A Challenging Potential Lark

lark /lɑrk/[lahrk] (noun) 1. a merry, carefree adventure; frolic; escapade.

While perusing the various local road racing calendars yesterday (a bi-monthly ritual during which I will occasionally map out my intentions for the upcoming months) I came across a number of runs of interest ranging from the very common 5k to a number of ultra marathons. In these days of reduced dinero for running graces, I rarely find something as short as a 5k worth dropping $20-$35 (I'm looking at you Chase Corporate Challenge!), so I have tried to find longer more challenging distances worthy of my hard earned money.

A run that came on my radar screen for the third consecutive year, and that I failed to sign-up for last year, is the BPAC 6-Hour Distance Classic. "It is what it says it is"... you run/jog/walk 3.25 mile certified scenic loop (pictured to the right) for as long as you are capable in a six-hour window, the goal being to run at least 26.3 (just 0.1 over a marathon distance) thereby making it "officially" and ultra (over) marathon. I actually competed in the last "leg" of this series of races (Western New York Ultra series) a year ago last fall when I ran my first and only ultra, a six mile trail course not far from my home. The BPAC, however, while flatter, is a bit of a hike from home (to just outside Buffalo from Rochester).

After seeing the online registration sheet, I quickly printed it off and put it in my pocket to share with my wife for her impressions when I picked her up from work. While I have been training for "something," which anyone will tell you is probably not the most intelligent way to train for anything, despite my recent health concerns I am in relatively good shape... good enough to punch out 26.2 in six hours (my PR at that distance is 3:26).

The cost ($20) and spartan prizes (Certificates for all finishers; finisher medals for only the top 30 finishers) are both attractive features, and though my wife said "If you want to go, we'll go" I know she does not want to sit and (in effect) wait around for me to pass every 3.5 miles... so though it would be bit of a lark, is this something I should do?

Breathe in, breathe out… YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!