Western States did not go well.
I think this past weeks events have been a clear sign that I need to take a short break and heal. I have been pushing myself pretty hard since december, and although I felt great leading up to Western States, once the gun went off I didn't feel a single spark of energy coursing through my body. No matter what I ate (caffeine or not, sugar or protein or fat) I still felt like each step could potentially be my last before I collapsed. This lack of energy also made me extremely clumsy in the snow and rocky terrain. The combination resulted in me falling down and rolling my ankle several times over the 55 miles I did complete. At the Michigan Bluff aid station, I finally decided to call it a day. I feel I still could have pushed on and made it to the finish in sub 24 hours.... but felt it was a better idea to save the ankle and see if I could recover before Vermont next month. I'm hoping I'll be rested enough to have a good finish there. After that, it would be nice to take a break from 100 milers for a while.
In the end I'm still happy with the week because I spent a lot of quality time catching up with my family and friends. It was truly a treat to be in their company. I just hope next time I can deliver a solid performance.
It's a small consolation, but as the saying goes... "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." (At least after a few weeks to fully absorb the lessons and to begin movement toward The Next Thing.) Good luck in VT.
ReplyDeleteJRP
I think your crappy race is a reflection on your poor choice in pacers!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in VT!
Sorry about the race - I saw a video of runners in the snow and it looked like many were having a rough time keeping footing. Heal up and have a good race in Vermont.
ReplyDeleteAndy, I wonder if that Blue Canyon Trail 100K race took too much out of you... from your race report, it sounded hellish. In any case, you are an AMAZING runner. Get some rest and then come back even stronger. I expect to see you right up there with the top guys next time.
ReplyDeleteAndy,
ReplyDeleteGood running with you at WS. Bummer about the low energy and dnf. No worries, you have many, many great races ahead of you, including top 10s or better at WS. Hope you make it to VT feeling strong mentally and physically, and ready for a good day. If you decide not to run are you interested in pacing? Let me know... nealgorman@hotmail.com See you in two weeks.
Hey Andy - forget about DNFs, and occasional weakness. They're just part of the training. you're a winner, don't forget about that, and fight through it during your next real goal. Maria
ReplyDeleteSorry about WS, but it was awesome watching you run this year. Keep up the good training and we will be watching from South Africa in the coming year as you keep kicking butt all over the trail. Cheers.
ReplyDelete