To be honest, I’m not basing my decision about which ultramarathon to make my first on many criteria. The most important thing is proximity. We need to be able to drive there. I’m already making an exception by flying to Boston (whoa, I better book a flight soon!) but that’s a special case.
So I’ve settled on the Kettle Moraine 100 in Wisconsin. Within driving distance, family lives in Wisconsin, etc, etc. I almost ran–well, almost registered to run–the North Face Endurance Challenge in Madison last year, and from the sound of it they use the same trails. Of course, the North Face Endurance Challenge would have been 50 miles, whereas for Kettle Moraine I’m looking at doing the full 100.
I’m conflicted about the distance. On the one hand, doing 50 seems like a waste of an opportunity. I’ve run 50 miles by myself. I run 50K all the time. I should push myself. But on the other hand, 100 miles is intimidating. 24+ hours is intimidating. The whole thing is intimidating.
12,000 feet of climbing is a scary thought. It’s not the 18,000 feet of the Western States 100, but it’s significantly more than, say the Lean Horse 100.
There are other considerations, too. No buckle for finishers (you get a kettle instead.) But it works schedule-wise, and travel-wise, etc. And it might provide an opportunity to meet up with Rob again. So there are lots of reasons to do it.
And so I will, barring any unforeseen circumstances. But not without trepidation.