Intensity begets stillness, and from that stillness comes the next intensity, and the cycle ebbs and flows just like that… Maybe for the rest of your life.
Liked that race. Terrible electrical storm and lots of rain getting to that cool aid station by the water and then knee deep post-holing for miles in slush heading up to the turn-around. Feet and legs were so frozen that after I warmed up at the half way point I found a late ride back to the start with a midnight cowboy and settled for half a hundo. Congrats on your effort and buckle, Jeff. Here is one from my archives, just for giggles, trending right now that I think you will appreciate: https://elcuervoviejo.blogspot.com/2020/03/just-for-giggles.html
I am still recovering from Utah's Snow Peaks 50M two weeks ago in 85-90 degree temps, Ugh! A 55K and 50K in two and three weeks coming up in Wyoming. Enjoying my stillness here, without much running!!!
Hi Larry — beautiful race, but I kept looking at that terrain and imagining how it would be in a wet year like you describe. Must have been epic for you to take that midnight ride. Thanks for the link — I’m not quite to “charmed life of divine nonchalance” status yet, but I feel like I’m getting closer every day. Happy recovery, and enjoy Wyoming!
Great job Jeff, both with this report and your race. I looked up your time and saw sub 30, very impressive on this course. I always get something on calendar after an "A" race to keep me training for the next thing.
Thanks, Sara, and yes, I’m pleased with this one, felt like I ran a good race. (Thankfully there was no post-holing in slush like Larry described in the previous comment.) I put off Bighorn for years because of the out-&-back format, but now I’d highly recommend it — wonderful hometown feeling and community support, top notch organization, world class terrain… a good choice all around.
My friend Suzanna Bon finished just over 29 hours so you may have been leapfrogging with her. She spoke highly of it but said it was challenging/frustrating toward the end when the shorter-distance runners started their 50K and came rushing up from behind on narrow singletrack, needing to pass. At least it sounds like this year's mud wasn't as bad as in years past.
I found Suzanna's finish line photos, and I don't recognize her, but wow, she had a great race. I leapfrogged with a lot of people, but she probably was ahead of me for the entire race (and it would have been dark when we passed in the out-and-back). I was more challenged by short-distance traffic in front than from behind. There were over 400 18-milers out there, and I think many of them were new to the sport. I think this is a really positive (and impressive) thing, and most of them were very attentive to faster runners coming from behind them, but there were some clogs... anyway, just another feature of a wonderful course.
Another beautiful destination race for you, Jeff. A rewarding race experience usually involves working through some physical or mental challenges. It sounds like from one of your brief post race accounts(I think on Strava) that you were able to manage some of these barriers or low points and to finish within your preset goals.
Glad you were happy (or pleasantly surprised) with the out and back format that had stood as a negative consideration point prior to finally signing up for the race. I like a good mental reversal.
As always, your thorough analysis of a race and detailed lead up strategies (numbers, details, logistic planning…) intrigue me. It’s interesting to see how approaches differ.
I am such a minimalist when it comes down to details. I do employ certain strategies that I enjoy figuring out, but in a raw and simplified form. Executing the plan is one of the best parts of the race as most can attest to and appreciate.
Thanks for sharing your story and insights. Always a delight to read.
Thanks Mary. And yes, executing the plan - however detailed it is and how you get to it - is one of the best parts (but also adapting when things don't go according to the plan 🙂).
By the way, have you thought about putting up some of your own posts here on Substack? You could start by expanding on your minimalist race strategies... as you say, I'm a details person, but it would be hard to argue with the ongoing success of your approach.
What about a “Recover on the Run” at Ironstone 100K. With a 2pm start, it might be right up your alley. Ok, I know what you might be thinking; this is not a recovery race option. Ah ha, it might surprise you.
I challenge you to think it through if you feel your body is recovering well from Bighorn and you need a wildcard challenge for something different to tackle. Just a thought: )
Ha! The 2pm start is perfect, but that's not enough to counter those first ~20 miles... It is an interesting test for sure, and I have great respect for those of you who tackle it (and especially those of you who keep winning it), but I'm really not feeling drawn to it myself. I think my what's next will be one of the various FKT projects I've talked about (not sure which yet, though). But thanks for asking...
excellent
Liked that race. Terrible electrical storm and lots of rain getting to that cool aid station by the water and then knee deep post-holing for miles in slush heading up to the turn-around. Feet and legs were so frozen that after I warmed up at the half way point I found a late ride back to the start with a midnight cowboy and settled for half a hundo. Congrats on your effort and buckle, Jeff. Here is one from my archives, just for giggles, trending right now that I think you will appreciate: https://elcuervoviejo.blogspot.com/2020/03/just-for-giggles.html
I am still recovering from Utah's Snow Peaks 50M two weeks ago in 85-90 degree temps, Ugh! A 55K and 50K in two and three weeks coming up in Wyoming. Enjoying my stillness here, without much running!!!
Hi Larry — beautiful race, but I kept looking at that terrain and imagining how it would be in a wet year like you describe. Must have been epic for you to take that midnight ride. Thanks for the link — I’m not quite to “charmed life of divine nonchalance” status yet, but I feel like I’m getting closer every day. Happy recovery, and enjoy Wyoming!
Great job Jeff, both with this report and your race. I looked up your time and saw sub 30, very impressive on this course. I always get something on calendar after an "A" race to keep me training for the next thing.
Thanks, Sara, and yes, I’m pleased with this one, felt like I ran a good race. (Thankfully there was no post-holing in slush like Larry described in the previous comment.) I put off Bighorn for years because of the out-&-back format, but now I’d highly recommend it — wonderful hometown feeling and community support, top notch organization, world class terrain… a good choice all around.
My friend Suzanna Bon finished just over 29 hours so you may have been leapfrogging with her. She spoke highly of it but said it was challenging/frustrating toward the end when the shorter-distance runners started their 50K and came rushing up from behind on narrow singletrack, needing to pass. At least it sounds like this year's mud wasn't as bad as in years past.
I found Suzanna's finish line photos, and I don't recognize her, but wow, she had a great race. I leapfrogged with a lot of people, but she probably was ahead of me for the entire race (and it would have been dark when we passed in the out-and-back). I was more challenged by short-distance traffic in front than from behind. There were over 400 18-milers out there, and I think many of them were new to the sport. I think this is a really positive (and impressive) thing, and most of them were very attentive to faster runners coming from behind them, but there were some clogs... anyway, just another feature of a wonderful course.
Nice. Love the analogies of running to life. Congratulations.
Thanks Donna... and yes, I think running might the most metaphor-rich activities a person can do.
Another beautiful destination race for you, Jeff. A rewarding race experience usually involves working through some physical or mental challenges. It sounds like from one of your brief post race accounts(I think on Strava) that you were able to manage some of these barriers or low points and to finish within your preset goals.
Glad you were happy (or pleasantly surprised) with the out and back format that had stood as a negative consideration point prior to finally signing up for the race. I like a good mental reversal.
As always, your thorough analysis of a race and detailed lead up strategies (numbers, details, logistic planning…) intrigue me. It’s interesting to see how approaches differ.
I am such a minimalist when it comes down to details. I do employ certain strategies that I enjoy figuring out, but in a raw and simplified form. Executing the plan is one of the best parts of the race as most can attest to and appreciate.
Thanks for sharing your story and insights. Always a delight to read.
Thanks Mary. And yes, executing the plan - however detailed it is and how you get to it - is one of the best parts (but also adapting when things don't go according to the plan 🙂).
By the way, have you thought about putting up some of your own posts here on Substack? You could start by expanding on your minimalist race strategies... as you say, I'm a details person, but it would be hard to argue with the ongoing success of your approach.
Oh, I forgot to offer a “what’s Next” option.
What about a “Recover on the Run” at Ironstone 100K. With a 2pm start, it might be right up your alley. Ok, I know what you might be thinking; this is not a recovery race option. Ah ha, it might surprise you.
I challenge you to think it through if you feel your body is recovering well from Bighorn and you need a wildcard challenge for something different to tackle. Just a thought: )
Ha! The 2pm start is perfect, but that's not enough to counter those first ~20 miles... It is an interesting test for sure, and I have great respect for those of you who tackle it (and especially those of you who keep winning it), but I'm really not feeling drawn to it myself. I think my what's next will be one of the various FKT projects I've talked about (not sure which yet, though). But thanks for asking...