Wow, where to start? It's hard to put into words something that has driven a person almost weekly for the last 16 years. At least one run each week I have contemplated the TransNebraska run. In particular, the focus has been on how to make a successful trek after the failure from my freshman year in college. It's driven me for quite sometime.
Which led to this morning. The first steps of the run were a cathartic experience. Nostalgic one would say. Within five minutes of the run, a dog approached with teeth gnashing. For 100 meters I was wondering if this run would end within the first mile and a trip to the hospital was in order. After a few stern warnings, the pup retreated. One block later, I noticed one of the largest hogs I've ever seen, and spirits were lifted again.
The first 20 miles involved a picturesque landscape of the Platte River and Scotts Bluff Monument in the distance. It reminded me of what I have missed about Western Nebraska - absolutely gorgeous physical geography.
After a nice break at Runza for lunch, it was off to the final 30 miles. First marathon was in 4 hours, 40 minutes, right on pace.
As it began to heat up, the running became a little tougher. At one point, a constant walk settled in and as I saw the water tower at Minatare, I decided to walk into town.
The final 19 miles would be without a town, no relief, no convenience stores, no bathrooms.
The last stretch was a combination of slow walking, and taking brief breaks. Two miles would be full of energy, the next two a death march. Then, energy would return.
And that's one thing that I was reminded of about ultra running. The body is quite remarkable. At one point, you're falling apart and things look in doubt. But if you stick it out for another mile, two miles, things can turn around. The body is an amazing thing and I was reminded of that today.
My crew was fantastic. Every need was met. Never was in jeopardy of putting myself in trouble.
51 miles down. Entering the Sandhills tomorrow.
Which led to this morning. The first steps of the run were a cathartic experience. Nostalgic one would say. Within five minutes of the run, a dog approached with teeth gnashing. For 100 meters I was wondering if this run would end within the first mile and a trip to the hospital was in order. After a few stern warnings, the pup retreated. One block later, I noticed one of the largest hogs I've ever seen, and spirits were lifted again.
The first 20 miles involved a picturesque landscape of the Platte River and Scotts Bluff Monument in the distance. It reminded me of what I have missed about Western Nebraska - absolutely gorgeous physical geography.
After a nice break at Runza for lunch, it was off to the final 30 miles. First marathon was in 4 hours, 40 minutes, right on pace.
As it began to heat up, the running became a little tougher. At one point, a constant walk settled in and as I saw the water tower at Minatare, I decided to walk into town.
The final 19 miles would be without a town, no relief, no convenience stores, no bathrooms.
The last stretch was a combination of slow walking, and taking brief breaks. Two miles would be full of energy, the next two a death march. Then, energy would return.
And that's one thing that I was reminded of about ultra running. The body is quite remarkable. At one point, you're falling apart and things look in doubt. But if you stick it out for another mile, two miles, things can turn around. The body is an amazing thing and I was reminded of that today.
My crew was fantastic. Every need was met. Never was in jeopardy of putting myself in trouble.
51 miles down. Entering the Sandhills tomorrow.