So, what went right? The pre-race build up was the first thing I got right. What can I say? That DNF hurt a lot, and I wasn't in the mood to let it happen again. The races I have run have had little to do with this year's attempt, but the many races I chose not to run were almost all about making sure I had the legs to go the distance. Most of my gear reviewing has been based around fixing weaknesses identified last year. To say that this year's event has been a key goal ever since last year's disappointing DNF would be an understatement. The key word there is "enjoy," and in spite of my newly super-sized big toes, I really did enjoy pretty much every minute of my race. At this year's Rocky Raccoon 100, I got to enjoy a lot of my plans going right, and a few going ever so awry. He needs support to make that dream of BadWater come true.The great thing about running long is that no matter what you plan for, or how well you think you know your body, the course, the weather, or your gear, something unexpected always turns up to make you think.
I’m stoked and can’t wait for that amazing adventure because no matter what I am going to be pacing at that race! I’m not crazy enough to do it myself, but I’ll be there to help him in and out of that ice bath. The next step for Laz is that he’ll be applying for the BadWater Ultra Marathon during the next application cycle. And just remember:Īnd if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.Īnd if our God is with us, then what could stand against.Ĭhris Tomlin “Our God” Laz West: BadWater or Bust Whenever you feel like everything is difficult and you can’t keep on going just do what Laz did. An amazing race staff providing awesome snacks and treats to keep him nourished as he went through this 29 hour journey of running, walking, crawling. Pacers and friends to keep him moving and on track when he started to wane. Will power to keep on moving when every fiber in his body told him to stop and to sit down. What he had was motivation to complete the distance. Laz completed a difficult 100 mile trail race without as much training as you should have going into that type of distance. It is amazing what we can endure and how we can push ourselves beyond reasonable limits when we have goals and dreams. I’ve been there, but he was the voice at 1:30 in the morning to keep me walking and I was so grateful to return the favor and remind him to eat something at the next aid station this time. He probably hasn’t seen another runner on the trail in the last 30 – 45 minutes and this is the time when the internal voices start to talk to you and tell you it would be easier to just stop now.
Then I saw it was Laz and I knew that he was somewhere between miles 50 – 75… It’s cold. Who in their right mind is making a phone call this late at night. I was completely shocked when at almost Midnight on Saturday my phone rang. There were tens of others sending support, love, prayers and motivation. I was following his updates on Facebook all day and sending texts of encouragement to him so that when he got a break at an aid station he’d have a long distance cheerleader letting him know that he could do it. I was hoping to join Laz in Texas but financially couldn’t afford to do so. My friend who convinced me to run my first Ultra just achieved a goal almost three years in the making this last weekend and I’m so proud of him and his accomplishment and I want to share it with you Please scroll down to the bottom and go fan Laz’s Athlete page on Facebook! 3 100 Mile Ultramarathons. Including the merits of using duct tape on blisters. As running became more than just running we’ve spent more time talking about everything running from A-Z. We kept in touch over the years and as jobs turned into careers and jogging turned into running… Running turned into a way to relieve stress, to a way to keep weight off, and a way to define (and someday achieve) goals and dreams. Scratch that I met him while we were both part of the Walt Disney World College Internship Program, but we didn’t get to really know each other until after we both went back to and finished college. A little over two years ago I ran what I assumed was going to be my first and my last Ultra Marathon.