Epics

My name is Kale, and I have an addiction.

I can't stop thinking about the next Epic. It's all I can think about.
It pulls me through this mundane life of work, sleep, repeat.

For some people, escape is sex, drugs, or rock'n'roll.

Mine is food, bike, or run.

I know I'm different than the other endurofiends because they don't need it like I need it.
Like, NEED it.

I got humbled at the Green Mountain Relay. Thought I could stick out any problems, as long as I could walk. Turned out, when I was thrown into that situation, I didn't want to participate on terms that were less than my own high expectations...ie, walking. I put 16ish hours on my feet and said screw it.

Enter the next logical step: 24 Hours Around The Lake Race.

No distance per se, just time...running. I can deal with that.

It makes so much sense. This leaves out the negative mental talk of unfavorable pace projections, and sets me up for just doing my best for 24 hours....and I'm going solo. I need to find that mental toughness...that place in my head where nothing else matters but the finish, and that comes with having no one to talk to or lean on.

Perfect for getting my run game back on track for November, and it'll be my last long workout before 24 Hours Of Great Glen, a mountain bike race 2 weeks after that.

I'm happy about my fitness right now. I'm way ahead of where I was last year.
More ultra runs under my belt than any other year for this time of year.
My biking is WAY stronger than last year already.

Only thing slightly lacking is swim, but that comes rather quickly for me.

I'm ready for my next escape.

(hi)atus

I bet you thought I forgot about The Path Less Taken.

My time during the TentMan Experience has forced me to reflect on this blog a little bit.

I've come to realize that somewhere along the line, this blog took a negative tone. Maybe I just needed somewhere to vent.

I took something really awesome, that only a handful of people in the world can do, and turned it into a major negative thing in my life.

That being said, it doesn't surprise me that the Tentman Blog has way surpassed the Path Less Taken in popularity.

Tentman is cool-headed and fun.
Endurance Geek is moody, negative, and serious. No one wants to read about someone bitching all the time.

I'm so glad I've moved to a tent. It's been great for my training and given me a new perspective on life. Having a slight hippy mindset might not be a bad thing, after all.

I'm reminded of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Michael Johnson and Maurice Green were set for this "clash of the titans" in the 200 meter dash. Trash talking and acting like jerks, they both came to the line fueled with anger.

Neither made it to the finish line.
Both pulled muscles on the world stage and came up as losers.

Each of my last 3 races I approached as: I need to finish this or else.
Negative.

May the peaceful mindset of Tentman and the drive of Endurance Geek combine!

krp