Why is it so hard to take a break?

Part of it is we absolutely love what we do - run, bike, climb, ski. It is often exhilarating to run fast, to push fast on the bike. The other part - is we’re trying to get ‘better’ at what we do…and maybe we’re so focused on results that we lose sight of the big picture. Our passion takes over. We’re hooked so to speak. Reacting to rules we create for ourselves. Self-judgements. Comparisons.

While these changes are a surprise, as an athlete they should be par for the course - we are bound to face uncertainty, distractions, and adversity at every corner. Especially during an ultramarathon. Having the psychological flexibility to adjust to theses changes will only make us better athletes in the long run.

While marathons in general don’t pull punches, this one in particular can be pretty sharp. The race starts in downtown Leadville and goes up to 13000’ at Mosquito Pass, turns around and goes up and down a few more times before a long steep downhill back into town. It is one that gets uncomfortable fast especially if you haven’t been acclimatized to the altitude. That being said one of the number one lessons as an endurance athlete - Embrace and Prepare for Discomfort.