I had a memorable wave at my last race, the Antelope Canyon 50. I was running outbound around mile 35 while the 50K runners, who started later in the day and had a shorter course, were running toward us to reach the finish. A young Asian woman with straight-cut bangs began waving both hands at me, as if to gesture, "it's me! I see you!" In a flash of recognition, I thought, "no way! small world!" It was the Taiwanese woman I met six weeks earlier on the shuttle bus to the start of the Black Canyon 60K. She had boarded the bus looking shy and nervous. I patted the seat next to me and smiled. A conversation ensued for the thirty-minute predawn drive. She was from Taiwan with a thick accent but perfect English, studying in New York City. She wanted to run an ultra in the desert. She struck me as a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, making me think not just "seize the day" but, "seize the world!" I told her that if she wanted an even more scenic race, she should consider coming back to Arizona for this Antelope Canyon ultra in March, on the Navajo Nation with slot canyons and a view of the river called Horseshoe Bend. She actually listened and did it. She came back to run this race in the desert six weeks later because of our chance meeting. I waved back and we ran at each other and did a double-handed high-five, hugged, and she ran to the finish and I kept on. And several hours later, when I crossed the finish, she was there waiting for me, and she wrapped me in a mylar sheet for warmth and took our selfies, and we've stayed connected on Instagram ever since. I'm encouraging her to visit me and run a race in Colorado this summer. That's one of the things I most love about running ultras—the people you meet and the bonds it makes.
Sarah, this is a beautiful! I'm so happy you shared this and I agree. The connections we make with running is so wonderful. Ultras is one thing I would like to do more of and love reading about your adventures! The Antelope Canton 50 sounds amazing. Would you recommend this for someone's first 50 mile ultra? Curious your thoughts. Thank you.
On my first 10k race I ran past a former colleague of my husband from his press photographer days - he was there to snap the runners for the newspaper. I shouted his name and waved, looking back at him once I'd run past - I absolutely treasure the shot he got! 🤣
Thank you. This is pretty tough for a first 50K or 50 mile, because of deep sand and potential high heat (and this year we had flash flooding). You can read my race report
Okay great! I do remember reading this. Yes probably not a good first. I appreciate the help through email. Whats the best way to get your book? I would like to read it. Thanks Sarah.
It's always so nice to see a friend while you're out for a run. I haven't raced in a while but my last run was with a couple dozen friends on a movie location run, so there was plenty of fun.
Hi Raziq, Thank you so much for sharing. I'm so curious what is a movie location run? I've never heard of this...sounds super fun! Great to have you here.
Nice to be here! It's when you plan a route around filming locations in a neighborhood :D It is, as is my oeuvre, one way of making running suck less (more fun).
I love your two upbeat poems.
I had a memorable wave at my last race, the Antelope Canyon 50. I was running outbound around mile 35 while the 50K runners, who started later in the day and had a shorter course, were running toward us to reach the finish. A young Asian woman with straight-cut bangs began waving both hands at me, as if to gesture, "it's me! I see you!" In a flash of recognition, I thought, "no way! small world!" It was the Taiwanese woman I met six weeks earlier on the shuttle bus to the start of the Black Canyon 60K. She had boarded the bus looking shy and nervous. I patted the seat next to me and smiled. A conversation ensued for the thirty-minute predawn drive. She was from Taiwan with a thick accent but perfect English, studying in New York City. She wanted to run an ultra in the desert. She struck me as a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, making me think not just "seize the day" but, "seize the world!" I told her that if she wanted an even more scenic race, she should consider coming back to Arizona for this Antelope Canyon ultra in March, on the Navajo Nation with slot canyons and a view of the river called Horseshoe Bend. She actually listened and did it. She came back to run this race in the desert six weeks later because of our chance meeting. I waved back and we ran at each other and did a double-handed high-five, hugged, and she ran to the finish and I kept on. And several hours later, when I crossed the finish, she was there waiting for me, and she wrapped me in a mylar sheet for warmth and took our selfies, and we've stayed connected on Instagram ever since. I'm encouraging her to visit me and run a race in Colorado this summer. That's one of the things I most love about running ultras—the people you meet and the bonds it makes.
Sarah, this is a beautiful! I'm so happy you shared this and I agree. The connections we make with running is so wonderful. Ultras is one thing I would like to do more of and love reading about your adventures! The Antelope Canton 50 sounds amazing. Would you recommend this for someone's first 50 mile ultra? Curious your thoughts. Thank you.
Sarah, this is wonderful!
I waved to the sharp rocks beneath my feet on a recent trail marathon. They were...not that fun!
Wave good-bye to those sharp rocks! Thank you for sharing Amie and WAY TO GO on the trail marathon!! WOW. I would love to hear more...
Wow, you're on a roll, Julie! FABULOUS! 🙌
On my first 10k race I ran past a former colleague of my husband from his press photographer days - he was there to snap the runners for the newspaper. I shouted his name and waved, looking back at him once I'd run past - I absolutely treasure the shot he got! 🤣
I bet it was a great shot! :) YAY!! Thank you for sharing and being here Rebecca. :) I was so happy to toe the line yesterday.
Thank you. This is pretty tough for a first 50K or 50 mile, because of deep sand and potential high heat (and this year we had flash flooding). You can read my race report
https://sarahrunning.substack.com/p/the-ultra-spirit-moved-me
I have plenty others I could recommend for a first ultra in CA, CO, UT & AZ :-)
Feel free to hit me up with questions thru my email, and my book distills all my coach advice for prepping for ultra-distance trail races.
Okay great! I do remember reading this. Yes probably not a good first. I appreciate the help through email. Whats the best way to get your book? I would like to read it. Thanks Sarah.
Thank you so much! Bookshop.org for indi bookstore support or Amazon. https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-trail-runner-s-companion-a-step-by-step-guide-to-trail-running-and-racing-from-5ks-to-ultras-sarah-lavender-smith/10336789?ean=9781493027743
oh great! Look forward to reading.
It's always so nice to see a friend while you're out for a run. I haven't raced in a while but my last run was with a couple dozen friends on a movie location run, so there was plenty of fun.
Hi Raziq, Thank you so much for sharing. I'm so curious what is a movie location run? I've never heard of this...sounds super fun! Great to have you here.
Nice to be here! It's when you plan a route around filming locations in a neighborhood :D It is, as is my oeuvre, one way of making running suck less (more fun).
How fun! This is an amazing idea and I laugh at the "running suck less".
Love the picture of you! So glad you shared it! I always love reading your posts!!!
Thank you so much Faith for reading and commenting. I was so glad to get this picture.
I waved a double hand wave to Kat. It was so great to see her and have someone cheer for me.
Awesome Felicia. Thank you for sharing. Isn't it the best to see people we know on the course. It always gives me a boost. Great run yesterday!