[Editor’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]
After I was in my mid-20s and simply getting began in my skilled profession, my father gave me “The Seasons of a Man’s Life,” the 1978 e-book by psychologist Daniel J. Levinson. Within the e-book, Levinson walks the reader by way of the 4 seasons of the standard grownup life: the novice section (age 17-33), the settling-down interval (age 33-40), the mid-life transition (age 40-45), and center maturity (45+).
On a latest long term, I used to be reflecting on Levinson’s e-book within the context of my very own life’s journey. As I’m wont to do, I discovered myself drawing a metaphor out of the 4 seasons primarily based on my experiences through the years working the Western States 100. The Western States course, just like the seasons, is basically divided into 4 distinct sections: the excessive nation, the canyons, California Road, and the ultimate 20 miles.
AJW and household after the 2007 Western States 100. Picture: Larry Gassan
The primary 30 miles of the race — the excessive nation — is characterised by what Gordy Ainsleigh known as “the exuberance of the morning.” The path winds its approach over peaks and alongside ridges with expansive views and breathtaking terrain. Very similar to the novice section of maturity, the runner within the excessive nation is full of pleasure and expectation and, in consequence, can be inclined to creating errors which will show expensive later within the race.
After mile 30, the excessive nation provides solution to the canyons, and the following 32 miles are characterised by arduous climbs and descents by way of three canyons that make up the steepest and most distant areas on the course. In some ways, the journey by way of Deadwood, El Dorado, and Volcano Canyons is akin to Levinson’s settling-down interval, the place runners are pressured to simply accept their present scenario and the way they really feel. They have to additionally adapt to the adjustments and challenges they face by way of every successive canyon. Whereas the excessive nation is full of pleasure and anticipation, the canyons are all about acceptance and perseverance.
AJW together with his son Logan popping out of El Dorado Canyon. Picture: Carson Jones-Wilkins
When runners attain Foresthill at mile 62, they transition to the California Road part of the course. Whereas solely 16 miles in size and predominantly downhill, this singletrack heading all the way down to the Rucky Chucky crossing of the American River is, for many individuals, the crux of the race and the place that may actually make or break the expertise. Very similar to Levinson’s mid-life transition section, Cal Road requires purposeful focus and focus at a time when sources are stretched and power ranges are waning because the transition to the ultimate miles of the race unfolds.
Lastly, after crossing the American River and ascending two miles to the Inexperienced Gate assist station, runners attain the ultimate 20 miles. These miles, in response to many Western States veterans, are probably the most runnable a part of the course. Nevertheless, coming as they do 80 miles into the race, that is additionally a time when many are merely unable to run them. In Levinson’s fourth season, center maturity, the expertise is way the identical: There may be loads of life behind you, however nonetheless a lot to be executed forward.
AJW crossing the American River at Rucky Chucky. Picture: Luis Escobar
I discover myself on the age of 58 simply coming into center maturity. I’ve climbed up from the river crossing and regrouped on the Inexperienced Gate assist station, and with an enormous chunk of my life nonetheless forward, I need to proceed to discover a solution to grind ahead and luxuriate in what may be probably the most spectacular a part of the race. It’s not all the time simple, and there’ll proceed to be forks within the path, however hopefully I can harness the knowledge gained over these first 80 miles and make the ultimate 20 probably the most gratifying of all!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Ready Baker Brewing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Crispy as Duck is their distinctive tackle a traditional pilsner. Mild and clear, Crispy as Duck is an extremely fresh-tasting pilsner excellent for nearly any event.
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