I’m currently running with a pair of Loan Peak Altra’s which are relatively new at this point but they seem to wear down pretty quickly. For the ultra I think I plan on running with a brand-new pair of Olympus 2.0’s. I would like to at least put in a 100 miles into them before I actually run the race. The last 100K I did I used Hoka’s which I felt made a huge difference in protecting my legs throughout the race, but I did tend to roll my ankles a bit more. I’m hoping Olympus 2.0’s will give me some more cushion compared to the long peaks but a much more stable platform. As for Griffith Park it’s definitely a pretty run at night and the day. Running to the empty mountains is pretty peaceful without anyone around.
At this pace I’m not sure how to be prepared to run a 100 miler in April. I have done crazier things though. There is still about three months to go before the race, which gives me plenty of time to partially prepare. Ultra runners are not traditional athletes in any way shape or form and neither am I. Even if I’m not prepared I’m going to try and I will do anything to finish. There’s something about the pain and suffering of the race that gives you an utter clarity on why and how to proceed with everything you pursue in life.
Trying to run on work nights is beyond what I expected. I previously thought upon becoming attending my flexibility to run nights during the week would be much better. This is far from the truth. Is it because I’m not at an academic program or have residents doing smaller tasks? Or is it because the first year becoming attending in the mental stress associated with it? Either way I really appreciate these runs whether they are weekdays or weekends.
A lot comes to mind when running on Sunset Boulevard for 13 miles. The gradual progression with regression and successes of the past decade and a half. Considering I spent my high school years as well as college years along this street sharing various memorable occurrences throughout. I’m pretty disappointed that runmeter dropped out on me again for 3 miles of my run, it has been so reliable for so long including my 62 mile run where it actually recorded the entire thing without a glitch.
One of the thoughts that comes to my mind is who the heck owns all these giant houses. The large gaps between my runs definitely does not help my training progression to finally run the hundred miler that I plan to run in April. But that’s the fun thing about ultras, not always the most clean-cut perfect runner runs them. You’d be shocked at who you would see running these races as well as winning these races.
The end of sunset Boulevard shows a beautiful view of surfers in the Pacific Ocean.
