Do you have a BHAG? Do you even know what a BHAG is?
Today on Tuesdays on the Run, we are talking about goals. But not just any goal:
Your Big Hairy Audacious Goal.
I’ve been chasing my 50 states goal for a few years now. And I’ve made some pretty good progress: 38 states (and DC) done, 12 to go. Unfortunately, the majority of the remaining states are out west. Getting to them takes time and money that are currently being prioritized for other things. (Yes, Australia, I’m talking about you.)
But there’s another goal that’s been running around in my head for a long time now: an Ultra. I’m ready to go beyond the marathon distance (or I was until I got injured.) But I’m not a trail runner and the thought of getting lost in the woods freaks me the heck out. I am a huge fan of loops. I also love the idea of a timed ultra. So, I’ve been looking for a while, thinking a nice 6 hour race would be a good start. Well, the stars have aligned for a trip to Arizona, so I’ve decided to run the Across the Years race this winter. They offer 24, 48, and 72 hour options, as well as a 6 day option. Since I’m not entirely crazy, I’m choosing 24 hours LOL.
That’s right, I’m running a 1ish mile loop as many times as I can in 24 hours. I am not under the illusion that I can run or even run/walk for 24 hours straight and have no goal of hitting 100 miles. Instead, I’m focusing on another goal (well, 2 goals.)
*I want to run at least a 50k with only short walk breaks and no stops.
*Then I want to run/walk at least one mile in each of the remaining hours. (At one point, they had an award called “Around the Clock”, but it seems to be gone now. I still plan to do it…)
It’s like all of my half marathons and my Ultra Ragnar met up and had a love child.
In the end, I will have run my first ultra. Ironically, it will not count officially towards my 50 states goal because it does not meet the Half Fanatic criteria. But it will definitely add to my “states I’ve run a race in list” which is currently at 41.
Go big or go home.
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Wow, this is really exciting! I’d love to try to do an ultra one day but over the past few years I’ve dealt with too many injuries to even consider it. Sounds like this is a great way for you to run your first ultra!
I’m usually like a dog with a bone — I get an idea in my head & I don’t let go of it. Hence my 18 mile race, which is plenty long enough for me.
Running the same mile, though, would drive me insane! I don’t like loops. Even 3 loops for my half last year was 2 too many!
Good luck — I’ve no doubt you won’t need luck (or not much, anyway).
I just heard about that race in Cory Reese’s book! I think I would go crazy if I had to do a one mile loop. Good luck!
I’m impressed with as many states you’ve checked off your list already. That’s very cool!
I think they way you are doing the Ultra is a smart decision. Are there any rules in how many times you can stop for breaks or how long the breaks can be? I mean can you leave the course for lu.ch a d come back..haha?
Wow!! A 50K and then more running?! That sounds intense. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Wow! I can’t imagine running more than a marathon – but am so impressed by those who do! Good luck with the 1 mile loop – there’s a 24 hour race around here that I’ve gone to watch before and it’s incredible to see all the runners, especially as it gets to be nighttime.
Good luck with your BHAG!!! I did a 24-hour relay this spring, so I ran for 1 hour out of every 4 for 24 hours. I wound up getting a little over marathon distance and LOVED the race. Hubby wants to do the 24-hour solo version next year, and I am in.
A 50k is much less stress than a road marathon, IMHO! 🙂
That sounds crazy and fun all at the same time! I like the idea of a loop so that you are never alone out there somewhere
My CURRENT BHAG is to run all the World Marathon Majors. From there? Definitely an ultra…maybe a full IronMan. You know, once I learn to swim!
The ultramarathon sounds like an amazing time! I do think it would be cool to run an ultra one day, but I’ve never really looked into good races in the Philly area. Every place I travel I try to make the effort to go out for a run, but I’m fine with running vs. racing all the states!