How to Grow a Runner

I am going to talk a little about running, and a lot about family.  The past few days were an answer to a question I was scared to ask.  The ultra running world continues to surprise me. I hear these stories of people completing these Herculean feats of several hour runs, 100 mile distances, days long endurance challenges, and I always wanted to be a part of that community. I craved to push my body to that primal edge of endurance and spirit. I entered into the world and began my training and my stretch to reach these goals. Sure, there were lessons on how dirt feels under foot compared to concrete and gravel. Yes, new hydration methods and strides were adopted. But what was truly shocking was learning that this very lonely and self motivated sport is anything but.  Without your team of support and troops of encouragement, the endurance runner crashes into their walls. The heat or hunger or dehydration drains their body while the actions and miles drain their mind. The

What I Learned at Cross Timbers: I thought I knew what to expect. I figured I would meet some nice runners with great legs and ranging sizes of bellies, probably majority middle age with slightly more men than women. I imagined these rugged trail folk would have weathered faces and calm minds. I was thoroughly surprised. For reference all I knew of the sport at this point in time was Scott Jureck’s tales from the trails from the perspective of a professional elite, my roommate’s experience doing a trial half a couple years ago, and the stories I had weaned from the Texas Yeti creator, Dale Cougat. Jureck’s tales were one part grandeur, one part skill, and one part hardship. My roommate’s story was a tragic comedy involving herself and her mother squatting in snow, getting lost among trees, and desperately seeking the end of their turmoil. Cougat was talking me through the adventure as a coach and through the eyes of one that views the sport with passion, love and respect.