Running 100 Miles

For the last couple of years I have mentioned to Stacy that I have as odd desire to run a 100 miles race, and not just any race; the most famous of them all....The Western States Endurance Run. The race is a trail run in California that goes from Squaw Valley to Auburn. The race began in 1955 as a horse race to prove that a horse could cover the 100 miles within a 24 hour period. Not as if it was not already difficult to cover the 100 miles, but the course also has an elevation gain of over 15,000 feet and a decent near 22,000. Well, as one could expect, the event lost its luster, until in 1974 a man named Gordy Ainsleigh was inspired to see if man could cover the same distance in the allotted time. He was in fact successful and completed the run in 23 hours and 42 minutes. Needless to say, this caught on, and 1977 was the 1st official year of the WSER. Anyway, over the years there have been slight modifications to the event, and today there are qualification requirements to meet just so one can apply. The requirements are running an approved race of at least 50 miles, and doing so in less than 11 hours. Additionally, in order to get credit for completing the WSER, one must complete the course in under 30 hours. I am sure many of you are asking, what is the prize for running such an insane distance, the answer is....a belt buckle. Below is a photo of the silver belt buckle, which is awarded to those that finish the race within the original allotted time of 24 hours.

Nevertheless, enough of the history. As of tomorrow, I will begin my quest of not only qualifying, but running the WSER in the 30 hour time limit, so I can receive that coveted belt buckle. Of course this is not a short term goal due to the amount of time and sacrifice that is required, so my intent is to run a 50 mile qualifier next year, and hopefully win a spot in the raffle to be able to run in 2013. So, if I look a little skinnier and bedraggled the next time you see me, you will know why.