Jumping In the Deep End With Both Bare Feet : Lost Soul 100 Miler Ultra Marathon

	Southern Alberta's Ultimate Trail Run September 7-8, 2012
	Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada 50Km 100Km 100Miles "The Toughest Race on the Prairies"

So I have been humming and hah-ing about upping the ante this year, and doing 2 legs of the Death Race is definitely doing that. But, I also wanted to really get out of my comfort zone by going all out and trying a 100 miler. Now this might seem pretty silly to some, as the longest I have run in a race situation is 50km but lets just say I was inspired by a couple of fantastic runners who were in the same place that I currently find myself in.

Vanessa Rodriguez of Vanessa Runs and her other half, Robert Shackleford affectionately known as Shacky ran their first 100 miler this spring, see the first of Vanessa's blog posts on the achievement here, followed by Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and finally Part 5. These are a awesome read and a good way to get a unique perspective from inside the head of a Ultra Marathoner who is finishing their first 100 miler. Plus Vanessa is such a good writer, she makes you feel like you are right there with her.

A friend of mine, Scott decided a few months ago that he was going to tackle the 100 miler this year, this will also be his first, and has been training relentlessly since. I have been reading and talking with him about his progress and in the back of my mind weighing the pro's and con's of jumping in as well. First, I was trying to figure out how I could help him crew and maybe be his pacer for the last lap, that seemed possible. The logistics would be interesting because we are both from Manitoba and I would need to get there, secure accommodations and of course take some time of work. Then I started to think, Could I actually run this now and finish? I was originally thinking and planning where I could try a 100 miler next year, but the more I thought (sometimes this is quite the process, I am blonde you know),  why not this year.  I kept all this to myself for the last month or so, not really sure if I wanted to seriously consider it or not, there was some serious logistics to be thought out and I wanted to make sure I was really committed to this. Of course this would mean my lovely and very talented wife would be left with the kids for a few days as Daddy travelled to Alberta, ran a crazy distance, then travelled home in total disarray and would be probably be pretty much useless for a couple of days afterwards. I love Nicole like crazy, because she is totally supportive in whatever crazy ass thing I decide to do, including this one.

I am super excited and nervous at the same time, once we finish the Death Race August long weekend, this will be the focus, so hopefully all my friends don't want to shoot me by the time I leave for Alberta, because I am sure it will be the only thing I want to talk about.

Wish me luck this is going to be a crazy ride, and I will be hanging on for dear life.

Course Map from the 2009 Race here