Badwater. In short, it’s 135 miles across Death Valley in 120 degree temperatures. The pavement alone reaches up to 128 degrees. It’s nothing short of epic. It’s Coriander’s long-term stretch goal, and her post awhile back was enough to get me reminiscent of my four trips there; twice crewing the official race and twice “playing with fire.” And let’s not lie, I’ve got my eye on that sucker too. But I’ve more » Read more
Coriander’s “Forget the PR 50K” Race Report
At the beginning of this year, I planned out all of my races for 2013. At the top of my list, was running my first 100 miler. When I was considering what other races to do besides the 100, I knew I needed to avoid burning myself out running a ton of small races during 100-mile training. The Forget the PR Mohican 50K fit perfectly into my training schedule. And more » Read more
5 Reasons to Hit the Trails
If you’ve never tried trail running, you may not get why it has such the passionate cult following that it does. After all, isn’t it just like regular running? Except in the woods instead of on the roads? You might have even considered trying it after hearing that the softer surfaces can be better for your body than pavement, but odds are good you haven’t actually gotten out to do more » Read more
Give Me a Why
Last March while my boyfriend was away doing important Army things, I ran one of my first races of the year. I signed up for a half marathon about 20 minutes away from where his parents live, so I went to their house for dinner after I ran. I don’t remember how the conversation started, but I said something about training for a 50-mile race and how I was hoping more » Read more
5 Top Trail Fails
It’s Friday, Salties! When looking through the past Friday 5s I realized we were missing something. Something near and dear to my heart. What this site needs is an entire post dedicated to the foibles of the forest, the dangers of the dirt, the woopsies of the wilderness. You know, those moments you wished were like the tree falling in the woods that no one saw, but instead you were more » Read more
Intro to Ultras Part 2: Ultra Eating
Last July, while Clove was on her way to an awesome Burning River finish, I was volunteering at the mile 80 aid station. I called out bib numbers as runners came in. As night started to fall, I had to go back to mile 71 to wait for the runner I was going to pace from there to the finish line. He arrived way behind schedule. He laid down and shivered. His more » Read more
Me and Rocky Raccoon
My nemesis is a rodent. My archenemy, my greatest competition, the driving force behind my current training cycle. That’s right, a rodent. His name is Rocky Raccoon. I’m not sure how he and I first met, when this all started. I know it was sometime last year, not more than a year ago. It wasn’t until December of 2011 that I signed up for last year’s Rocky Raccoon 100, and more » Read more
Why Winter Trail Running Beats Summer Running
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! You might be wondering what I’m talking about. The holidays are over, you might be thinking. Oh I know. It’s January, baby. The snow is heavy (at least around here), the air is frigid and we all must don headlamps during many of our runs. Yes, to me January is one of the best times of the year … for running trails! more » Read more
Intro to Ultras: Choosing Your First Ultramarathon
Tired of the old 26.2? Ready to hit the trails and run long? Are you looking for something more out of your race than a medal and banana? While you’re planning your 2013 race calendar, consider an ultra marathon as your goal race! Ultra runners are a great community of people of all levels and experiences and getting involved can be a rewarding and amazing experience. So now you’re thinking more » Read more
Confessions of an Ultrarunner: I Really Don’t Miss it at All …
Remember this girl? Yeah, me too. I love her. She is a totally awesome running machine, a 96 pound badass. She’s resting right now. And honestly, we don’t feel one bit guilty about it. Or do we? Related PostsGive Yourself A Break! The Lone Racer: Tips for Racing Alone On Your Mark. Get Set. GO-Rilla Marathon Recovery Plans: Running vs. No Running Another Salty Challenge: Find Your Inner Speed Demon Read more