Motivation: Unbreakable - The Western States 100

If you have any interest in running whatsoever you need to watch this film. 

I'm at a loss as to why it took me so long to get around to watching this film but since buying the DVD I've watched it three times. 

Unbreakable is about the 2010 Western States which was arguably the most competitive year of the race in terms of talent toeing the starting line. Focusing on the four men most likely to win - Hal Koerner, two time defending champion, Geoff Roes, Anton Krupicka and Kilian Jornet - the film gives you an inside view on the men that define Ultramarathoning today and how they live, train and race. 

A really nice touch is how Banna weaves the story of Gordy Ansleigh in throughout the narrative The Western States was originally a 24 hour horse race which, in 1974, after his horse went lame, Gordy completed on foot. No support crew, no fancy equipment, just sheer grit and determination. He is credited with having established The Western States in it's current form and, in so doing 'invented' the ultra.

It's a JB Benna film - you may know him from The Runner or Ultramarathon Man - both of which are great, but this is a cut above to me. But then, I'm obsessed with the Western States. 

**Spoiler alert (although the race was 4 years ago...)** 

Geoff Roes wins in dramatic style, coming back from a relatively distant third, and making the last 10 miles look effortless. 

Watching this film taught me a lot about:

1. Mental strength: Geoff Roes talks about training for the tough moments rather than the highs. Roes says that if you work on the times you're flying you'l gain maybe 5 seconds a mile. If you train for the lows, you can save minutes. He certainly proves that here 
2. Running as a practice: often, as runners, we follow really precise training plans and try to stick to them religiously, loving every day that we tick off. These guys approach it more like a daily practice - like yoga or meditation. Something about that feels much more organic, much more natural to the sport itself. And well, clearly it works.

If Unbreakable isn't enough to make you get your kicks on, check out this link to I Run Far for more inspirational films.  

Getting Started

I don't know about you, but when I read about the achievements of Geoff Roes, Anton Krupicka and Kilian Hornet, I want to move to the mountains and run. Far. Their stories are so inspiring and they make me feel like I could, and want, to be an ultra marathon runner. 

Then I look out the window at the flat lands of Singapore, the ridiculous humidity, my work schedule, my previous race times and everything else I need to do and well... there goes that dream. How could I possibly run the same races as someone who did a sub-4 hour marathon at the age of 12??

I've gone round and round in circles arguing with myself about the pros and cons of training for a 100 mile race for about three years and now I've decided that it's time to do it. 

Ultimately, I want this:

Photo: Bryon Powell, www.irunfar.com

... not that time - I'm more realistic than that - but to cross that same line. To do that, I need to qualify, which means I need to run a 100 mile race, within the time limit. 

I plan to do that by the end of 2015. Over the next 18 months I'm going to work to that goal. So, doubts be damned and in the words of Henry Ford, 'Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right'. 

I think I can. 

I think incredible races are for people like me too. 

Training consistently and racing hard until I get there. I'm sure there'll be a lot of ups and downs a long the way and that I'll learn a thing or two about myself. Ultimately, I love to run. I love finding those meditative moments. I love the pride that comes from finding the strength to pull myself out of low. I love the community and those inspirational figures like Beth from shutupandrun.net that help me to laugh at struggles and celebrate the best bits that running has to offer. 

I hope that you come on this journey with me. The first stop will be the Green Corridor Run in Singapore this Sunday.