Prairie Spirit Trail 100

Finally!

I hiked on this trail for the first time several years ago.  At the time, I had no idea I would one day live a mile away from the Iola trail head.  Almost immediately after we moved here I began training on the trail and day dreaming about one day organizing an ultra on it.  I had become an "ultra marathoner" a few years back when I ran the Mother Road 100 in OKC, and I was looking for more epic (and local) "adventures."

The Prairie Spirit Trail would be a fairly easy course (no major hills, no real tripping hazards, no turns, easy access for crew vehicles...)  However, I never got the motivation to go through with the whole "organizing" part.  I got as far as e-mailing a couple folks...and that was about it.  I got in touch with some folks involved with the Prairie Spirit Trail, and then I came across a blog, Running Freak, and was introduced to a man who had ran the entire trail...for fun! (My kind of guy).  So I e-mailed Darin who shared the idea of an organized Prairie Spirit Trail Ultra. I hoped that someone else would realize the potential of this trail...and finally someone has.

I don't think I have had the privilege of meeting Eric Steele of  Epic Ultras (perhaps once at the Heartland 100, I'm not sure).  I hear he has done an excellent job organizing some other Ultras that have become some of the best in the Midwest.  All I can say is...I'm in (assuming I can come up with the entry fee--ouch!--and can get my newly acquired metal plate and hardware in my left tibia and fibula bones to cooperate with me.)

Whether I make it to the starting line or not, I will be strictly following a 15 week training plan and am looking forward to it.  Please check in from time to time to see how the training is going. I need the accountability.

Predictions for the Race

One more ten-miler, a little cross training, and some rest is about all I have planned for training during the rest of this week and next. Never did get that 40-miler in--let alone the two 50-milers I had hoped to do. I did a 20-miler last weekend (a little faster than my normal pace), and a 10-miler this week. Saturday I will do the final 10-miler at race pace (SLOW!), and then that's about it save a couple little jogs next week. But mostly there will be just rest and mental preparation for the beating I am going to take.

I am planning on finishing in under 24 hours despite my low mileage training (or lack thereof), but here are my realistic predictions for the race:
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Mile 1-10: Get to know people (supposing there are still people around)and enjoy the morning.

Mile 11-20: Feet start hurting and hunger kicks in.

Mile 21-30: Feel nauseous because I ate to much around the 20 mile mark. Feet really hurt now.

Mile 31-40: Quads get very tired. Family gets very bored. Try to keep a smile on my face.

Mile 41-50: Quads will give up and the rest of my legs will carry the pain. Family starts falling asleep. Feet are gone. Start denying that I can go another 50 miles.

Mile 51-70: A blur.

Mile 80-90: Hate myself and say I will never do this again!!!

Mile 91-99: Feels like another 50-miles, but this time with broken ankles. Start thinking up excuses for why I have to quit even though I am so close.

Mile 100: Start planning for the next 100 miler.

Life IS an Ultramarathon!

I am going for another 30 miler this weekend before tapering. Part will be ran with a buddy who is doing 50--I don't know that I recommend that so close to the race, but he knows his body I guess.

Mostly though, I am getting excited and doing a lot of mental focusing: reading all the info on the Mother Road page, going through the logistics, and looking at pictures of the course. I think this kind of mental focus was a big factor in me finishing the first 100 miler. I just hope I don't go crazy over thinking everything.

You know, I wish I put this much mental effort into other areas of my life: My Spirituality, Family Relationships, Finances... If I was as heavily focused on those things, I would be able to get through the most challenging endurance event of all--life!

Some of us just can't get enough!

Note: I have added a map of the Mother Road 100 (part 2)--scroll down to the bottom of the page to see.


Here's a little inspiration for you:





The Western States 100 is truly something I would like to attempt. 100 miles is tough! I can hardly imagine 100 miles in the mountains--but maybe one day!



Of course, there are people in the ultra-running world who are critical of Dean Karnazes, but we all must admit: he has not only done a lot to promote this "sport," but he is quite good at what he does. The best? Maybe not, but he sure knows how to inspire people to push themselves to their limits.