I used to have “fear” when competing until I learned how to set goals and train within my abilities and challenging myself to do “hard” events, like lots of elevation, helped me gain confidence and those “fears” went away.

Theme of 2022 = Create A Life Theme,not just for one year Do hard = Something that challenges you. Physical, Mental, PersonalSet a goal= Learn from the past, implement changes, execute = enjoy the process. Tuesday I ran 40 miles with over 12000 feet of elevation gain, the course of the H9 Fierce Dragon 200 miler. Read more about it https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=82683. I could not run my 40 miles scheduled on Saturday so the RD let me run it when the 200 milers were starting their 5 day event!

Based on my previous Ultras in 2021, I learned I was starting out too strong, forcing the downhill run speed resulting in “dead quads” and sore knees and inability to run the final miles.. Walking 2 miles an hour for that last 10 miles of a 50 miler, makes for a much longer day .

The past 2 months I did a lot of hill repeats up Kennesaw mountain, mainly hiking up and running down and more heavy focused leg strength training and it paid off. My downhill running is not fast yet, it is the most efficient downhill run for me. I was able to run downhill from start to finish and my legs felt strong, my quads did not give out and my knees don’t hurt AND I finished feeling somewhat fresh relative to the distance and elevation.

Weather was dry and temps were fine, I have the proper clothing. I started with 2 other women and men. There were 3 aid stations outbound and then again on the way back. Thank you volunteers. Thanks to my husband for bringing me a Starbucks Latte at mile 22 and I had no GI distress. I caught up to the 1st place male doing the 200 miler at the last aid station and we stayed together the final 6 miles. It was cold and dark so I was happy to have company and finish while he went to his RV, ate a meal, napped and headed out on his second loop, while I drove home.

If I ever did the Fierce Dragon 200 miler, you have 24 hours to complete each loop, I would want to run it with someone. I would run the first 2 loops in about 30 hours, sleep, run 2 loops 32 ish hours, sleep and then slug the finalloop. At least that is my mindset right now anyone want to join me???Best wishes to the 100 milers who are starting today and 40 miles and 40k runners starting on Saturday. Stay warm and enjoy the experience.Thank you to Perry Sebastian and Michelle LaFon the race directors and ALL volunteers, super friendly runners and will definitely continue to run Hardass events.