Today, the Western States Endurance Run Foundation updated the list of qualifying races for 2015. Gone are the 50 milers, one of which (AR50) I am using to get my lottery ticket for 2014. Thus, I find myself conflicted. On one hand, I know that the odds of gaining entry get slimmer every year (less than 8% for a first time entrant this year) and the entrant field needs to be limited without making the standard more difficult. On the other, I have wanted WS100 to be my first 100 miler since I began running. Fortunately, there are still a few 100k's on the list, and they relaxed the 100k finishing time from 13 hours to 16 hours, which is totally within my capabilities. In addition, I plan to run at least one 100k next year if I fail to get into Western States, so in the end, the change will not effect my chances of popping my hundo-cherry in Auburn.
However, I was hoping to gain some inspiration to finish North Face 50 under 11 hours so that I would have my 2015 qualifying race all sewn up on the same day they draw the names for 2014. Now I have to figure out my "motivation" to finish sub-11, when I could phone it in and have a great time, comfortably finishing within the cut-off.
A fool's dilemma, I know.
At least now I won't be tempted to run the 2014 American River 50 just as a qualifier.
Wonder if the WSER qualifying changes coupled with the AR50 course changes will have an impact on 2014 AR50 signups.
ReplyDeleteGood point Steve. I know AR50 had been known as one of the easier qualifiers. I think they'll still fill up if only because of the novelty of the course change. I know I'll eventually do it again, just to see the new course.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading!
Yeah.. we'll see. $185 for a 50 miler is steep. Now, it isn't even a qualifier. I haven't run a 50 yet, but when I do, it will be somewhere else for less money. Interesting stuff. I do think the change the Board made is the right one.
ReplyDeleteGood luck this weekend at Stinson Beach... I'm running the Dam(n) Half in Cool on Sunday.
i think i'll run my first 100m at pine to palm or angeles crest or somethin'.. there are so many to choose from. I don't feel driven to do the most famous and historic 100 first, given the difficulty. maybe as my 3rd or 4th.
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