Whiskey Basin 57K Training

I ran my first ultra in 2014.  I did it on the road and completed the 50K successfully.  In spite of this accomplishment, I have never felt like an ultra runner because my 50K wasn't on the trails.  It is not uncommon for me to get an idea in my head of "What Should Be?" and it casts a shadow on all of the things I have accomplished.  This is no exception.  And my depression fuels this ugly fire.


After that ultra, I pretty much gave up on running.  Rather than flying high for running a distance that the vast majority of people hate to even drive, I fell into a despair.  I pretty much quit running for a year.  A few miles here and there, but overall, nada.


And then we moved to Phoenix.  I found my tribe and was able to reignite the passion I previously felt for running.  We live close to the South Mountain Preserve and I began trail running regularly.  My fear of being alone on the trails started to disappear as I grew more and more comfortable.  And my tribe provided me with a regular stock of adventurers who would join me whenever I needed companionship.


That leads me to today.  I am currently training for the Whiskey Basin 57K in Prescott, Arizona.  This race traverses much of the Prescott Circle Trail and includes 4,285 feet of elevation gain.

I AM TERRIFIED AND I AM A BAD ASS. 

I am oddly exhilarated too - to see what I can do, how much can I push myself, how far can I go?  I am in the final month of training and it's gettin' real. 

Final Countdown on Training Plan

6 Weeks to Go 

Week of February 26:  S-R, M-5, Tu-7, W-5, Th-R, F-8, Sa-24   Total = 49 miles (biggest week yet!)


Week of March 5: Su-R, M-5, Tu-7, W-6, F&S Ragnar 3 legs totaling 17+ miles (rest week)


Week of March 13: S-R, M-5, Tu-7, W-5, Th-R, F-8, Sa-26    Total = 51 miles (Oh YEAH!)

Week of March 20: S-R, M-5, Tu-7, W-6, Th-R, F-8, Sa-14      Total = 40 miles (let the Taper begin)


Week of March 27: S-R, M-4, Tu-4.5, W-4.5, Th-R, F-6, Sa-10   Total = 29 miles


Week of April 3: S-R, M-4, Tu-4.5, W-2, Th-R, F-R, Sa-57K  RACE DAY MY FRIENDS!!!!    

WHEN I HAVE COMPLETED THIS RACE I WILL YELL "SUCCESS - I AM NO LONGER TERRIFIED AND I AM STILL A BAD ASS. "