Some time ago I said that I was going to attempt to joggle a 100-mile ultra marathon. Well, today I’m announcing that I will not be making this attempt in Kansas. Here are my excuses.
1. I haven’t trained nearly enough for a 100 miler.
2. It’s more complicated to set up than I can manage right now.
3. I haven’t gotten permission from race organizers.
Additionally, I’m doing the Chicago Marathon and I really want to try to get a great time. The Kansas race is one week later and I’m just not convinced I would be ready to do both. But enough about what I’m not doing. On to what I AM doing.
Running and Juggling for 50 miles
According to my best sources, the world record for joggling a 50-mile Ultramarathon is 8:52:07 held by Ashrita Furman. The record has actually stood for 18 years! This time is within my abilities.
Luckily, there is a 50 mile Ultramarathon right here in my fair city of Chicago. It’s the Chicago Lakefront 50/50 and will be October 27, 2007. This is 20 days after the marathon so I’ll have a bit more recovery time.
Other advantages…
1. My friends and family will be able to come out and support me. This would’ve been much less likely in Kansas.
2. I know the course and it is nice and flat. No trails to worry about.
3. I may be able to get some local TV coverage.
4. It will be easier to get a team of people who can verify the record attempt.
5. Fifty miles is probably easier to do than 100 miles.
Taking all these factors into consideration, I went and signed up for the Chicago Lakefront 50 miler. It’s a great deal at a mere $40 for the entry fee.
And I’ll be officially making an attempt to break the world record for a juggling a 50 miler. I’ve already filed the paperwork with Guinness.
If anyone can be in Chicago on October 27, let me know. I can use all the support I can get.
Note: This doesn’t mean that I’ve given up on the 100 miler attempt. I just thought it makes more sense to get a 50 miler under my belt. My ever-tolerant wife Shannon agrees.
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You can count on me and Margie for support. We’ll be out there, no matter what the weather may be in October in Chicago…
Oh yeah, I forgot all about the weather. I hope it’s nice.
From following some of the other ultras, I know that a marathon is nothing more than a taper run for those guys. Good luck!!
I don’t know. Wouldn’t it be harder to joggle for 50 miles in a city that’s known as “The Windy City?”
I’ll be rooting for you. Best of luck.
Vanilla – The Name “Windy City” Arrived from the Politicians (Wind Bags) that we seem so fond of here in Illinois. Not any actualy Climatology effects. Like any large city, the wind you feel in downtown chicago is due more to the Caynon effect than anything else.
Perry – Good luck with the Ultra. Unfortunatly, you have picked the same weekend as the Up For Grabs festival in Aurora. So I won’t be able to make it downtown. However, For others out there, Cheer Perry on and then head 40 Miles out into the suburbs for a Juggling Show that night!!! See http://www.upforgrabsjuggling.com/2007Fest/2007Fest.htm for details as they come available.
I’ll be cheering you on from Toronto.
And with any luck (and some still) I’ll have the marathon world record back by then too
Perry,
You know I will be out there supporting you.
JK
You’re gonna joggle 50 miles?
That’s insane. I’m so jealous ! A joggling Ultrathoner !
Well, If you can joggle your way up skyscrapers , 50 miles should be a breeze…..yeah right>
That’s an awesome goal Perry! Good Luck!