Or So I Thought

Even before arriving at Javelina Jundred last October, I knew that once it was over, I wasn’t signing up for any races in 2021, even if Javelina was the only in-person race I had in 2020.  

Last year, I had the Aravaipa Strong, and then I signed up for the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee (GVRAT), and then I jumped into the Circumpolar Race Around the World (CRAW), and then Javelina happened so I had very little running downtime throughout the year.

While I’m grateful I didn’t have any major injuries that sidelined me, making sure I got miles in most days of the week, got to be quite taxing. 

Nobody could have imagined how last year was going to be, and even without all the events, I was flat out exhausted.

So I was thinking 2021 was going to be the year where I wouldn’t be focused on any training for any specific races or specific distances.

Or so I thought.

In January, I signed up for the Yeti 24 Hour 50K Challenge (run 5.2 miles every 4 hours for 24 hours).

Honestly, it wasn’t on my radar to ever do, but I’ll admit my interest was piqued and I figured since I wasn’t signing up for any races, why not?

Since I had a few months to complete it, I could hold off on it because I had plenty of time to get it done.  My Gawd, three months sure does fly by fast, doesn’t it?  My few months dwindled down to a couple of weeks. 

You could have not done it, you know? Someone might say. (specifically my own brain)

This is true. But I paid money and got a shirt out of it so unless I had a rock-solid reason for absolutely NOT attempting it, I was going to give it a shot. That shirt needed to be earned!

And when the Challenge was completed, it was one glorious I-am-so-exhausted-and-yet-so fricken-happy-and-please-may-I-have-some-sleep-now feeling!!

I can see why it’s a challenge because I’m not going to lie, it was tough!  Having to get out the door when you’re sleepy was mentally the most difficult. Physically, I felt fine, and luckily I didn’t have any major aches or pains or even blisters, but I was looking forward to that last shower and going to bed and falling into a deep, deep sleep.

If you’re thinking of doing this Yeti Challenge in the future, there is also a 50 Mile option, and maybe a 100K? That’s a little too rich for my blood right now so I’ll definitely just cheer you on.

But turns out the Yeti Challenge wasn’t the last event I signed up for this year.

Before I knew it, I am registered for the 2nd edition of the GVRAT 1000K (May 1 to August 31), and continuing with the team for the CRAW. We’re currently in Region 7 and have five more regions remaining; possibly seven if we all decide to tack on the bonus regions.  I also signed up for the virtual London Marathon and the virtual Boston Marathon which both take place in October.

And I almost forgot! I have an actual in-person race again this year.  There is a green light for the Cirque Du Griffith Park 24 Hour which is set for Labor Day weekend.  My initial registration rolled over with each postponement so technically it’s not a new race registration for me.

But I won’t be signing up for any other events this year. That’s it. No mas!

Now all I need to do is remain healthy and keep enjoying the run.

Thank you for reading and be well!