Many of you have heard me ranting of plans for my first ultra for a while now. Sometime last fall, I decided that I would run 30 miles for my 30th birthday. I planned to do it in December. Then in February for my actual birthday. Then in March because I needed more time to train.
Well after keeping in, let's say better shape in the winter months than I've ever been in during the winter before, and after meeting Tara the 100 mile ultra runner, Marny the aspiring 50 mile ultra runner (who trains in the snow-covered, mountain lion inhabited Rocky Mountains of Colorado), seeing Cathy finally sign up for her first marathon, and talking to many other inspiring woman, I have no doubt I will rock this 30 miler!
But, for those of you who don't know me, I'm a planner!
So while I build up my mileage, I continue to plan my 30 miler. The question is: shall I do it on my own, with friends there for support, or shall I do it as part of an official, organized race?
If I do it on my own, I will run through the streets of NYC touring all my old stomping grounds over the years, where I will gather enough friends to either cheer me on, or take turns running with me. Then we will all celebrate with drinks after.
If I do it as an official race, I have my eyes set on the Bear Mountain North Face Challenge 50k in the beautiful Alps of NYC along the Hudson River.
If friends come to this, they will probably not be able to show their support until I cross the finish line, as this is run completely on trails and doesn't seem to have any cheering areas. I plan on getting hotel rooms for my friends so we can celebrate the next day on the water or at the nearest watering hole.
It is limited to 250 people, so it will probably be the smallest race I've ever run.
Not only will this be the longest distance I've ever run, it will be like no race I've ever run before. So far my racing experience has existed on paved roads where there are anywhere from 2500 - 40,000 people running and usually at least an equal amount of people cheering us on.
In addition, this race is known to test the endurance and strength of it's participants. It is given a 5 out of 5 stars in difficulty, rough terrain, hilliness and in beauty.
And have I mentioned, I have almost no experience running trails. So this would be my first attempt at both the distance and the terrain.
With that in mind, I now put this question out there for you, friends, runners, trail runners, distance runners, ultra runners, runners who have perhaps run this particular event:
Which would you choose for your first 50k ultra marathon? A self planned and organized run in a familiar place with support from friends or the North Face 50k beautiful but challenging trail race in Bear Mountain? Or perhaps some other Ultra 50k ultra that you can recommend?
Thanks for you input!