By Eric Noel Roman

Ready, set, go! That’s right, another race, and another first for me. This time I was committed to 100 miles of heat, no shade, and different types of terrain. One thing I am certain of is that I worked hard before getting to that start line. I trained late hours at night and gave up time to have fun only to run extra miles weekly. I was pushing every limit.

Even though I sacrificed a personal life to tend to my responsibilities, and still train, I did not find it to be a negative sacrifice. I took extra time to reassure myself that when I approach the race I would be prepared for any obstacle thrown my way. I ran high noon on the hottest days to acclimate to the heat and sun. I took time to run in the dark and in the rain to prepare for discomfort and unstable footing. I checked my nutrition intake, and I also pushed to not eat as often to adjust to long periods of work without foods. All of this preparation paid off.

In the end I tapped out due to a technical mistake at mile seventy, but I know I was ready and did not have fear of failure. I was confident. As you improve your life and push your personal limits remember that every day you wake up you are just training for the long run. It will pay off and you will make it farther than you think.