How NOT to Choose Your First 100-Mile Race (Daytona 100 Update)
I ran Daytona 100 this weekend and was reminded of this post.
There seemed to be a high proportion of first time 100-mile runners at the racer and I can see why - it looks easy.
At least on paper.
It was my 138th 100-mile race...and challenging to me.
"How's it going," came up as it always does in races so I got to chat with plenty of other runners about how easy and hard it was.
And I had plenty of alone hours to mull over why it wasn't a cake-walk.
Here's one thing I concluded. Like Superior 100, my own first 100, it was point-to-point and I had a crew.
And to be clear - I loved Daytona. I had a great time and would go back.
But Daytona, like every race out there, has its quirks you don't think about on paper.
It's essentially a domesticated, urban 100 along a highway running through towns and cities, so there are almost too many options for stopping to supply and meet crew. Sounds weird, but my crew and I quickly had to come up with a structure of our own on the fly.
It's also flat, which looks desirable on paper but not so great in reality. At least not for me, used to having hills to walk. I ran a LOT more than usual, with little muscle variation.
And of course, it was paved, which also looks great on paper but became...less attractive as the miles passed underfoot. I have a new appreciation for the difference between asphalt and concrete.
All of which reinforces the message in the post below.
When choosing a race, choose one you want instead of the one that looks easy.
“You’ve run a lot of them - what’s a good first 100?”
When someone asks me this question, they’re really asking, “What’s an easy first 100?”
One that looks like adventure in an expected way where a finish is all but assured. Scenery’s a plus but not required.
Like the Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride at Disneyland (which I happen to love…and also love in this analogy).
Believe me, I get it. Before my first 100, I poured over what little information I could get my hands on but went into it having no real idea what to expect.
Jumping from 50 miles to 100 at Superior took a giant leap of faith especially because it’s one people consider “hard.”
If I’d chosen an easier first 100, that leap would have been easier but I’m glad I didn’t because it’s likely I wouldn’t have done all I did and have the 126 100-mile finishes I have today.
Here are three reasons why.
1. Going for easy tells the story “you’re not capable.”
It’s like picking a race to accommodate your lowest estimate of your ability.
Or only being willing to commit to what will require the least from you because you’re not sure of your best.
It isn’t believing strongly in yourself and isn’t great energy to go into a race with.
It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
2. There’s no guarantee an easy 100 mile race will be easy.
Burning River is an easy 100 I’ve finished twice before but it rained this year, the course got ridiculously muddy, and I missed cutoff.
I’ve also DNF’d Umstead (twice!), a relatively flat loop course covered in the finest crushed gravel you could ask for. It looked easy on paper but I didn’t have the mental skills for flat, non-technical loops. It might have been easy for some runners, but not this one who was used to hills and trail.
If you’re expecting easy, difficult catches you off guard.
3. You become dependent on easy courses.
Running your first 100 takes a lot but there’s this myth we tell ourselves that when you finish, you’ll suddenly be more confident at ultras and go for more challenging races.
Often, its the opposite.
The pressure builds because you feel like you have to repeat that first 100 mile success. Better stick with what you know you can do.
Some 100-mile runners stay in their new comfort zone so long it becomes a habit.
I want more for you.
So instead of choosing the easy first 100 you “should” do, I’m inviting you to consider doing one you want to do.
When I was shopping for my first 100, it never occurred to me to choose something easy. I wanted to see what I could do.
Superior ran through a beautiful place, landed in the right spot on the calendar, and felt like a big adventure. I knew it was the one for me and I’m forever grateful I followed through on that.
You will be too.
If you’re considering a first 100 or you have one coming up on the schedule, it’s time to get strong at the mental 80%. That takes practice too.
Email here or DM me to set up a free consult call to see how we’d put that 80% to work FOR you.
You’ll get better results and learn skills you can use in any part of your life…for the rest of your life.
