Thank you for taking the time to share your inner dialog. Always interesting - we all do it to some degree - even while others are probably looking at you thinking, "She makes it look so easy!" (I thought you did look good, especially so soon after 3 months off - I'm guessing the strength training really mattered).
My friend Peter Bakwin - still the only person to do Double Hardrock - remains quite fit but never races. Why? Because external expectations would intrude into his internal equanimity, which he'd rather not happen.
HR100 is a colossal route, yet only a few parts are technical with much cruising, while RUFA Moab keeps one's attention every step. Good practice and a great day - thank you!
btw, I am Co-Race Director with 4 good friends, including Melissa.
Thank you Buzz! Ah got it on the “co-”. BTW as you know, Melissa is an exceptional and underrated ultrarunner, so humble and virtually unknown since she’s not on social media.
Fun piece but I'm a tad surprised at all the angst re other's abilities. I'm 67 and at the climbing gym most are able to do harder routes and it really doesn't bother me as I enjoy the act and sensations of climbing. As long as I'm doing my best atm, the result is not critical. Indeed, revel in the healing of your IT band issue
To clarify—perhaps a point I should’ve made clearer—it’s not just angst about others’ abilities; it’s comparing myself to my younger self and how I used to perform, coupled with frustration about difficulties with downhill running.
Thank you for the reply! You mention book reccos- I'm not sure if you mean titles in general or just running/training related. If general, try '438 Days', a very well written, often astonishing, survival at sea saga. The adventure occurred approximately 12 years ago so you could google is but don't, the story in the book is outrageous and dare I say, compelling.
Haha. Yes - it is a comeback. Several of my running partners were injured and we started walking. Time to return to some running. I miss it. I miss the feeling of how great I feel when I done!
This is fantastic! You've made an exceptional recovery, and you're working on the mental game with great improvement, and you're in good position for the Hardrock. I'm inspired!
I feel you on the downhills! Especially when I watch women like Yitka and Becky just fly down those mountains. But, you can definitely finish Hardrock with subpar downhill skills. Congrats on getting in some good mental and physical (and high stoke!) training.
Love "B" races that are on the way to the big ones! You wrote a great piece here Sarah, and some great advice. I am in awe of your grit and determination, to go up 900 feet and down, over and over again. Also, how cool to be around the legends! One of the best things about the ultra community is just that. Community.
Your description of your process reminds me of meditation. Coming back over and over again to what is important. I assume this carrys over to your non-running life. I see so many familiarities to dealing with the process of aging as I approach 75 years on this planet. Also, so glad that your injury site has healed so well. I may miss your next Zoom call, as Judy and I are leaving for Europe tomorrow. Catch you in May.
Sarah! What a fun piece to read this morning! So many helpful tips on positive self talk, being vulnerable, and "touching grass" (apparently current teen speak for being real). I found myself nodding along, having participated in the same inner discussions/laments last weekend at my 40 miler while being passed on the downhills. You are prepping for Hardrock in such an important way by addressing your mental weaknesses and strengths as well as all the physical prep. Keep sharing and "touching grass!" We are all cheering for you. Also-- that photo with all those amazing women and role models is GOLD. Frame it and keep it on your desk to remind you that yes, YOU belong in that group! XO
Thank you! I loved that you shared the mental/cognitive work, too. That was inspiring and honest, and I appreciate it! Wishing you the best of luck, and please keep sharing!
Congrats on your race! I love a good come-back story. :-) And thanks for the reminder, it is so easy to go into a downward spiral, focusing on where we think we should be and not how far we have come. I often struggle this time of year, ramping up my training and feeling out of shape and like this must be the end, my new reality is to be old and slow. And while I am older and slower than I used to be, I'm not all washed up yet! Just need patience and keep on working.
Thank you for taking the time to share your inner dialog. Always interesting - we all do it to some degree - even while others are probably looking at you thinking, "She makes it look so easy!" (I thought you did look good, especially so soon after 3 months off - I'm guessing the strength training really mattered).
My friend Peter Bakwin - still the only person to do Double Hardrock - remains quite fit but never races. Why? Because external expectations would intrude into his internal equanimity, which he'd rather not happen.
HR100 is a colossal route, yet only a few parts are technical with much cruising, while RUFA Moab keeps one's attention every step. Good practice and a great day - thank you!
btw, I am Co-Race Director with 4 good friends, including Melissa.
Thank you Buzz! Ah got it on the “co-”. BTW as you know, Melissa is an exceptional and underrated ultrarunner, so humble and virtually unknown since she’s not on social media.
"Compare and Despair"
Fun piece but I'm a tad surprised at all the angst re other's abilities. I'm 67 and at the climbing gym most are able to do harder routes and it really doesn't bother me as I enjoy the act and sensations of climbing. As long as I'm doing my best atm, the result is not critical. Indeed, revel in the healing of your IT band issue
To clarify—perhaps a point I should’ve made clearer—it’s not just angst about others’ abilities; it’s comparing myself to my younger self and how I used to perform, coupled with frustration about difficulties with downhill running.
Thank you for the reply! You mention book reccos- I'm not sure if you mean titles in general or just running/training related. If general, try '438 Days', a very well written, often astonishing, survival at sea saga. The adventure occurred approximately 12 years ago so you could google is but don't, the story in the book is outrageous and dare I say, compelling.
That looks like a great book—it has a high rating on Goodreads.
Great info. I started running a bit again after taking some time off. This will be helpful on my next run.
Thank you! Good luck on your comeback. It can feel refreshing and motivating to re-start.
Haha. Yes - it is a comeback. Several of my running partners were injured and we started walking. Time to return to some running. I miss it. I miss the feeling of how great I feel when I done!
Legends, indeed! What a great photo!
And great work tenderizing those quads. Few things hurt more, but it's worth it.
This is fantastic! You've made an exceptional recovery, and you're working on the mental game with great improvement, and you're in good position for the Hardrock. I'm inspired!
Thank you so much, as always, for reading my stuff, and I'm eager to hear about how your 60K prep and race day goes!
I feel you on the downhills! Especially when I watch women like Yitka and Becky just fly down those mountains. But, you can definitely finish Hardrock with subpar downhill skills. Congrats on getting in some good mental and physical (and high stoke!) training.
Thank you so much, that means a lot!
Love "B" races that are on the way to the big ones! You wrote a great piece here Sarah, and some great advice. I am in awe of your grit and determination, to go up 900 feet and down, over and over again. Also, how cool to be around the legends! One of the best things about the ultra community is just that. Community.
Your description of your process reminds me of meditation. Coming back over and over again to what is important. I assume this carrys over to your non-running life. I see so many familiarities to dealing with the process of aging as I approach 75 years on this planet. Also, so glad that your injury site has healed so well. I may miss your next Zoom call, as Judy and I are leaving for Europe tomorrow. Catch you in May.
Have a wonderful trip and thanks, as always, for reading!
Sarah! What a fun piece to read this morning! So many helpful tips on positive self talk, being vulnerable, and "touching grass" (apparently current teen speak for being real). I found myself nodding along, having participated in the same inner discussions/laments last weekend at my 40 miler while being passed on the downhills. You are prepping for Hardrock in such an important way by addressing your mental weaknesses and strengths as well as all the physical prep. Keep sharing and "touching grass!" We are all cheering for you. Also-- that photo with all those amazing women and role models is GOLD. Frame it and keep it on your desk to remind you that yes, YOU belong in that group! XO
Thank you Sophie :-) I wish Anita had been in the photo too (she was cranking out more laps), she was the most legendary among us that day!
Love the writing -as a 55 yo new to the sport of ultrarunning -your points deeply resonate! Thank you!
Thank you! I loved that you shared the mental/cognitive work, too. That was inspiring and honest, and I appreciate it! Wishing you the best of luck, and please keep sharing!
Congrats on your race! I love a good come-back story. :-) And thanks for the reminder, it is so easy to go into a downward spiral, focusing on where we think we should be and not how far we have come. I often struggle this time of year, ramping up my training and feeling out of shape and like this must be the end, my new reality is to be old and slow. And while I am older and slower than I used to be, I'm not all washed up yet! Just need patience and keep on working.