Journey to a 100: Week 15/26: Pacer Profile : Insane Running

Journey to a 100: Week 15/26: Pacer Profile

This is part of a series of posts regarding how the InaseRunning group prepares, plans, and trains to complete the 100 miles Ultramarathon Umstead 100: Journey to a 100. For all the ultrarunning series, here is Journey to 100 last week’s post , and for additional ideas, follow the link. Training for a 100 .

It is pacer time!!!! This week I have the privilege to write and post a profile of a really good friend and runner, Chad Richards. I met Chad many years ago while I was running a few half-marathon events from the Race13.1 series. We knew each other in passing while training at the ATT trails and during the races as we were running similar pacers.

We ended up talking and sharing many hours and miles and got to know and learn a lot from this sport of running. We talked endlessly about the frustration of bad workouts, we reviewed techniques and approaches to running. We reviewed different perspectives on products for running (Well, we thought we were) and ways to improve running habits.

I was very fortunate that Chad was one of the pacers for my 1st 100-miler, where he was key in helping achieve an under 24-hour 1st-time 100-mile event. Encouraging me, keeping me safe, and once in a while frustrating me with a, “come on, get on running; it is not going to be completed by just walking.” I knew I had a great pacer on my side.

He enjoyed pacing me so much that year that he once again was part of the crew/pacer group for my second Umstead 100. Helping me with the other pacers, keeping me on task, and making sure I was getting enough calories and hydrated during many parts of the event.

Although sometimes, I think he ends up questioning my approach to food and fuel throughout the whole time I was running Umstead at the aid stations and on the run. But on a serious note, Chad really helped out, especially when starting to doubt that an under 24 hours was possible; he, with the other pacers, was key to helping me achieve another under 24 hours 100 miles event.

Runner Profile:

I am a 57-year young shuffler that has been running consistently for approximately nine years. I originally started running as a means to improve my overall health and well-being. I was 20-30 lbs heavier than I am today and had been a smoker from my mid-twenties to mid-forties. It felt like a now or never moment in my life, so I embarked on a process to improve my health. I originally started by running/walking until I was fit enough to do 3-5 mile runs, and then I really caught the running bug once I could do eight or so miles. At that point, running became a very cathartic experience and an integral part of my weekly routine.

I’ve since done eight marathons, probably another eight half marathons, way too many 20+ mile training runs, and attempted the Chattanooga Mountains Stage race (60 miles over three days). I, unfortunately, broke an ankle on that last one 🙂 and only managed 40 miles. For longer races like marathons, I prefer to make them travel events. My most interesting destination was the Berlin Marathon in 2018.

My marathon PR is 3:56, and my half PR is 1:47.

I’m currently rebuilding my fitness after an injury (non-running related) and am finally starting to look forward to my next race. I’ve paced Carlos twice in the Umstead 100 and have been notified that I will be doing it again.

What got you into running long distances?

I don’t really run the long distances like Carlos, but what got me to where I am today has basically just been consistency and enjoyment of the process. As I became a runner (shuffler really), I experienced a very noticeable improvement in fitness and personal wellness, and then running just became more running.

What do you love about running?

I enjoy the solitude and surroundings when running alone and the camaraderie when running with others. I enjoy the ease of a well-orchestrated long run and the pain, suffering, and sense of accomplishment from a hard track or tempo session. Running has become an integral part of my routine and personal makeup and part of what gets me up every morning.

What have you learned about yourself because of running?

Running has been a very humbling experience for me. I don’t believe that I really appreciated how much work it takes and how much sheer determination is required at longer distances. I also learned that you can’t judge a book by its cover. I’m very much in awe and inspired by those that have the physical and mental strength to do it.

What is your favorite distance?

That’s an interesting question. As a competitor, I am probably better suited to half marathons or shorter. But my most prized memories have been associated with completing marathons and the training and willpower required to get the best out of myself.

What made you decide to tackle and be a pacer for Umstead 100?

I’m pretty sure Carlos said I had to do it, so that was that :). But in all seriousness, running the Umstead 100 is a huge undertaking, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of a friend’s incredible experience.

What are your goals for this event?

My only goal is to do whatever my runner needs – that can range from being upbeat and conversational to being quiet, helping with nutrition, or tying shoes. Whatever they need at the moment. This is all about them, and I’m very honored to be a part of their journey.

What advice would you provide to a new runner?

Be patient, listen to your body, and the name of the game is consistency. If you are new to running, it will take a while before you feel capable of long distances. You’ll also probably be slower than others, and that’s ok. The key to getting better and faster is consistent mileage and time on your feet. If you stick with it, build your mileage gradually, and listen to your body, you’ll be running long distances in no time.

Any other additional recommendations or ideas for runners out there?

Always do your run route calculations before you start your run. I don’t know how many times I have miscalculated during a run; doing math while on the run is actually harder than you might think.

How is the plan going:

Summary: Coming from a high-mileage weekend, I am surprised about how well I am feeling this week. Yes, there were some more intentional rest and lower week miles. But going into the weekend, I was feeling good. I had to switch the miles and location for the Saturday and Sunday long runs, and a commitment on Saturday prevented me from running at Umstead like I normally do.

Monday: 1 mile at the gym and some strength training.

Tuesday: Easy 4-mile run,

Wednesday: Early Yoga and rolling, followed later by a 5-mile run with the InsaneRunning group

Thursday: Early Yoga and rolling

Friday: 3 Warm-up miles at the gym, some strength training, and finishing with a 4-mile run

Saturday: Very early 4:00 AM run, the shortest of a back-to-back for this week with a14 mile run.

Sunday: Great temperatures today; I headed out with the group this morning with a good plan in mind. Taking easy for the most miles. Still the long downhill back to the parking area, I ended up pressing the pace after the first loop and again when coming back from the out and back. Felt good most of the way, on very tired legs, but in all, it went well.

This week’s actual numbers: