93 miles in three days…. does anyone want to join us?
I've been back running for a couple of weeks. So far, so good. My tendon burns slightly when I stretch it in certain positions. Otherwise all feels OK but I haven't run over 5 miles yet. My plan is to do slow 3 to 5 mile runs only for this first month I'm back and then slowly move back to my usual distances as tolerated over the winter.
I haven't made any decisions on which ultras I'll do next year. It all depends of it this tendon injury is really behind me or I will be forced to deal with it next year. I hope not! At the very minimum, I'd like to attempt the Bighorn 50 mile and the Lean Horse Hundred again.
A friend/co-worker suggests we try a 3 day multi-day 150-k stage trail race in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas: 3 Days in Syllamo. My friend is a marathoner whom I've been trying to convince to move up to "real" distances. Based on his marathon times, when he finally does, he'll finish hours and hours ahead of me. He has a few friends from Missouri who run it every year.
This event is run on trails over three days: 50 kilometer, 50 miles and 20 kilometers on March 12, 13 and 14th. The 50k has a 9 hour cut-off, the 50-mile a 14 hour cut-off and 20k a 6 hour cut-off.
Even if I must stop early or am unable to run one of the days, it'll still be a nice early season training run.
On the other hand, if I am able to run the entire 93 miles over three days, it'll be great training for doing 100 miles in less than 30 hours later in the year.
They limit the runners to 100 but as far as I know, it does not fill up quickly. There are only 4 registered right now.
Does anyone care to join us?
ultrathon.wordpress.com 
Well, the Ozarks are lovely, but No, actually I do not care to join you. BUt I will relish the photos and stories you tell of the event instead!!!
November 15, 2009 at 10:15 am
As best said by Gimli in the Return of the King "Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?"
I was wondering what my next race was going to be. I suppose Individual and not team registration? I'm also thinking Leadville in 2010…
November 15, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hmmm, this looks pretty cool! Congrats on getting back out there, glad you are feeling healthy and hope things continue to improve!
November 15, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Yes, I'm thinking individual registration- that way no one will have to wait up for slow-poke me. I won't feel any pressure to keep going when it might make more sense for me to drop or skip a day as I might if I were on a team.
As hundred mile races go, Leadville is not supposed to be that hard from a technical standpoint- of course the altitude is another issue. Don't they have a Leadville 50 mile and a traditional 26.2?
November 15, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Maybe next year? Or maybe perhaps not? Thank you for reading and enjoying our stories!!!
November 15, 2009 at 3:23 pm
You're certainly invited to join us- we've plenty of time before we decide- so think about it!
November 15, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Count me in. Methinks 2010 will be the year of the running Haliku! I have some other ideas simmering.
Leadville is out. Its too close to Leanhorse where you are going to finish the 100. 3rd time the charm!
November 18, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Sounds great. Now I just have to regain my lost fitness without re-injuring myself by doing too much, too soon.
But gosh, I am really itching, just itching to do a 30 miler this weekend in the Black Elk Wilderness with the warm sunny weather we've been having.
Running 5 miles just doesn't cut it for me! I've not even fully warmed up and then I have to stop.
November 20, 2009 at 8:36 am