They picked my name. Unreal.

So yesterday I was watching the Western States 100 lottery live via Facebook. I wasn't really expecting to hear my name because the chances were so slim but it was something to do so I had it up on the TV. I creeped a fart out and the wife totally freaked out on me, so I shut down the TV feed and began attempting to reconnect in the kitchen. In the process I missed a name or two so I looked at the list that was updating live on Ultra Live TV. Guess whose god damn name was there? MINE!

I didn't believe it. No fucking way. I had a 2.5% chance of getting my name chosen. I wanted to start this process and "chase" getting in to the race hoping to get in after a year or two when the kids were a bit older and the little guy had figured out a better sleep routine more conducive to running. Well I guess there's no time better than now.

All night I didn't believe it. I scrubbed back through the replay of the lottery to hear my name. It was me! No, it can't be. I won't believe it until they charge my credit card. Today I got the official email:

So, a journey begins. I'm not overly worried about finishing. I've finished 100's before and for two of them I was what I'd consider to be minimally trained (ie NOT ENOUGH!). The one I confidently trained for, Superior 100, I had zero experience. I've got quite a bit of experience now, just need the training. Most importantly the specifics of the race course.

Anyway, I don't think finding a crew will be hard, or pacers if I decide I want one. After my Facebook post old friends from the Western US are coming out of the woodwork to help out as I'd expect. It's going to be awesome just like Superior was! 

I really want my family there, in particular my daughter. I've had many race-induced hallucinations of her at the finish line of WS100. But, considering the cost, my daughter is still in school at that time of year, and also my son is only 2, logistically bringing the family most likely won't happen. That's ok though. She can be there for me at the finish of Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, basically the European equivelant of WS! Besides the stress of traveling with my family probably can't help.

Goal for the race will be sub-24 hours. I think with appropriate training this is easily met. Whenever I look at the pace of these races I think "I can do that!" I truly think I'm capable of doing very well, much faster than 24 hours, if given the opportunity to train and recover. Being a stay home dad with little kids finding time is difficult, however I've become damn good at time management. At least being entered in such a crazy event motivation will not wane! 

Time is on my side, the race is June 24, funnily enough my anniversary is the 25! I've been running, have a decent base, and am now working on raising my VOmax with speed work. In a couple months I'll hopefully apply the faster paces to longer and longer distances. Then as the race draws near I'll focus on specifics of the race. Heat training and downhill running being the big two. 

I'm streaking December again, running every day up until Christmas, following the Marcothon protocol. 3 miles or 25 minutes every day up until Christmas. Finding time to run is tough right now, I don't need long runs yet. 3 fast night miles has been fun! 

Anyway, so it begins.