3 minute read
How does one run 341-miles across the state of Ohio? The same way all the miles are taken – one mile at a time.
If you followed along during my last big endurance challenge – Run4Water across Maine running 138-miles nonstop in 33 hours – you’ll know that the last 5-miles got very raw, and I felt lower than I had felt physically than any other endurance feat, to date. My whole body hurt more than when I broke my pelvis training for Race Across America. All that I wanted to do was ugly cry on the side of the road and rip & throw grass into the air. So, I did. Then, when my temper tantrum was done, there was only one thing left to do.
RUN!
Running across the state of Maine was originally a run across the state of Ohio. But, COVID had other plans. So, now it’s time to go back to the original idea – to run 341-miles across the state of Ohio completing 11 ultramarathons (31-miles) in 11 days to fund 11 water projects in Uganda. I have no idea if my body can do it, but there is only one way to find out – to have the courage to try!
There has been some interest in what gear I use and how I fuel during long-distance endurance events. I am here to share those details about the “what” I use and the “why” behind it.
Nutrition
Early in my days of endurance, a triathlon coach kindly pointed out my fueling was as if I went to an all-you-can-eat buffet rather than having an actual plan or strategy. Since doing primary just a sports drink, I’ve had a smoother, more steady energy level. I have been using Tailwind for years now, and it got my through my last big 138-mile nonstop run across Maine. Why? Because it works! It keeps my engine running without crashing or bonking, helps me stay hydrated, and keeps things simple with a couple scoops an hour. Lots of incredible athletes use Tailwind, too, like Courtney Dauwalter and Maggie Guterl. Check them out!
WATCH
I’m rocking the latest Garmin Enduro watch specifically for endurance athletes and couldn’t be more excited about it. During some of my longer runs, I would last longer than my watch would especially running more than 24 hours at a time! I no longer need to carry with me an external power source to keep it charged. Thanks to my Garmin, you will also be able to track me during my upcoming Run4Water across Ohio.
shoes
Newtons Running shoes are great for minimizing the impact the pounding of the pavement can have on your muscles and joints. They naturally makes you more of a mid-foot (not heel-striking) runner. I’ve surprisingly been injury-free despite running, cycling, and swimming ridiculously long distances, and I believe it has to do with finding the right gear that works for your body.
recovery sandals
I used to believe that the most comfortable footwear outside of running would be to go completely barefoot until I tried OOFOS. This footwear helps with recovery with their OOfoam technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear meaning happy feet and happy joints!
socks
Bombas are the best! So cosy. Plus, they are doing lots of good in our world with every purchase.
laces
LockLaces have been on my shoes for years now, from back when I did my first IRONMAN. Ain’t got time to tie my shoes! One less thing to get in the way to not have to deal with my shoelaces coming untied because, sooner or later, it always happens.
clothing
There are many reasons to love Athleta gear. Being someone that most would consider an “extreme minimalist”, I get excited about finding gear that I can wear on the trails or in the gym, and out-and-about. Functional and fashionable!
It is not about the watch, shoes, or sports drink. It’s about running. But, it’s hard to enjoy running if your feet are blistered, your watch keeps dying or malfunctioning during your run, or you can’t keep food down. These are all very real problems that don’t need to be that way. Thankfully, this gear makes it possible to get more joy and fun with every step.
Looking forward to sharing the journey with you virtually and in-person for the long road ahead!
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