When Enough Is Enough… And Then You Keep Going – Pistol 100 Reflections

Luther Hill(MM9045, DA1429, HF7963) – The Pistol Ultra 100 miler – shorts
As I sit here taking my time with slow steps and two fisted recovery to mitigate what my hamburger feet feel, I had a couple of reflections.
As I mentioned in the past this was a 6 month journey that took me through all 4 seasons. Unlike training plans that get you to 20 mile runs and then within three weeks time taper you into doing 26.2 miles, this one worked up to a 50k and then 4 weeks later a 50 mile max run with a taper that took you to 100 miles. I felt like the build up and taper in this plan was more appropriate for 100k and not 100 miles. That being said everyone is different and rule of thumb really goes out the window past 50k.
With respect to individuality I kept asking myself, “when is enough”, “at what distance do you call it quits”, “at what distance does the fun wear off and what point you are left with is torture”. These were questions I have been asking myself for the past 13 years plus. I think I now have some clarity.
I think I have gotten where I call things like I see it. This means when the people at the aid stations 92 miles in ask me how I feel, I don’t sugar coat my response. Such is life and getting older.
Does this mean I am too far gone to do any else endurance wise? No, not by any means.
Before I start I just want to give a loving shout out to my bestie and love of my life Janie Grace who supported me in every step of this journey and made this weekend possible in every way (including putting up with all my crazy training) and has been my rock for the last 5 years!
Having done all 50 states marathons, a slew of Ironmans and other crazy endurance series I tackled this event head on. Race week weather was beautiful and optimal (as I write this post it is 37 degrees and snowing).
The first 50 miles was pretty much on par with my plan with my 50 miles being at 13.5 hours (12 hours done a month prior and better due to cooler conditions). Kudos to physical therapy people onsite to give a chiropractic adjustment something I definitely needed but kept putting off.
The second 50 miles were more challenging as when the sun went down temperatures dropped quickly. Fortunately hot chicken noodles and hot chocolate were in the mix. Janie worked the lucky aid station afternoon
and wee hours and unbeknownst to me wrote inspirational messages in chalk for the runners one of which was from my recently deceased mother “to keep on keeping on” as she was always known for her quirky personality and charm.
Miles 65 to 80 were the doldrums as I was in that no man’s land between the 100k and the marathon distance. Doing this on the very quiet but well lit distance in wee hours of the morning was rather challenging. Also at this time I was pushing through the pain of having blisters on both feet something new to me. Again, thanks to the wonderful foot support people at this race, my feet felt like ground beef but the pain became tolerable.
Finally the morning sun came up and warmed us all up. By mile 80 I was out of the doldrums but extreme fatigue was trying to overtake me. I wanted to lay down but felt I wouldn’t finish if I did. Thank goodness to those encouraging me – both people from my past as well as the awesome volunteers and race organizers and runners I met on the way including my 4 lady fellow runners (Cincinnati runners you rock) I enlisted on the last loop to keep me from succumbing to quitting in the event my will and determination failed me.
And just like that I was slowly limping to finish and all those feelings of why I took on this were replaced with feelings of happiness and accomplishment. I will not lie in this is the hardest endurance event I’ve ever achieved, so the feelings of accomplishment are probably the strongest I have ever felt. Congratulations to a well run event for an ultra! Thank you for making this a memorable one!

Photo and Post Credit Luther Hill