I often get asked if I’ve run Western States 100, Hardrock 100, or Badwater 135.

The person asking usually says, “Because you’ve done everything.”

Actually, I haven’t. I haven’t done any of those three.

You share your exciting, audacious race goal with someone, expecting them to be excited too, and hear this:

“You won’t do it.”

“You’ll never make it.”

This weekend, I finished my 20th Superior 100 - my 127th 100-mile race.

It’s my first 20-time finish at a 100 miler (Massanutten will hopefully be next).

At a milestone like this, you’d expect reflection, but no one told me there’d be so much.

“I’m considering doing my first 100 but overwhelmed with choosing the first one. I know some of what I don’t want. Any tips for choosing the first one?”

Last week, I covered the biggest mistake runners make when choosing their first 100-mile race - going for the “easiest.”

The strategy doesn’t do you any favors in the long run. Among other things, you become dependent on finding easy races.

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.

You train.

You race.

Something happens.

You DNF.

Now what?

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