I was the annoying girl on twitter today.
You know the one hinting at a big registration…
Then registering and running off without saying what I registered for.
Over the last few weeks I have been hinting that something big is coming up for me, and today I finally committed to it and hit register. I couldn’t just sit and think about it anymore!
I have been thinking about this race for months now. I have been really thinking about what I want to do next and have been using this off season to find where my heart wanted to run this spring. I know this break has done me good and I am really ready to tackle something big. I am refreshed, rejuvenated, excited and hungry to run.
I have been racking my friend’s brains, getting reactions, asking for advice, thinking about my training plan, reading about training plans, planning out running routes, talking, thinking, talking, thinking… but when I would come to actually registering, it really freaked me out.
And that’s when I realized that’s exactly why I want to do this.
I want to do something that scares me. Something that really pushes my limits, but a new different kind of limit. Something I have been talking about doing for a very long time, but just hadn’t found the right time for. If you have been reading this blog for a while now, you know that this has been on my goals list forever and it just keep getting postponed year after year.
But not anymore, now is the time.
I have registered for my first ultra-marathon, and not just any ultra, a 50 mile ultra.
American River 50 here I come.
I have observed this race from afar the last couple years and it always really intrigued me. It’s a very popular 50 miler in this area and Sacramento is one of my favorite cities to run races in. I have talked to runners who have ran it as their first 50 and first ultra and it came highly recommended.
The course is a combination of pavement and trail running, with the tough trail running coming in the second half of the course. I am excited to really expand my trail running while also keeping in some road running as well. I will definitely be talking about all of this in full detail as I go, and trust me there are a lot of details.
I <3 trails but I also <3 pavement! Yay for doing both! 
I am scared.
I am excited.
My mind is spinning with a thousand what ifs.
I am pretty much freaking out! But in a very good way.
So here we go, on a very big new exciting journey. I am so excited to bring you guys along. Let the countdown begin.
CONGRATS! That sounds like such a new and exciting adventure. I can’t wait to read as you train and prepare for this one. Yes, it sounds scary but it’s so exciting that you are so determined and focused and ready to tackle this one. You can do it!!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 CAN'T WAIT TO CHEER AND PACE AND WATCH YOU KICK ASSSSSSSSS! xoxox
I second this! Good luck, good luck, good luck!!
Awesome!!! Welcome to the dark side
But seriously, you will have a blast the best part about the ultrarunning world is the super supportive community! Congrats on taking the plunge!
Wow this is awesome! I’m excited to follow along on your journey. Congrats on finally taking the plunge
CONGRATS! This is a huge announcement. You sound physically and mentally ready to tackle what I can only imagine a 50 miler will bring your way. Can’t wait to hear all about the training
That’s so exciting. I can’t believe that you’re attempting a 50 miler. Ultras are definitely on my bucket list, but I need to actually get to running marathon fitness first.
YAY!!! So exciting and good for you for doing something that challenges you! I will definitely be there screaming my face off for you!!
You go girl!!!!!! Mad props!!!!!!! Can’t wait to hear about this journey along the way!
Congrats! I’m so excited for you! Ultra running is so bad ass!
Wow! Way to skip right over the 50K! I have been looking for the right 50k to dip my feet into the ultra pool. I am excited to read about your training. Congrats on making that commitment!
I am planning on doing a 50k in training too… but yah
haha.
Yeowza WOWza!!!!! you are totally a rockstar who deserves roadies
Anything I can do to help you with your training…in all my slowness… do let me know!
Yesssss and same here!
Awesome. You’ll dig it…I think.
Freaking awesome! You’re going to rock it!!!
So. Awesome.
I toyed once with the idea of running Comrades a few years ago.
If AR50 weren’t so close to Boston, I’d have half a mind to do it with you!
Enjoy the new adventure!
Last year around Boston I thought, maybe I should do that next year… now I am!
That is so exciting!! Congratulations on taking the leap!
Oh my gosh, I am registered too!! I must admit your 150 days countdown makes it seem very real. It will be my first ultra as well. Look forward to following your training! So exciting!!
SO exciting!!!
Woooohoooooo!!! Congrats!! You are going to do great
Yeeessssss!!!!
Awesome Aron!! You are going to kick butt!! That will be a huge accomplishment!
Omg!!!!!! Congrats !!!! I’m so excited for you!! My BFF just ran her first 50mikes and I had the honor of pacing her the last 5 miles. To see all the ultra people having so much fun is very inspiring! I overheard a couple of people talking that they love trail racing because you get to talk to people, they said when they do road race marathons, they are running so hard you can’t talk! Can’t wait to hear all about your training!
Aron! You are the PERFECT person to do an ultra! I love that you signed up! You are going to rock it like no other. Can’t wait to follow all of your training and racing insanity for the next 149 days!
Woohoo!! I was trying to figure your if you were goi g to go the tri route or the ultra route
considering where you live (the land of ultras) it seems just right to go that way. I can’t wait to read all about your adventures!
And I think a healthy amount of fear is probably a good thing. It will keep your training honest
Wow! That is crazy exciting! Good luck…can’t wait to follow your training!
WOW!!! Amazing, I’m sure you will do great!! In the beginning I thought you signed up for an Ironman!
Exciting! From reading, I figured something like this was coming with all the trail runs!
You will be fantastic! Enjoy it, be excited and have fun! Go Aron!!!!!
Wow popping the ultra cherry with a 50 miler and not a 50k? Big props girl! Good luck!
AWESOME! I’m so jealous
After Boston in April, running an ultra is next on my list! Can’t wait to follow your training!
YAY! That is so awesome and yet scary at the same time! But wasn’t the marathon scary at one time too and you have conquered that so many times. I know you will do great at the 50 miler!
YAYYYYYYYYYYY!
Congrats!!! That’s so exciting
Been so absorbed in my blog stuff that I totally missed this HUGE news! Yayyyy for signing up. This is going to be so fun! Can’t wait to follow along.
You will love ultra running. I’m pretty sure it’s become my favorite distance. Just be warned. It’s even more addicting than marathons!!
Uh oh.
Aron, this is so exciting!! I will let you do it first then maybe I will do one someday too. Cannot wait to follow your training!
Love the name <3… shut up and run 50 miles! AHH
This is so inspiring! You will do wonderfully! I have no doubts whatsoever! WTG!
I knewwww it! Yay! How exciting!! I’m glad the trail comes at the end because when I did my 25K “ultra” there was 2 miles of pavement after 14 miles in the trails and it was BRUTAL!
I’m really excited to follow you on this new adventure! I want to do a 50K one day I think but don’t know if I’d ever do a 50-miler!!
wooot yeah for you!! i think you are ready for a new goal and this is a good one!!
Woo-hoo! Looking forward to following along
EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!! That is awesome!!!!!!! Good luck on the next big thing girl!
You will love it! I ran the AR-50 for the first time in 2010, taking last year off for Boston to Big Sur, and am registered to run AR-50 again in 2012. It is wonderfully organized & actually runs like two different races>the first 1/2 on the AR Parkway & the second 1/2 a technical and challenging trail run!!
Congrats Aron!!! This is so exciting
CONGRATS!! I am scared and excited for you! I think it’ll be awesome to read/hear about the experience of training for this since I dont think I will ever be mentally prepared to take on 50 miles at once…You can do it
Ultras are something I have yet to tap into…they scare me! Also, I think they’re a different mindset than marathons…many people run marathons for time, but ultras seems to be more about finishing the distance. (I could be TOTALLY wrong about that.) I do wonder if I could ever run 50 miles….that sounds so far! I’m excited to follow your training.
OMG! 50 miler, that is freaking intense!!!!!
dang gina, thats awesome. cant wait to read more!
so cool! I don’t think I want to run for that long, but I’ve been wanting to do a 50k and not really committing… maybe 2012 will be the year!
Ooohhhhh myyyy gooodnessss. So I have like a bajillion things to comment on about this, but first I will just say YEAHHHHH!! I’m so excited for you to have something new and exciting on the horizon, it was time
I cannot wait to run with you and help you reach this amazing goal! Seriously, I will even start running trails if you need me to (haha). Like I’ve said a million times, I’m SO PROUD OF YOU! If anyone can do it, it’s you. 2012 is going to be AHHHHmazing! Love you, xoxo.
That is so many miles! Aaaaaaah! It sounds like an awesome challenge, and I can’t wait to read about it!
WOW! This is beyond impressive. I am looking forward to reading posts about your training and how in the world you tackle 50 miles? Totally re-defines the concept of a “long” run! I mean . . . how many Gu’s is that anyway . . . .
Wow, so exciting! I cannot imagine running 50 miles but I know you will tackle it and have fun while doing it! Go, Aron! Can’t wait to hear about your training for this
So exciting!! I love that you’re jumping right up to the 50 mile distance. I know you’re going to rise to the challenge no problem. Looking forward to following along and living (running) vicariously through you! I always think about training for an ultra (someday…).
You are going to rock this 50 miler and I’m so excited to see your progress and training for this race!
You are going to ROCK that race! I’m sooo excited for you!!
That’s so exciting!!! It’ll be fun to try something so new and challenging after years of marathons
CRAZY! Nough said!
I’m so so excited for you!!!! I’m glad you decided to go for this
I think running 50 miles is borderline crazy, so am happy to hear all about it from you instead of trying to live it myself. 2012 is going to be epic!!
Incredible! I look forward to reading about your progress. You got this
This seems like a great idea, I think you will definitely be ready for this – seems like a great challenge!
Congrats!! this is going to be an awesome race for you! I can’t wait to read all about your training and prep, you will be ready! April in Northern CA is the perfect time to run longgg!! good luck and take it one day at a time! xoxo!
You are one very brave girl! And I have it on my calendar so I can be there to cheer you on!
you are NEVER the annoying girl on twitter
CONGRATS!!!!
that’s it.
it’s official.
you. have. lost. your. mind.
kidding.
well, kind of.
Aron,
I can feel your excitement! Kind of like Christmas morning without all the presents! Okay, it’s really nothing like Christmas morning, but it will be one amazing journey!!! (I sound like a politician right now.) Congrats on taking the leap!!!
Susan
WooHooo. I love this. So you!
Congrats!!! So exciting
Had to come back and comment on this. Sorry I don’t always comment. But I’m reading!
So glad you are making the leap! You will love it! You are one crazy strong runner and that is what it takes. I can’t imagine running the road and then hitting the trails on a 50miler. That sounds hard for me, mentally since I have trouble reigning it in at the start of races. I’d crash and burn BUT I know you will be more than ready for the challenge.
I saw you say that you will do a 50k in your training. At only 2 yrs into ultra running I am still a newbie but my veteran friends say that 2 – 3 50k races (training runs) is what they consider the “minimum” to go into the 50 miler ready. I will be eager to follow your training plan!
Exciting! Welcome to the world of ultras! This one is on my list, but alas, I think it’s too close to the Boston Marathon. Dick Collins Firetrails 50 is another excellent 50 miler in the Bay Area. I’m looking forward to seeing how you do!
Aron, you will do great and you will have hours of fun training for it. I ran it for the first time this year and it was my first 50M. It became my Western States qualifier. i will keep you posted on the many training runs that take place in the Auburn area. You have just signed up for an amazing adventure. Congratulations!
SO EXCITING!!! the whole journey is amazing, you will love it! i’ve always thought that conquering the scariest things gives us the most reward. go get it girl!!!!!
I’m a finisher of the AR of the AR50 back in 1994 back when Delmar Fralick was the race director. The race is really a tale of two marathons… the first half being run on the decomposed road edge of the American River Parkway, the second over fire roads and trails.
Make sure you practice a 3.5 mile climb with over 1500′ elevation gain.. that’s how the race finishes. I was a lucky man as I lived right off the parkway that year and ran most of the course prior to the race. Have a blast!!
Ken.
That’s so exciting! And so brave! When I decided to do an Ultra, I did a 50K….baby steps. It was easier than a marathon! Next year I plan to do another 50K and then JFK 50 mile…the race’s 50th anniversary!
May I recommend a book that I’ve found helpful? It’s called Relentless Forward Progress by ultrarunner Bryon Powell. You can get it from the irunfar.com web site. (I have no affiliation, just like the book!)
Good luck with the training! It’s a blast!