12/31
It all started with a trail run...
Man, 2020 was a rough one by far for most. I was an online student so when the pandemic hit my environment didn't change much. I guess I was pretty fortunate in that regard. However I still felt the loneliness, boredom, and depression slowly creeping up on me. I was struggling to stay busy in the early months of the pandemic. I tried so many different things, made numerous daily routines, started calisthenics, cold showers, eating crazy healthy, and honestly so much more. But nothing could stick. I'd do good for a week then stop. I figured, let me try running again, it was something that I felt I was decent at...
Then one day my dad, who is an ultra/trail runner himself, explained to me the basics of ultra and trail running. I remember vividly him saying, "...it's much more enjoyable. You run at a slower pace, for a longer time. It is way more relaxed and you don't feel like passing out every time you finish a race. It's a different type of pain." This really caught my attention because I always hated short distance running because of how it makes you feel. To me, it never felt good. So after a conversation with my dad and some thought, I went on my first trail run in June since nearly 2 years.
The beginning of 2020 trail running...
So as I stated before I really didn't start trail running and really just running in general until June(besides a couple road run attempts, which had to be <5mi. combined.) So here I was completely unprepared and feeling totally out of place in the trail running environment. I had some shitty nike shoes that you would get at kohls or something. More casual than actual running shoes. So my dad, being the runner he is, leant me a pair of his hokas... yup I said it, HOKAS. The thickest shoes in the game. Now I was ready to do a trail run.
The plan was just to do a short run obviously. I was in terrible shape. My dad was just taking me on an out and back. I think it ended up being about 4 miles in total. I remember just really enjoying my time. We weren't running fast, we had some good conversations, was able to drink water without the urge of throwing up, etc. It was just a great time and I'd say I was hooked from this moment on. I loved being in nature, hearing the birds, seeing the sun glisten on the tree leaves, it was a magical place.
The birth of Mottsy Ultra...
So not too long after, maybe a week or so after that first trail run, I signed up for my first 50k that was about 3 months away. This was something that I really felt I just needed to do and experience. I felt like I wanted to share my journey and maybe inspire others to do what I did. So I started an instagram page to share my journey and connect with the amazing communities that are trail and ultra running. So there it was, I became Mottsy Ultra, spreading my message, sharing training, and just having fun with it. This was the part of 2020 where it became grind time.
2020 training, finding my passion...
I started out as most would, low mileage on the trails, a few times a week or so. I would do my longer runs on off days, hopefully catching a partner but that didn't happen often. But that didn't matter. I dealt with numerous injuries as one could expect. Plantar fasciitis, meniscus issues, intense muscle knots, patellar tendonitis, and a lot more. I dealt with them, it sucked, but I healed, recovered, and moved on. My body adapted to the training over time. I tried to increase mileage slowly every week, ending up peaking at around 55 miles before tapering for race day.
Becoming an ultra marathoner...
I ran the Boulder field 50K. A 31 mile trail race with about 4000 feet of elevation gain. Not super technical and seemed like a nice race to start with. I ran it in 5hrs and 37mins and I will never forget those hours. It felt like a life time. I learned so much about myself and my running ability.
I originally wanted to run it under 5 hours but that was probably a bit of a stretch for my first ultra. Plus I was a complete rookie. I went out super hard and ended up paying for it big time. I felt trashed at 13 miles in like I wanted to stop. Pushing myself through that next 18 miles was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life both physically and mentally. It is really hard to put into words the feeling of finishing your first ultra. It was just amazing and I wish I could relive that moment.
Post Ultra, 2020 recap, and plans for the future...
During this time I had incredible experiences on the trails and in the mountains. Alone or in a group, I never regretted stepping outside and going for a run. Nothing feels better than finishing a run. I didn't just sign up for an ultra to be one and done. I will continue to push my bodys limits and continue to compete in ultras as long as I'm still interested and physically capable. Running has become my lifestyle now and I don't know what I'd do without it, or where I would be if I hadn't gone for that very first run.
Starting in June of 2020, I began my running journey. In these 7 months I was able to cover 1050+ miles! I also climbed 160,000ft of vertical gain in that time period. My biggest month was the last month of the year, December. I covered 250 miles just in one month. Pretty crazy for someone that couldn't run a half mile just 8 months ago. My goals for the year was to reach 1000 miles and climb more than 150,000ft of vert. As you can see I smashed those goals.
I plan on carrying this good momentum over to 2021! I think it is going to be the most exciting year to come! I have so many big plans, new goals, and new races! Bigger, harder, and farther! I truly couldn't be more excited. Right now I am setting the bar high! 3,000 miles for 2021 is the goal, oh and the vert goal you may ask? A nice chill 400K should do me good I think. Some races you can expect will be listed on my blog on the right hand side. Currently signed up for one real ultra, but I will be running a self supported ultra on my birthday. Stay tuned for that!
Closing remarks...
Well 2020, what a year. I can't believe that it's all over now. I really gotta say I loved this year. I really created something of myself. I finally found something that I truly love. Something that I'm so passionate about. Something that I want to do everyday. That really is something to be thankful for. So thank you 2020 for all the ups and downs and where I am today. It truly was an unforgettable year. As always thanks for reading. I appreciate each and every single one of you :)
sincerely,
ya boi mottsy <3
