Falls 100 is a rugged trail race is hosted by Central Kentucky Race Management . It is set across the forest in Falls Of Rough , KY . This was my second year at the race . Last year , my first 50 miler . That was a grueling day of rain , flooding and relentless mud . I finished that race in just under 21 hours . I felt proud of that accomplishment with my husband by my side as Crew . 9 days after this race , I had the idea that I would attempt 100 miles . The same race just do it twice . Was I up to the challenge ? At the time , I was only confident that I could make it 50 miles . I signed up and then almost threw up . Runners remorse … we have all been there.
I found a plan from Ultra Ladies as a guide to where I needed to be and what point . I had also read Relentless Forward Progress and Running Into the Dark . What did I learn ? I am a novice runner and a plan is a suggestion because not one plan fits all . I learned that I have more to learn about this sport .
My nutrition was going to be a huge factor in this training . I had just finished a Nutrition Challenge , the #800g Challenge ( fruits and veggies ) , at my Crossfit box and won a 3 month Nutrition coaching program . Double WIN in my books as this was what I needed to keep me on track and fine tune those little things. My focus was water , protein and tracking my sleep . What did I learn ? That I need guidance on nutrition all year long . I fell off the wagon a few times and noticed right away in my performance.
I had taken May off as a recovery month which many thought was nuts but I needed to reset myself for the long haul. Everyone has their own way of resetting their body and their mind. I ran minimally in May and signed up for some fun 5K’s . Once June 1st rolled around , I was ready to hit the dirt and pavement . I had several races sprinkled throughout the next 6 months to keep me motivated . I used road races for speed work and ultimately had some PR’s along the way which was surprising . What did I learn ? This break was very good for me . I needed it and will do it again in 2020.
The weather was super HOT this summer and it was a find balance between hydration and not dying on a run . I would start as early as possible to beat the heat and in summer with the sun coming up so soon that meant SUPER early start times. I starting meeting up with Ashley my training buddy , she was signed up for the 100 , and we would run together a couple times a month . The plan was that once we got into August , we would run as much together as possible . During our runs we would talk about every possible race topic from food to socks to shoes to battery life on headlamps . We were determined to try to predict every possible weather scenario too.
I trained hard and incorporated crossfit / strength training into every week . I did not run as much as a typical training plan during the weekdays due to time constraints but I did ALL the accessory strength work. I did some speed work but I knew that speed running was not going to get me to the finish . I needed the long endurance and the relentless climbing. My left hip injury ( from my 50 miler ) flared up in August and that was a blow to the confidence . I needed to focus on the basics and injury prevention . I dialed back the speed and concentrated on the distance of my back to back runs. It was difficult as I was not as strong as Ashley and I fell behind quite a bit . I felt like I was holding her back so many times but I did not say anything . I kept quite a bit of my inner negative brain to myself.
I did all of the weekday running at a local park or near my house on the roads. I just didn’t have the time after work at 5pm to haul myself to the forest . I ran during the weekdays alone which was how I have trained in the past . What did I learn from this ? I needed more dirt time and I dont know how I can remedy that . Road running is fine but only to a certain distance and then I have lost that loving feeling . Running alone in the dark near my house is fine but there are certain areas that are not safe for anyone to be alone in the dark. This will be a challenge for the 2020 season .
The weekends , Saturday and Sunday , were dirt time . I rotated my runs between Turkey Run , a local trail that is gently rolling and JMF which is NOT gently rolling . I liked the rotating between easy and hard trails to keep me from getting bored . I do not like running the same routes over and over and over again . What did I learn ? I need more hard trails and more relentless climbing in the dark . I need to do those hill repeats on the hills that I curse every single time I see them . I need to run alone on the long distances . I am not guaranteed a pacer next year for my 2nd attempt at 100 miles . I have to be able to do the entire thing alone with only my husband crewing me at the aid stations.
My DNF was at mile 76 . My left ankle and knee started swelling more than the right side . I was worried I had a stress fracture or torn something during running , sliding or tripping . The later 2 I did frequently in the dark . There were several occasions were I said ” Oh , thats gonna hurt ” . I had spent 8 miles trying to change things up with my gait , stretching different muscles out and eating calories to see if that would help . Nothing was helping and I had to pep talk myself at each hill because the swelling was painful. Once I hit the pavement after the last big downhill , I knew that it was not good because even on level ground I could not run . I still had less than a mile to make that decision and fought my inner self . I could suck it up and go back out for the last 10 1/2 hours or stop . I chose to stop and regretted my decision . I failed . I kept a brave face but the entire time I was crying inside . Ashley was heading back out to finish and I gave her a hug and walked away devastated .
What have I learned ? I am not ok with failure . I spent this whole year trying to show myself some grace and I cannot for this . I am fearful of not finishing yet I signed up to try the Falls 100 in 2020 . I had a thought of doing another 100 miler but I don’t think that would be as satisfying . I will train just as hard for this next race and maybe a little harder . I need to attack this race like its the last race I will ever do . Hold nothing back !
JanuaryRunr11 