Beyond the Heat

Sweat, Surrender, and Serenity

This New Z Letter is a bit out of line. I have so many ideas for New Z Letters lately, that I decided to publish a special Wednesday edition. Don’t get used to it, though. Friday remains our fixed date.

Gearing up

Today I released a new collection with my running clothing Brand Willpower. It is called “Beyond the Heat” and it is made for running long distances in the heat.

Technically, it’s a reboot. The “Beyond the Heat” collection originally appeared one year ago, and that was no coincidence. I was in need for a suitable running kit for my first 100-Mile race, the Western States 100.

I was aware, that the major challenge I had to face, was the extreme heat, this cult race is infamous for. While I tried my best to be physically prepared, I also wanted to dress adequately. So, I created the clothing I required and wanted. All-white, highly breathable, UV-protected and ultra-light weight. The “Beyond the Heat” collection was born.

(Promo graphic for the Re-Launch of the “Beyond the Heat” Collection)

This is a drill

The first time I got personally introduced to the legendary Western States heat (it was the 7th hottest year ever) was during a 50-minute test run with my crew. We ran alongside the American River, close to the Rucky Chucky river crossing, four days before the actual race. It was an impressive demonstration. 106 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 41 °C) and ultra-dry, almost static air, was something I had never experienced before.

The Western States Heat

After this defining test, I noted down the following words:

“I learned that the canyons would let me pass if I play by their rules. If I get carried away and push too hard, they will slay me.”

(Running alongside the American River, close to Rucky Chucky)

This is not a drill

Once Western States was on, everything turned out much differently, though. The heat, that I thought I was sufficiently prepared for, invaded my race much earlier and much more savagely than I could have ever imagined.

Here’s an excerpt from my “Runhundred” book about my Western States experience. It describes how I felt at around Mile 40 or the race.

“I was now passing Deadwood Canyon, one of the 3 hottest points of the race. It’s characteristic topography with the sun reflecting from the steep hill sides and almost no air movement makes this place incredibly hot. To put it into simple words, the heat was insane. I desperately played around with different efforts to find a sweet spot at which I would not produce too much heat myself from pushing too hard, but at the same time could keep on moving forward. With solely one goal in mind. To reach the next aid station for yet another cooling procedure. In so doing, I negotiated with the heat fervently, but couldn’t prevail. It simply would not let me gain ground without drowning increasingly in dizziness and fatigue. Yes, drowning. That’s how it felt.”

The Heat & I

Since Western States, it is hard to put my relationship with heat into words. Usually, we throw around statements like “I’m sensitive to heat” or “I rather run in the heat than in the cold”. For me, it’s not that easy.

During my Western States race, I built a quasi-spiritual bonding with the heat. Nothing ever before, or after, was able to dismantle my body and my soul so relentlessly. Leaving me behind, exposed and forlorn. It was painful. But also purifying.

As I reflected on today’s launch of Willpower’s “Beyond the Heat” collection, the following words, almost a poem, appeared out of nowhere:

Sweat, Surrender, and Serenity

Sweat becomes an offering
As it mingles with the earth
Anointing the path ahead
Communion with a higher self
Transmuting the spirit
Through this divine trial
The consciousness expands
Merging with the eternal
The pounding heartbeats
A sacred mantra
Every breath drawn is a prayer
Surrender to a higher power
Surrender to the heat

(Entering Michigan Bluff Aid Station - What’s left when there’s nothing left?)

There’s forever going to be a special liaison between me and the heat. Characterized by great awe and respect. But also truthfulness and faith.

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Everything not running

Let’s talk coffee. My wife Lisa and I are proud owners of a Rocket Appartemento Espresso Maker. Hands down, the best coffee we ever got at home. Random info: We bought this espresso machine with money we got from selling second hand stuff we didn’t need anymore. True to the motto:

Own less - Appreciate more

(Authentic home barista photography by Stephan Wieser)

We constantly try out new beans, but our go-to coffee is Gorilla Bar Crema by the traditional German coffee roaster A. Joerges. It’s a robusta blend (which we love) with an impressively thick crema and an intense chocolaty body. It is also easy to handle. You don’t have to hit an exact amount of espresso powder, the perfect grind or flow rate. It almost always turns out great.

We either drink double espressos or flat whites. Therefore, we use Berief organic oat milk, which is incredibly easy to foam. The traditional milk frother of the Rocket espresso machine works perfectly for us. It took a bit of practice, but after a while, it’s an easy no-brainer.

I, personally, drink a lot of coffee. On average, 3-4 double espressos (yes, in Italian it is espressi, I know that) per day. I stop drinking coffee at 4 p.m. latest, to no affect my sleep.

I love to drink a double espresso before I head out for a run. I wouldn’t say it has a direct influence on my performance, but it surely has on my mindset, which then again is well-connected to my performance.

I even drink coffee during races. Especially when they go through the night. It does not affect my stomach at all. I love the taste, especially when I am already fed up with sweet and salty stuff.

End of coffee nerd talk.

Please let me know in a comment how you enjoy your coffee!

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Sprachnachricht

Auch zu diesem Mittwochs-Special Z Letter gibt es natürlich eine deutschsprachige Audioversion, die Sprachnachricht #06. Könnt ihr direkt hier oder bei Apple Podcasts, oder Spotify Podcasts anhören.

Beyond The Heat (SPRACHNACHRICHT #06)