looking ahead to 2016. It’s never too early to begin planning these things because next year is going to be a BIG year in terms of race goals. Let’s just say, I’m calling 2016, “The Year of the Ultras.” At least that’s my plan at this point. You never know what other things life may have in store for us, right?
First up in the new year will be another 50 Mile race.
When I was conducting research for my first 50 miler, I looked at several factors:
- Location
- Time of Year
- Course
- Race Reviews
Through my research, I stumbled upon a not-so-favorable review of the San Diego 50. It wasn’t so much this was a bad race. It’s just that this particular runner is fond of a more treacherous course with more technical, scenic climbs and this one didn’t quite muster up to what they were expecting.
However, reading through all the negatives this person shared, something stuck with me. Now, I don’t remember exactly what they wrote verbatim, and I don’t remember what blog it was on, but the writer said something like this:
If you’re looking to run your first 50 Mile, this is a great race to consider due to the fact, the course is not very technical, there is a minimal elevation gain and loss, and you get great support. Great for first timers!!! (Exclamation points added for emphasis)
I was…SOLD!
Come to think of it, I didn’t even bother to add that description to my own race recap of it.
There are soooo many races I’ve done where I crossed it off my list, and didn’t think twice about doing again. There are only a few races I’ve done multiple times because I enjoyed them — Portland Marathon, New York City Marathon, and the LA Marathon, come to mind. But in a way LA doesn’t quite count since I live here, and it’s difficult not to get sucked up into the hoopla of it.
Come January, I’ll be adding San Diego 50 Mile to the list as my first race after the new year, and, my first ultra repeat!
Despite of what the one fairly negative recap said, I didn’t share the same overall experience, but I do agree it was a great choice for a first time 50 mile race. And quite possibly, a great second, 50 mile race. Heck, just an overall great 50 Mile race. This one is going to be particularly exciting because a friend of mine has decided to partake in it as well, as her FIRST ultra distance! Woohoo!! And as I told her, if I didn’t like this race, there would be no way I’d go back to it, so that says a lot.
While I have a slew of other trail races I’m eyeing throughout the year (sharing them as I go along, simply because I don’t know exactly which ones I’ll actually sign up for), there is a big one — one VERY big race — I have my eyes and heart set on which will very well likely be the last race I’ll do in 2016, and quite possible, ever!
Shortly after completing the San Diego 50 earlier this year, I booked a hotel in Arizona for the end of October. Yes, this year. Initially I had planned to run the Javelina Jundred (pronounced hundred) 100K because I figured 10 months was enough time for me to train for it. But as the year went on and knowing Ray Miller was going to happen, JJ became less of a goal of mine.
It wasn’t until I volunteered for the Griffith Park Trail Marathon Relay back in July where I met Mitch and how he was seriously thisclose to getting me to sign up for Javelina. Oh, he wasn’t talking me into running the 100K. He was convincing me to sign up for the 100 Mile! And yeah, I did give it some serious thought after hearing so many wonderful, amazing, awesome things about this race from him, and other friends who have participated in it. Deep down I knew I wouldn’t be ready for it this year. Plus, I already had my eyes set on Ray Miller.
A part of me was eyeing Angeles Crest 100 as a possible first 100 Mile, but knowing how vastly challenging the course is, made me start to rethink it. When I volunteered at AC100 in August, I got to talking with the station coordinator. He asked me if I’ve done any 100’s. I said “no, but I was thinking about Javelina.” And you know what he said? “That was my first 100! I loved it. Great race!”
Again…SOLD!
In a strange turn of events, and through the wonder and magic of Twitter, since July I somehow encouraged roped in (initially) four Twitter friends, with one more recently added to participate in the Javelina Jundred in October 2016. Now, as far as if ALL six of us are running the 100 Mile that’s another story, but if we’re all there in some capacity to either run the 100K or 100 Mile, that would be epic!
Yes, the date is set. Javelina Jundred is the one! The BIG one!
About three years ago I remember having a conversation with my friend Tracy, and she mentioned how one of her friend’s husband runs 100 milers. I distinctly recall telling her “Oh nooo. That is something I have absolutely NO aspirations of ever doing!”
And yet, here I am. Already planning on tackling my first 100 mile race.
There are probably a million things that can go wrong between now and then, and we all know life has a funny way of tossing stuff in that doesn’t belong, or makes it a little more challenging. But what I do know is this…
Life is short, so make those big goals and don’t let fear try to talk you out of them before you even attempt them. Also, training has officially begun for 2016! 😀
Thanks for reading and Happy Running!