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[RC] 100s-again - JonniEd posted: >>>i have only done one 100 miler, in december 2004. it was everything it is cracked up to be, thats for sure! i hope to do many more. the physical preparation is essential, but so is the mental preparation.<<< Endurance riders take much time in getting thgeir horses ready physically, and hopefully themselves physically ready to do a 100, but the mental aspect of it is what can make the whole plan fail. I have tried 3 100's. All Tevis. First time back in 1988. We came up lame at about 60 miles, and a pull. But, I look back, and realize I was not mentally prepared. Tried again in 2004. Lameness at 70 miles. (hey, I got a little further), and this time I DID feel mentally prepared. My mind was sharp to my horse and his needs all day, and I felt really good. We just happened to find that rock with our name on it. That was a pretty expensive trip to CA from TX. Entry fee of $250 is just a drop in the bucket. Now add in fuel, travel expenses, maybe motel rooms, time away from home and paying for a house sitter etc. Shoot, I could buy a really, really nice silver buckle or a small car for all the money spent. Would I want mileage credit for what I finished? No, I want to finish that ride, not only for the "buckle", but for bragging rights that my horse and I were prepared to do the task, had done the homework, and did it right. So, I head from TX to CA again this last summer. Different horse. Again, the mental focus is what can make you or break you. I was very aware of my horses every move. I think if a rider takes the attitude that "Well, I really don't have to do this if I don't feel like riding all night, I can stop and get some credit" is already not focused on the job at hand. The feeling of leaving the vet check at Foresthill, where I got pulled the previous year was wonderful. I knew I had prepared the both of us. My mind was sharp, and I felt really good. Trotting through the darkness, I was aware of my horse, and how he was feeling, and how I was feeling. Mentally, I was picturing crossing that finish line, and doing the lap around the stadium under the lights. I had a goal, and it was not to ride as far as we could that day and get mileage credit with AERC for doing so. If all I was after was mileage credit from AERC, I could have saved a ton of money, and done many, many more local rides for the money spent. When we crossed that finish line, the one I had pictured all day, the feeling was worth much more than seeing those 100 miles next to my name in a rider record. I knew *I* had prepared correctly to do that ride, and had succeeded. My horse looked good, I felt good. In fact, I had so much fun, I was ready to do it again later that afternoon. Can't wait to go again. Someday..... This might sound harsh, but if someone thinks they would like credit for the miles they did do, when attempting a 100, but find it was too much for them, maybe they should just stick to shorter distances. 100's are not for every one........ mentally one must be prepared. Jonni =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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