You run 100 miles at McNaughton Park 3 years in a row, you run 100 Miles in under 24 hours in Vermont 3 years in a row, you complete the toughest 100 in the East (Massanutten) Twice in a row and you run across the state of New Hampshire two years in a row... it's hard to not sit here and ask yourself... What now? Ultra-running has become rather complacent to me at times. Running the same races year in and year out. I love the sport, I love the life style.. but somethings gotta give. It's time for new adventures, it's time to re-test what I all ready know and see if I can change it back to merely "I thoughts." It's time for a new Project.. and that project is what I call:
PROJECT 2010
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Race #1: The Barkley Marathons
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Race #1: The Barkley Marathons
100 Miles - Frozen Head State Park Tennessee
Completed 1 Loop - 22 Miles in 12:36 (DNF)
100 Miles - Pittsfield, VT
Race #3: The Western States Endurance Run
100.2 Miles - Squaw Valley, CA to Auburn, CA
Race #5: The Leadville Trail 100
"The Race Across The Sky"
"The Race Across The Sky"
Race #6: The Wasatch Front 100
100 Miles - Layton, UT to Midway, UT
September 10-11, 2010
The Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run is held in Utah the first Friday and Saturday after Labor Day each year. The run stretches from Layton, Utah to The Homestead in Midway, Utah and covers some of the most beautiful scenery the Wasatch Mountains have to offer. There is a cumulative elevation gain of approximately 26,882 feet, as well as a cumulative loss of approximately 26,131 feet throughout the course. This is a premier run that will test the endurance of any runner.
It's NOT easy being a junior in college and trying to chase your dreams and goals. Running the Grand Slam is by no means cheap.. but I'm determined to find a way to get there. If you want to be a "sponsor" of this journey, please contact me via e-mail Sherpajohn@gmail.com and let me know how you can help. Frequent flier miles accepted! Lets do this together, lets discover Human Potential and enjoy the journey together.
SJ
Sheesh, when I first read you were ready for a new challenge that'd really test your endurance, mental toughness, and soul to the very core, I thought you meant you were ready to have kids!
ReplyDeleteWow, talk about kickin' it up a notch! I wish you all the best with your 2010 goals. I'm a ultra-newbie (ran my first 50k a month ago), new to the ultra list and I've read about your running and hiking endeavors on this blog - very cool!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I was surprised to see the photo that you picked for the McNaughton race -- I am the runner in the photo! :-) It was taken by Brian Gaines while we ran at McNaughton (IL edition) the week after the 2008 race. Such a beautiful place, I can imagine Vermont is also pretty awesome.
I plan on pacing Brian at Leadville next year if he decides to go -- so maybe I'll see ya there!
-Kelly
I dont think we have officially met before but i have seen you around. If i get into WS100 this year I too will try the GrandSlam. If it helps any we could share room costs and car rentals and all that stuff. When/If i get in I will email you and we can talk more about it. This might help us both and maybe we can find others attempting this to help as well.
ReplyDeleteMarc Griffin
John,
ReplyDeleteDo you still give advice and support to beginning runners? I'm looking for a little coaching.
RAS
You forgot to add Barkley to the list of "fun" events.
ReplyDelete