Thursday, March 22, 2012

Running 50 With A Buffalo

In two days I am heading north to run the Buffalo Run.

I keep going back and forth, but at this moment I'm thinking I'll do the 50k (31 miles). I am signed up for the 50 miler but I'm leaning toward doing the 50k instead because I would have a faster recovery and be able to get more training in on the Zion 100 course which is only seven weeks away. I'll decide tomorrow which distance to run.

There are so many unknowns with these longer distances and it's hard to predict how the body will react when pushed so hard. Am I trained enough? Will I get sick? Will I get trampled by a buffalo? Who knows. Judging from past experience, all that fear goes away as soon as the race starts and its time to get down to business. I am going to work very hard on being ultra-conservative for the first half of the race. I don't care if I'm in last place. My goal is to feel good toward the end instead of doing the death shuffle.

Speaking of being trampled by a buffalo, check out this quote from the race website:
Bison will charge you (and not with credit cards) if you enter their personal space. The charges are generally short but can result in having to clean out your shorts, and that leads to chafing issues. Don’t look them directly in the eye, they take it as a challenge.


The thing I am most excited about with this race is what I will learn. I'm approaching it like a big science experiment to see what works and what doesn't work. I want to learn more about how I work through adversity. I'm looking forward to having a rendezvous with Pain. I know we will spend some quality time together. And when Pain joins me out on the trail I won't be afraid. I will welcome it for its challenge to get stronger and overcome it.

If this distance running stuff is remotely interesting to you, you should check out this article I came across called 7 Lies About Ultrarunning. I think it is funny, and true.

Bring on the Buffalo!

11 comments:

  1. Say hi to Janice for me if you see her!! She ran that race last year but I think you missed it if I'm right?? I can't imagine meeting up with a buffalo...think you could bribe them with a Hostess product?

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  2. Best of luck with your decision and have a great time this weekend. Also, thanks for the link to that post...wonderful!

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  3. Good luck! May you run strong! I will warn the buffalo that you are coming!!

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  4. Good luck Cory. Which ever distance you go with, it will be incredible.

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  5. Good luck Cory...no matter which distance you decide to run. And I sincerely hope that any experiences you have with Pain are few, minor, and short-lived.

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  6. I didn't know that about Bison charging when you look them in the eyes. And I'm glad that the only Bison I've ever seen and been close enough to pat didn't know it either.

    50k stills sounds like a really long way to me.

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  7. What? You're running with Bison? SCARY!!! You should wear a diaper just in case... Good luck, and I know you'll do great!!!

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  8. Best of luck, Cory! I'm visiting my parents in Syracuse this weekend, so I'll be watching you from a distance as I enjoy the view of the island from their back yard :). Pain shmain. You will do awesome. Can't wait to hear about it.

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  9. Good luck Cory and have fun! Watch out for the buffalos!

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  10. Patiently (or impatiently) waiting for a recap on the buffalo run. I want to attempt 46 miles this weekend (not all running-probably mostly walking) for my 46th birthday and am looking forward to reading and hopefully learning some things that may help me.

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