This weekend I will be attempting something a bit different. At 7am on Saturday May 7th, I’ll be lining up at the start line of the 24-Hour Adventure Trail Run. The goal is simple, but daunting – log as many miles as possible over a 24 hour period.
I’m really not sure how to approach this event. The furthest I’ve ever run in training or a race is 50km (approximately 31 miles). The longest I’ve been on my feet is just under the five hour mark (although I did manage to patiently work my way through Ironman USA at Lake Placid in 12 hour 19 minutes back in 2004).
Somewhat ambitiously, I have a few goals in mind. Number one – I’d love to crack 100 miles in the 24 hour period. One minute this seems doable; the next it seems totally outrageous, so we’ll see. I know I’ll need to be patient, but aside from that I have no idea what to do. I guess just take it one 6.25 mile loop at a time and go from there. Of course, with no definitive finish line as in a typical ultra race, whether it be a 50km, 50 Miler or 100 Miler, there’s always the risk of bailing whenever I feel like. There is no DNF to be scared of; it’s just run as many miles as possible in 24 hours. I may get to 50 miles and call it a day. I may not even get to 50 miles…
I’m preparing to be humbled.
PS – Apparently the 24-Hour ATR web site will feature race video clips and periodic runner updates during the event. Feel free to check in from time to time this weekend to see how I’m doing.
Best of luck Steve. I will be curious to see a post race update to see how many miles you log knowing there is not a finish line.
Good luck – looking forward to see how many miles you will get!
Enjoy the run! All of dailymile is cheering you on!
I hope it goes well for you Steve. Have fun out there!
Good luck, Steve! Have fun, I haven’t done a 24 hour race yet. Still on my to-do list.