Ben Greenfield - Tales of Extreme Endurance

Tales of Extreme Endurance

Endurance Planet's Big Book of Bravado

By Ben Greenfield

Prior to beginning any exercise program, you must consult with your physician. You must also consult your physician before increasing the intensity of your training. The information in this book is intended for healthy individuals. Any application of the recommended material in this book is at the sole risk of the reader, and at the readers discretion. Responsibility of any injuries or other adverse effects resulting from the application of any of the information provided within this book is expressly disclaimed.

Price World Publishing

www.PriceWorldPublishing.com

Copyright 2012 by Ben Greenfield

All rights reserved. Neither this book, nor any parts within it may be sold or reproduced in any form without permission.

eISBN: 9781619841345

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chris Dierker

Tommy Morrison

Israel Archuletta

Scott Roy

Tony DiLorenzo

Scott Simpson

Joshua Hickey

Antony Stevens

Cameron Dom

Jim Parry

Kathy Zanath

Scott McMurtrey

Daryl Read

Jon Obst

Dear Reader,

This collection of amazing tales of extreme endurance is comprised of contributions from seasoned athletes and weekend warriors who want to share their inspiration and accomplishment with you.

You probably noticed that youre reading Volume 1. This is because we will have more stories to share with you as the Endurance Planet community continues to grow and thrive with amazing individuals like yourself.

If you want to be featured in the next volume of this series, then e-mail admin@enduranceplanet.com with your story, your brief bio, and photos of your adventure. Or if you just need to get your creative juices flowing, visit Endurance Planet on Facebook and try out workouts of the week, and meet other passionate individuals just like you.

I was personally amazed and inspired as I put together this collection of stories, and Im certain that within the pages of this book, you will also find your own inspiration to go run, bike, swim, hike, climb, scratch and claw your way to your next big accomplishment.

Enjoy your journey, and let me know how it goes.

Ben Greenfield

Endurance Planet editor

http://www.enduranceplanet.com

What Is Endurance Planet?

Endurance Planet is the premiere online destination for runners, cyclists, swimmers, triathletes, and adventure racers who want inspiration and education!

We provide several free audio podcasts each week, including episodes on sports nutrition, sports medicine, guest experts, and interviews with amateur and pro athletes who have compelling stories of endurance.

At EndurancePlanet.com , you will also find training videos and video interviews with endurance athletes, an endurance sports bookstore, and brand new technology that lets you share, upload and get points for your endurance efforts, whether youre a seasoned pro or youre just getting started.

If you visit EndurancePlanet.com today, you can also get access to free training plans via our weekly Endurance Planet newsletter!

50 First

Chris Dierker

October 9, 2010

Its 4:15am as we pull into the parking lot of the Farmdale Recreation Area. Located between East Peoria and Sunnyland, Illinois, this 800 acre Army Corp of Engineers maintained site was built to prevent spring flooding in downtown East Peoria and has long been a gem of a recreation area for equestrians, Peoria Area Mountain Bike Association riders and more recently, for serious trail runners.

Alex and I wander in from the darkened parking lot toward the light of the runner check-in area. Hes driven in from college the night before with a plan to pace me the final ten miles. Fortunately, he has found the thermos of coffee stashed in the back seat. Though an avid runner and enthusiastic about seeing the start, hes not quite awake as I check in and stash my gear bag.

Several tents and a welcoming bonfire surround the early arriving runners checking in for the Farmdale Ultra. I see fellow Race Directors Mike Klopfenstein and Adam Zimmermann and immediately feel a sense that everything is coming together as planned. Ive run with these guys in all seasons and worked races with them as part of CITRA trail running in central Illinois. I know that when theyre involved, everything is runner-focused.

A quick check of gear, its warmer than last years 30 degree start, and I switch to shorts and a long sleeve tech shirt. Familiar faces appear from the dark, good friends making new friend introductions. After brief pre-race instructions, a quiet falls over the field and Mitchell Hurst leads the assembled runners in a powerful a cappella rendition of our Star Spangled Banner.

Then before we have time to ponder what lies in the miles before us, the quick countdown ends. We are off in a burst of headlamps away from the comfort of the fire and friends and into the darkness of the trails.

There is an early race comfort, cruising down a familiar cinder fire road with friends then a quick turn into Alternate Creekside Trail. The field strings out into single file on a tight singletrack. Ahead, headlamps flash through the darkened trees and we settle into a steady pace.

A few miles later and a steep climb up Knock Knock, we reach the end of Back Trail, break out of the dense single track, and climb a narrow jeep track to the Upper Prairie. By now the field is well strung out and I marvel at the brilliance of the stars overhead. Not another runner in sight, I cross the prairie under the quiet watch of a million bright stars.

Then its a quick left turn back onto more singletrack, dropping down to Four Way. My legs feel good, the jitters are gone and the rhythm feels like I can run forever. A few miles later, along a gradual downhill I hear the strains of distant music through the trees. Not Eye of the Tiger, not Rage Against the Machine, its the boss, Bruce Springsteen. A bonfire soon appears and its Mike Siltmans aid station. Mike and his kids camped out overnight and set out a welcome and well-stocked spread of supplies before we began the climb up Whistler. Little did I realize how welcome that aid station would become later in the day.

Then its on to Schrolls Trail, one of my favorite stretches of Farmdale. A narrow singletrack winds through a deep pine forest and stretches along a rise overlooking an earlier stretch of the race course. By now theres a hint of what the morning will bring as the colors of an early sunrise peek through the trees.

Rolling switchbacks down Roy L Trail, a grinding climb up Eagle Ridge, and then its an open cruise across the Farmdale Dam with sunrise building in strength. I go down a long rolling stretch of singletrack and make an abrupt exit from the woods to a brief well-lit start/finish area and the faces of friends.