The Ultramarathon Mindset

got to volunteer at the inaugural running of the Cactus Roulette race put on by the Lawrence Trail Hawks. There were three loops. You spin the roulette wheel to determine which loop you run next. You run as far as you can in the time you have: 6, 12, or 24 hours. Each loop had it's own challenge. Bunker Hill is . . . well . . . it's a hill. Cactus ridge is, in my opinion, the second most terrible part of this trail system. It looks like an easy, grass-covered track where you can run fast and free. But lurking under the grass are rocks waiting to grab the toe and send you crashing to the ground. (Ask me how I know this.) Swim Beach is a loop that goes out to Lake Clinton on the Blue Trail and comes back on the infamous White Trail. The White Trail sparked a support group on Facebook for those of us who have suffered its abuse. The handful of runners who chose the 12 and 24 hour race displayed plenty of grit and determination. I hope this race becomes part of the Trail Hawk's lineup. It's got plenty to challenge runners, physically and mentally.

Running rocky trails in thin sandals is better than running in shoes. I'm two years into my barefoot/minimalist journey, and it's been a great decision. Our feet are designed to flex and adapt to the ground under us.

Fueling is an important part of your strategy when you run ultramarathons. I've used a lot of trial and error to learn what works for me. The food that I used for training didn't work for me after I got over 50 miles. I found that I need something moist and easy to digest. My solution . . . baby food. I find them with the highest calories I can. They are easy to pack, easy to consume, and (best of all) easy to digest!