While my win of the lottery was some kind accident, my final decision to run the Western States 100 wasn’t. I thought it through and evaluated all the factors that might play a role without being either cocky or overly intimidated. Subjects I discussed with myself included how the training would probably look like, which role the pandemic might play when making plans to travel, what time and energy investment this project would demand from me, what mental challenges I might face in the race and while preparing for it and also evaluating my strengths and weaknesses as a runner in general and ultra runner in particular.
Especially the last part was a sobering but also enlightening experience. I found out that there are a couple of weaknesses I definitely have to work on. Being sensitive to heat is not particularly helpful when running the Western States 100. Also moving from a 100k race distance to 100 miler within less than a year carries some risks and uncertainties. I also reflected on the underlying 'too much too soon' attitude that this project would imply. Or to put it into the words of Martin Grüning: "Nach dem Western States kommt nicht mehr viel!". An inner conflict I might have to deal with once this running project is over.
On the other hand I also realized that I bring some helpful skills to the table. I am generally comfortable with running at night. I also seem to have not that much of a problem with GI stress. Means I can usually eat all through a race without throwing up, which is a great asset. In fact the most decisive skill next to being fit. Speaking of being well trained: My single point of failure at CCC was running uphill, not downhill. With the Western States 100 being a relative downhill course with more elevation loss than gain, I am mildly optimistic, that my quad muscles won’t be shot too early in the race. Last but not least I would label myself a good problem solver. Maybe not as much during the race but definitely beforehand, while preparing mentally and strategically. I am good at creating game plans for all sorts of scenarios and if I’m lucky one of these problems appear during a race instead of the millions of things I do not have a game plan for, haha! Either way, I am not the type of person that is surprised or overwhelmed when things go wrong. Telling from my short ultra experience I know they will. Usually in the most terrible way imaginable. But isn’t that one of the reasons that makes this sport so beautiful?
Well, none of the above is a guarantee that Western States will be a a great race for me. Not even a guarantee for a finish. On the other hand none of the above dooms this project to fail. The fact that I still have no idea how all this will unfold over the next couple of months is a sign that the goal of running and finishing the Western States 100 is just big enough.