I’m questioning my level of sanity.

The gauntlet has been thrown down, the biggest challenge of my athletic career has arrived. I just registered for the Stump Jump 50k, a (roughly) 32 mile trail race through the mountains, rocks and creeks of Chattanooga, TN.

My buddy Daniel has been like a little devil in my ear for a couple years now… talking up the race (misery loves company, right?), tempting me with tales of fabulous swag, great people, beautiful scenery and the utmost running accomplishment. With 3 road marathons under my belt, and a 4th on the way before 2009 flickers out, I figured it was time to up the anty. And I do love good swag.*

So my training schedule for the remainder of 2009 has just changed from a weekly dosage of “tough” to “hardcore badassness.” Let’s just hope I can keep up.

And why the hell am I doing this? Darn good question my friends. So of course, I turn to quotes.

“For us runners, the question of “why” is pretty moot. Not because it may not be interesting, or important, but because we’ve left the question of the meaning of running behind. After all the questions have been asked, and all the answers given, in spite of the disagreement on essences, physiology, rationales, training strategies, trail running, road racing, i-pod wearing, mid-foot striking, turnover cadences, arm carriages, Jack Daniels, Arthur Lydiard, 20 miles a week or 100, 5k or the 50k, whether it’s really the Miles of Trials or the Trial of Miles, after all the words have been spoken and keyboards have been pounded, meanings given and ideologies subverted… After all this, we runners bend down and tighten the laces, open the door, brace for the cold and are renewed: another godawful, glorious, and meaningless 8 miler. Answer enough. I don’t know why I run. I don’t know why I race. I don’t know why I compete. I don’t need to know. Because running means more to me than curiosity. It goes deeper than knowledge. I run. I compete. I move on down the line. I’m a runner.”
…Jeff Edmonds (Rock/Creek Race Team) 

At some point we have no more answers, because there are no more questions. We cease asking ourselves “why.” We just do, because we know we must. Jack London articulates this need for me…

 ”I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” 

And that my friends, is the best way to experience life.

 

*For those of you not in the know, the definition of swag is: awesome. Free stuff you get when doing races, or just when companies are doing some marketing. Most races I’ve done, swag is limited to stickers, gels, mini bars, coupons and other sundry lame giveaways. The 2009 Stump Jump boasts a Marmot gender-specific fit tech tee, Smartwool socks (best socks ever) and a North Face bag. Not to mention the free post-race food. Boo-ya.