Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Stupidity: Take Two

In three days, it will be time for this:



The 2009 Summer Un-Solstice Challenge.

Last year, the challenge turned out to be what a computer geek like Martini would call a beta run. We attempted to run 40-some miles along the Towpath, and only made it half way. Half way being just over marathon distance.

This year, we have planned a little less stupidly. We'll be running 30-some miles (the above route out and back) at a shuffle-step pace, starting at dawn on Saturday. Also new this year is the shanghaiing willingness of my biker companion to join us and carry our stuff.

I fully expect this run to last six and a half hours. We plan on taking walk breaks every half hour to avoid injury, and we'll be carrying plenty of water, electrolytes and food.

It's always fun eating on the run. There's always that chance that the puke threshold will cross you sooner than you cross it.

So far, the weather appears to be not hot enough for complaints, as the temperature will reach the mid-80s with 66 percent humidity and a UV index of 9 (very high). Sun burn, bloody nipples and heat stroke oh my!

9 comments:

B.o.B. said...

Good luck! Looks like a fun day. Or not. ;)

X-Country2 said...

Is there at least a fly race shirt involved in this? There better be!

BrianFlash said...

How you can have a 30 mile training run planned and not have an ultra on the schedule is crazy.

Time to sign up for one of those 50 mile trail runs in the Appies!

Nitmos said...

Just the thought of your misery this weekend has given me tiny little joy goosebumps. In turn, those goosebumps each sprouted 10 more little offspring goosebumplets also bursting with joyfulness.

Aileen said...

Well, it's an adventure at least. I'd personally reschedule for a weekend when the heat won't be that crappy. But then I guess it wouldn't be the "Summer" un-Solstice Challenge, now would it?

The Sean said...

anytime you have the possibility of bloody nipples it can be summed up as nothing but full success

Laura said...

Good luck! I'm excited to hear about part 2. Perhaps in another year or two you'll be turning it into an official organized race?

Funnyrunner said...

gee that sounds, um... uh. fun? yeah. really uh. um. great idea. yup.

mr loser said...

Wow, what a clump. Good luck with it, hope the heat and humidity cooperate. Cheers!