The start of Western States

Filled with the urge to get a good night's sleep outside (somehow, we always seem to get a great night's sleep in the back of the Toyota), last night Tom and I headed out to the parking lot at Squaw.  This morning, we rolled out after a horrible night's sleep (note to self: omit parking lots from the "good night's sleep" venue list) at around 4:30 am to catch the start of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.  The place was crawling with superfit runners, all looking calm but a little nervous.  I can't imagine what it must feel like to be facing a 100 mile run -- and one so tough as this one. 

It seemed like a great start to the race, the sun was just starting to chase the dark from the sky, it was fairly warm and certainly has turned into a nice day.  We didn't talk to anyone, merely stood around and gawked, then cheered everyone on as the race started.


Of course, I was totally inspired and am now thinking, I can do ultras, can't I? Perhaps I am built for distance, not speed. While a 100 mile run seems kinda unobtainable, a 50k or 50 mile seems, I dunno, do-able, I guess. I mean, 2 years ago I would have never thought I was capable of running a 10k, yet here I am contemplating a oly tri and a marathon for next year. Why stop? I will have to file this away in the back of my mind, and maybe take this idea out for contemplation after I complete a marathon. IT IS NOT OUT OF REACH!

This is where I would be starting (and, hopefully, finishing) such a thing -- firmly in the back of the pack.  I guess today is the day where I can say the idea was hatched -- I could do this.  Indeed.

Back in the present reality, I ran 4 miles yesterday out in Cold Creek Canyon.  I have been coming to the realization that, no matter what, my first 2 miles just suck.  I can't get into a rhythm, my legs ache, my breathing is ragged and all I want to do is turn around and go home.  Once I'm a few miles in, though, things smooth out and these problems just fade and I find myself happily trotting along and feel like I could just keep on going.  This was definitely true yesterday, though a very slight right knee pain followed me the whole way.  I think the albuterol definitely makes a difference, because I was much more plagued with the tiredness in my legs (leftover from the previous day's run, no doubt) than I was with my breathing, which was a notable first.  We shall see.

I'll leave this post with a glimpse of Tom's first brush with fame.  He was asked to do the male voice-over for a radio spot for a local business.  Here he is with K, the female voice, plus the beer used to ply him for his signature line, the hilarious "I wish I was a woman" . . . 

He dressed for inspiration.