ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS WANT IT BAD ENOUGH

By the title of this post, you pretty much understand my racing philosophy.  Actually, that is pretty much my life philosophy.  No, I don't mean that you can line up for a race completely unprepared and under trained and if you "want" it bad enough you can achieve your goals.  Wanting something, REALLY wanting something implies a willingness to do the work necessary.  If you fantasize about a finish line - whether it is a half marathon or a 100 miler, if you are willing to do the work you can make that fantasy a reality.

Now let's be serious.  If you are out of shape and have never run before, I am not going to tell you that you can run a 100 miler in 6 months.  That is unrealistic and setting yourself up for disappointment.  BUT - if you set realistic goals, make a plan and stick to it, odds are in your favor.

I have often been asked for running advice - from reviewing training schedules to injury consultations.  I love helping people - especially beginners, so I am FINALLY entering into the coaching world.  On my terms ;-).

I started coaching years ago with Team in Training, helping beginner runners complete a half or whole marathon.  I loved it.  My favorite of those two distances is the half marathon.  A huge accomplishment in its own right, and a much more manageable distance for those of us with family and work obligations.  I also enjoy helping people break into ultra distance races. These are a whole different type of event, and require a completely different type of training and mindset.

I have a fondness for first timers.  It takes a boat load of courage to commit to a long distance race for the first time.  That is where my focus will be. I want to help people reach what may be a very intimidating goal for them.  I want to help regular folks like me realize that it doesn't take super human powers to do these things.  You just have to want it bad enough.

So that is the catch.  I will only take on a few folks at a time for coaching.  I want to be  in tune with them and where they are in their training and life in general - it all goes hand in hand.  If I am going to do this, I want to give my people as much of myself as possible so they can cross that finish line strong, healthy, and happy.

Here is what I am not:  I am not a data geek.  I am not going to analyze your heart rate to see if you are fatigued.  I know when I am fatigued, and I will watch you and talk to you to determine how your training is going.  I want you to be successful, relaxed, and I want you to enjoy the journey.  That is what training is - a journey.  It is not 6 months of suck followed by a race and then relief that it is over.  Every day is a new day, and brings you one day closer to reaching your potential.  That doesn't end at the finish line.

So, if this is something you are interested in, shoot me a message and we can get together to talk and see if it will be the right fit.  WARNING:  I have a low tolerance for whining.  I want to hear about aches, pains, and challenges you are facing but there is no room for excuses.  All you have to do is want it bad enough.

Check out my race resume tab at the top of this blog if you are interested.

Peace!

Edie

Mais, dats a BIG ditch

Grateful.  That's what I am.  I am grateful to have discovered running, and I am tremendously grateful for the people and experiences it has brought into my life.  It has given me a different perspective on things.  I have always been a very curious and adventurous person, and running fits into that perfectly. While some may be content to stand at the top of the Grand Canyon and look over at the other side and marvel at this wonder of nature, for years now, I have had a strong draw to see the Grand Canyon from a perspective very few experience - up close and personal.  I want to touch the walls of the canyon.  I want to stick my hands in the river at the bottom.  I want to feel the same burning in my legs and lungs that others have felt when attempting to traverse this amazing place.  And this year, I am going to attempt just that.

I, along with a few of my brave (some would say demented) cohorts are heading to the big ditch this fall to pay our respects to mother nature and soak in as much of her beauty as possible.  We are heading to Arizona to attempt the double crossing of the Grand Canyon.  I say "attempt" because there is absolutely no arrogance involved in this endeavor.  Yes, we have many ultra marathons between us.  Yes, we have spent quite a few hours inside the "pain cave" as they say, BUT...we also have the utmost respect for the challenge we are undertaking.

The double crossing is approximately 46 miles long.  Starting at the south rim, descending S. Kaibab Trail, crossing the bottom, ascending N. Kaibab Trail,  then turning around and doing it again, this time, ascending the south rim via Bright Angel trail.

After 23 ultras, including 4 - 100 milers, this is by far the scariest thing I have ever undertaken. And I can't freaking wait.  When I attempted my first ultra - a 50 miler - I did not know if I could finish it.   When I attempted my first 100 miler - I did not know if I could finish it.  Now, barring freak injury, I know I can do these things.  They are still enticing because I always want to do them better, but to have a big unknown on the schedule is exciting to me.  I am a big fan of self sufficiency, and the double crossing embodies this for me.  The motto of the Canyon is "Going down is optional.  Coming back up is mandatory."  There is no back up plan.  It is up to you to make the right decisions to insure your safe return to the top and to safety.  I can't express my excitement for this endeavor.

So, as my partners in crime and I contemplate a long summer of hills, hills, and more hills, all is right in the world.  Stars are finally aligning in my life.  My trail running company, Paix Running, is growing and my races are getting great buzz, my kids are healthy and happy, and my son (18) is doing his first 50k next February at Red Dirt.  Life is good, y'all!

I will attempt to keep you posted on my R2R2R training - if I can stay awake long enough :-).

Paix!

Edie