I just read the news about Leadville 100 Run – canceled. My heart sank.
While I’m not racing it this year, I know how I felt at this time last year training for the August race: I was tapering for my first 50 miler as part of my 100 mile training plan, I was close to race weight, I was laser focused on training for my first 100 miler. Leadville was my entire world.
And to think that I went through all those tough training weekends and then the race was canceled – I’d be devistated.
However, in ultra running and triathlon there are so many things that can go wrong in any training cycle: injury, sickness, weather. There are so many factors at play in training for an A Race. We have to remain positive and know that it will be there next year.
I’m disappointed for my friends who are in the middle of training and planning for Leadville. I know they are sad.
At the same time I get a reminder of one of the best things I did in 2019: train for my first 100, travel to Colorado multiple times, run with friends at 10,000 feet and strive to finish something unknown.
Training was hard but I was so motivated. Race day ended early with a disappointing DNF. But I’m not done with you Leadville. I will conquer you. I will run that red carpet.
And some day. Some day. I will be a Leadwoman. How’s that for lofty goals?!