Things went wrong during this race. That’s to be expected. What did me in wasn’t the extortion discomfort. It was my own heart, both in the metaphorical… Read more “I Failed. Well, Kinda. | Ultra Trail Vipava Valley, Slovenia”
Tag: Race
Beyond the Doubt: A Partner Race Across the Alps | Friday Films
The Transalpine Run is a partner race across the most gorgeous Alps. You have to cross the finish and checkpoint lines with your partner: if one of… Read more “Beyond the Doubt: A Partner Race Across the Alps | Friday Films”
Into the Well: A Gnarly Way to Get to Know the Raw Beauty of New River Gorge National Park
“Into The Well: 100 Miles. 32 Hours. 200 Racers. is an outdoor adventure documentary feature film telling the story of personal endurance. An excruciating test of how far one is willing to push themself to accomplish their goals. Follow three West Virginians as they prepare for the first 100-mile ultramarathon in the New River Gorge National Park where they’ll take on a challenge far greater than they could ever have imagined.” (The Folkway)
To be honest, I went into this documentary slightly worried. Not only is it the length of a full-feature film; the first few seconds of anxiety-inducing music didn’t alleviate the tension. On the other hand, it did capture perfectly how it feels at the start of such an endeavor. It’s not like people die from DNF-ing (DNF = did not finish) challenges like this (not usually, anyway) but they still make the heart race, at least a little bit.
To worry I did need not. Yes, the documentary is the length of a full-feature film but it’s also of similar quality—in fact, it’s better than some of the films I’ve seen in my lifetime. It pulled me in quickly and didn’t let go; just like a race you have to keep coming back to until you finish it.
Rim to River 100 is an ultramarathon in the New River Gorge National Park. It takes its runners on an out-and-back journey up and down and down and up from the rim of the Gorge to down along the banks of the New River and promises winding single track and a few, shall we say, gorgeously gnarly sections.
“Along with the natural beauty of waterfalls, whitewater, & dramatic views, you’ll also find ghost towns, centuries-old cemeteries, & abandoned mine shafts throughout the course,” reads the official description on the Rim to River 100 website.
Intrigued yet? Or worried, just like I was? Well, I won’t write much more and, instead, let the documentary do its thing. Let the raw beauty of this challenging trail pull you in just like it did with me. Warning: this process apparently includes “shoes filled with blood,” as HollyAnn informs you within the first few moments of your own emotional journey.
I’ll Take a DNF Over DNS Any Day. Forgotten Mountains 50 Mile Race | Zapomenuté Hory, Czechia
When the (very short) list of aid stations on a 50-mile race consists mainly of springs to refill your water, you know you’re in for an interesting… Read more “I’ll Take a DNF Over DNS Any Day. Forgotten Mountains 50 Mile Race | Zapomenuté Hory, Czechia”
Euro Trails Are Something Else: Triglav Trail Run
At the end of a two-week flurry, I ran a race. It wasn’t a long race. I ran it just as a part of my training, and… Read more “Euro Trails Are Something Else: Triglav Trail Run”
Way Too Cool 50k: Moh’s Scale—Diamond | Race Report
Way Too Cool. Way too hilly. Way too painful. Way too awesome. Way Too Cool is a lot of way-too things, both objectively and subjectively. Objectively, or… Read more “Way Too Cool 50k: Moh’s Scale—Diamond | Race Report”
When Hell Freezes Over: An Accidental Race
I didn’t plan on running anything until Way Too Cool in March. (News: I was selected at the lottery to run that race.) But Sylvie, my dear… Read more “When Hell Freezes Over: An Accidental Race”
“What Do You Think About When Running That Far?” + My Cool Moon Hallucinations
Many people assume that running long distances must be somewhat boring (if suffering from constant pain can be called boring, that is). You have only your own… Read more ““What Do You Think About When Running That Far?” + My Cool Moon Hallucinations”
Course Vandalism: Why You Might not Be the Hero You Think You Are & A Message to Our Vandal
This past weekend, we held a race in a beautiful park nearby my home. This particular event is dear to my heart: these are my home trails… Read more “Course Vandalism: Why You Might not Be the Hero You Think You Are & A Message to Our Vandal”
Cool Moon 50-Miler: I Hallucinated, I Ached, And I Threw Up Blood. But I Finished.
This post, just like the run could have, can go two ways; either it’s going to be a quick business or a long journey with more twists… Read more “Cool Moon 50-Miler: I Hallucinated, I Ached, And I Threw Up Blood. But I Finished.”