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RE: [RC] 100 milers and limited distance - Mary KraussI've run numerous marathons, countless 10ks', and, as I've aged, more and more 5k's. Different distances for different stages. It doesn't hurt marathoners to have lots of races that are much shorter distances. Usually one uses the shorter races to train for the longer distances. So, why the fuss about shorter events for endurance riders??I confess, I used to wonder why a person bothered to get up early and pay an entry fee, just to "race" 3.1 miles, but, now that I'm older and have seen more human fraility, those runs seem less silly. Lots of people who will never run anything more than a 5k feel the same pride as a full marathoner when they cross the line. Whose to say their achievement isn't just as meaningful? Granted, some things in the running world have changed. Courses have become flatter and faster and, frankly, less interesting. It sounds as though the same is true in the endurance riding world--the frequently repeated loops sound horrible to me--I can't stand out and back running courses either. But the big races--Boston, NYC, and Portland marathons--haven't changed. Neither will the Tevis or the Big Horn or all the other wonderful sounding courses you all write about so beautifully. I'm the opposite of many people who posted in that I want to jump right into the 100 mile distance (though I know my horse can't do that). Perhaps because I've run marathons, I know how good it is to prove oneself right away, before shorter distances make longer ones seem harder than they are. I can't imagine not wanting to become a hundred mile rider; however, running has humbled me into realizing why everyone sets different goals. I may find that my 16 year old Arab is too old. I may find that I'm less able mentally to stick with the ride than I hope. Maybe I'll feel too guilty to take time away from my kids. More likely, I won't be able to find anyone to crew for me since my horse friends think the whole thing sounds insane and my husband who would be willing will have 3 little kids to mind (and after that dog/kid post I don't dare bring my darlings to the event....). Anyway, all my experience in running and coaching runners suggests that more varied options for "competition" are good. There are no bad organized events as long as they encourage people to get out there and try their limits. my two dollars and fifty cents. Mary K. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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