Niki's 100 Mile Experience

 

(Niki, pictured after completing the Rocky Racoon 100 miler in Huntsville, Tx)

 

Niki's 100 Mile Experience

 

Three years ago, I was introduced to the world of ultra running.  I immediately knew it was something I wanted to do.  Without hesitation, but with pure enthusiasm, I dove head first into running 50k’s.  I was in love with the sport; it required not only physical stamina, but a mind of steel.  The pure, laid back, extreme, down to earth culture that surrounded the sport was exactly what I was looking for. 

 

 Soon, I found myself wanting to take a stab at a 50 miler.  Like my training for the 50k’s; I ran, ran, and ran some more.  There was a delicate balance of reaching ideal running fitness and complete burnout.  The long and repetitious miles take a toll even on the most mentally and physically strong runners.  When the day came, I was ready. I ran; I ran through the woods, over roots, through the mud, over hills, down hills, ran through highs and lows and ran through downright pain.  It was a blast!  Upon finishing, I immediately asked myself, “Can I run farther?”  Then and there, I was branded with the desire to run 100 miles non-stop. 

 

Now, I must add that while I loved running these distances, the aftermath was horrendous. Tissue swelling, soreness and stiffness along with muscular damage might as well have been a premium alongside the t-shirt and other goodies you are guaranteed to get at a race of such nature.  The morning after there was always another guarantee; I would feel as though I had been hit and run over by a big Mack truck. 

 

Fortunately, about 6 months ago, I was introduced to CrossFit.  My co-worker, Neal Kay, who had recently founded CrossFit Katy, was spilling his guts on what CrossFit was all about.  It too, sounded like something I would like.  “All out effort for time, gut wrenching, burning, competitive, hardest and the best workout you will ever have”; SIGN ME UP, AND SIGN ME UP FAST!  I soon found the culture of CrossFit to be similar to ultra-running; intense, extreme, pure and unique. 

 

Since starting CrossFit in July of 2008, I have run a 50K, a 65 miler, a 50 miler and as of 1 week ago, I completed my first 100 miler at the Rocky Raccoon 100.  Many would imagine that as the race distances got longer, so did my weekly mileage.  WRONG! 

 

Back in November of 2008, I made my first attempt to go the 100 mile distance.  Unfortunately, I failed and dropped at 65 miles.  I knew I had 100 miles in my legs, they were not tired at all.  I had encountered several mishaps that day; a twisted ankle at mile 5 and total unpreparedness for the overwhelming sleepiness that accompanied sundown.  I had to try again!  I adopted a new motto, “At first if you do not succeed, run less and do CrossFit more!” 

 

So, 3, 2, 1 Go… became a more frequent start to my day.  I pushed harder and harder over the course of a month, reaching the best physical and mental shape I had ever been in. I would be lying if I said I didn’t run at all, but no joke, I ran a total of 15 miles that month…a hard 15 miles, but only 15 miles.  At the end of the month, I signed up for a 50 miler, ran it, had a blast and like the aftermath of the 65 miler …no Big Mack truck, no muscle swelling, no muscle soreness!  Thanks CrossFit!

 

Rocky Raccoon 100 set to be held in February was next on my list. I stuck to my motto, “At first if you do not succeed, run less and do CrossFit more!”  Leading up to the event, over the course of a two month period, I put in…are you ready…drum roll please… a whopping 25 miles. CrossFit was the core of my training.  The mental toughness to push all out for the duration of the WOD along with the metabolic conditioning gained from the WOD prepared me for the 100 mile endurance run,  foot race, run through the woods or whatever you want to call it.  By no means am I elite status, but I did complete the course in just over 25 hours.  Not too bad for a 22 year old newbie, running in a sport for the “aged”. 

 

At no point during the event did my quads, hams, glutes or calves become exhausted.  From a muscular stand point, I hadn’t reached my limit and quite frankly I don’t consider myself to have been close to muscular exhaustion.  I did have a hip joint issue that ultimately cost me the sub 24 hour finish. The problem was not related to over or under training, but was simply my luck for the day. My feet took a good beating; multiple blisters and a detached toenail.  The time out on the course also took a toll; mentally, I was done, burnt to a crisp.   At mile 90 I was ready to be finished, but what else do you expect?

 

A week out from the event, I am getting back to my regular WOD regimen.  I can only imagine the number of runners who participated in the same event who are planning out their 50, 60, 70+ mile weeks leading up to their next event.  How boring is that?!  Don’t they know time is precious?  I guarantee you that if I had been the one putting in all those miles, I either would have wound up injured or been burned smooth out; both of which result in no 100 mile finish.  But, because of CrossFit I have a belt buckle proclaiming my 100 mile finish.  3, 2, 1…Go!

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Leah Goldstein]

You Rock Niki!! I couldn't even dream of accomplishing something like that so big Congrats!

[leah]

Thanks for sharing. Quite interesting considering the new Greg A article in the CFJ. Only a few miles more could have meant him completing the whole 100. Congrats Niki!

[Coach Tex]

I do crossfit style training mixed in with my triathlon training. I dropped 1.5 hours off my time this year at that 50 miler because of it. Recovery was much faster, as well.

texafornia.squarespace.com

[Jordan McGowen]

Niki your a badass!

[Albert Z]

Your a beast Niki !!! Congrats !!!

[charlie]

Nikki, what an accomplishment. I am a newbie to crossfit but do Love it. I also Love long runs like the 50K's. A group of us ran the Sunmart 50K in the same Huntsville State Park last Dec 6 (the best ran race any where). Anyway to run a 100 miler is one of my dreams, I Love what your saying about Crossfit, hope it fits us 30 years older. A Huge Congrats to You Girl.

[Vas_CFATL]

Great job.
Not physically exhasted - I guess next time you'll be even faster.

[jeff brown]

I'm wondering if someone can tell me if she only did the wod and if it was scaled or if she metcon-ed it etc. I do ultras and when I dig further with crossfit (which I do) the ultrarunner always a bastardized version with closet miles.
Jeff