You know that thing when you have a big idea, like a big one? Not a “should I get a new haircut”, or “should I try yoga”. But like a “Hey, should I commit 6 months of training for a single race?”. Ya, one of those. Sooooo…… I’m doing that one!

Coming off of last year’s self designed Ultra marathon in Oregon, and my largest running year to date, I began working out my 2024 running schedule, booking into some of the races I wanted to take part in. Some trail running series around the metro Vancouver area, a few other races further out and a few local classics. But there was still something missing. Something I have craved since recovering from our Mt Hood circumnavigation. Something that was still not quite tested. Entering a proper Ultra marathon.

You see with our Mt Hood trip, we were completely in charge. No time restraints, no sign ins, or cut offs, just a beginning, a hell of a lot of middle, and an end. But how would we fare against others? Was our pace completely entry level, could we make cut off times? Could we even complete a longer distance?

This is something that has been scratching at me for a few months now. And like any other sane person would approach answering these questions, the only way is to try. And so with that I sit here, it’s January 5th, at midnight, and I have just secured an entry into the 2024 Fat Dog Ultra 100km Marathon in Manning Park BC.

Let the games begin…