I guess it's been a while since my last post. There hasn't been a whole lot to talk about.
It's almost too late now to properly reflect on the Thunder Rock 100. There were several ways that the race went differently than Umstead, which may prepare me for future races. Like, I think my hydration was better; I never really felt like I couldn't stomach ANYTHING. They actually had these really delicious flaxseed, oatmeal bars that [they said] you could get at Costco. I really enjoyed using my minimal pack and handheld water bottle. It was much simpler and quicker for refueling at aid stations than having to try and work the bladder in the Nathan pack. I was also surprised that the overnight running didn't bother me too much. I never really felt fatigued from being awake all night; it was more bothersome to be tunnel-visioned with the headlamp.
My recovery has been a little bit more relaxed, now that there isn't another race coming up. I needed it too. My legs got beat up more from TR100 than Umstead, and in the days afterwards I could feel it. I eased back into running much more slowly, though I was still able to begin running after just a week.
There's still no rush to run another race, and I expect to wait until the fall for another major ultra. I only have a handful of races in mind. I had actually been offered a chance to run the inaugural Uwharrie 100 that's going to be staged in October. I ended up passing on that to focus on other races; two in particular. Actually, the first one isn't even a race; more of a challenge. The closest comparison is to when runners like to make Rim2Rim[2Rim] attempts (that is, they try to run from one rim to the other of the Grand Canyon; some times back). Some of those guys like to try and get the fastest time, some just to do the run, but for all of them, it's all guts and no glory. No starting line, no packet, no T shirt, no medal. Just the personal satisfaction. For myself, there's a route in the NC mountains called the Pitchell challenge. You start at the summit of Mt Pisgah and run to the top of Mt Mitchell. Following the Mountain-to-Sea Trail for the majority of the route, it ends up being approximately 100K. Obviously with no organized race/event, I can do it whenever I want. However, October is supposed to be the ideal time to do it, and at the moment that will be my timeline. Secondly, I want to run the Hellgate 100K. It's best known as the last race in the Beast Series. Developed by Dr. David Horton, it's a gruesome race, starting at 12:01am, it's a 100K that feels like 100 miles. I really like the community around these events, but I haven't done one of the races yet, and I'd rather not tackle the Grindstone 100M, and I'd like to take a break from Mountain Masochist.
So far, I have yet to hear back from the Wake EMS about their EMT position. I haven't heard back from Cary either, but they are only just getting started even looking at the applications. The Raleigh Fire Department just opened up recruiting for a fall academy, and I will probably apply as a chance to get into Emergency RESPONSE, even if it's not directly Emergency MEDICINE. In the meantime, I have started working part time for a medical transport company. My brother has been working for them for a while now, and the whole time during my EMT class, hinted that they were looking for folks. So, I contacted them, and started working. I could use full time right now, but I will technically be part time, given I plan to work full time for EMS or the fire department. Still just crossing my fingers.
Soundtrack:
"Saving Grace" by Flyleaf
"Last Resort" by Papa Roach
