Mike Morton Is Clearly Saner Than I Am

by Carilyn on April 26, 2013

So, it’s official. Mike Morton will not be part of Team USA this year. From his website:

4/26/2013

Thought I would explain why I am running the Keys 100 and not the 24 Hour
Championship in Holland. I know some people are wondering. I would love to
defend my title in the 24 Hour Championship, however with the ups and downs
I am having with my tendon injury, I don’t feel like I will be able to run
hard enough. Also, the expense is way too much if I go there and have to
bail out because my tendon ruptures again.

I ran the Keys 100 before I ran Badwater last year and it helped me alot. I
figure it is a good race to see how my tendon acts. Good training before
Western States. My family and I love running the Keys 100. They
actually wanted me to do it!

I’m sad that Mike won’t be competing – he’s phenomenal to watch and he’s a super nice guy. But I understand the dilemma. Racing internationally is hugely expensive AND it pretty much forces you to focus almost exclusively on that race for a big part of the year. 24 Hour races are incredibly hard on your body – just too much looping and no variation for your muscles to get a break, and it’s all done on asphalt/concrete. The recovery time, physically, mentally and financially, can be long.

I think all of these reasons play into why so few people “specialize” in 24 hour races. After a few, most people decide the “costs” are just too high. Sometimes I think the same thing. But then my OCD kicks in and I come back to that place that prefers very structured, controlled road races, and I sign up for another one.

Crazy over smart wins out in me every time. Like that’s a surprise, huh?

Happy Running!

Tagged as: 24 Hour World Championships, Mike Morton

{ 8 comments }

Kate April 26, 2013 at 11:46 am: I’ve commented more than once that stupid is underrated. I think the same can be said for crazy. 🙂
Kate recently posted…Third time’s a charm (and the first two weren’t bad either)
Sarah April 26, 2013 at 12:40 pm: I agree, fixed time races are hard on the body. I always feel more beat up after one than a trail ultra – and I’m not even remotely competitive. But I say stick with what you love, stupid or not. 🙂
Sarah recently posted…Peterson Ridge Rumble 40 Mile Race Report
Marcia April 26, 2013 at 1:51 pm: Hey, crazy is awesome.
Kim April 26, 2013 at 2:02 pm: I really like the idea of a fixed time race – maybe after my 50 I will try to find one fairly close. I like the crazy aspect!!
Kim recently posted…I Need to Move-it, Move-it!!
Char April 26, 2013 at 7:01 pm: It sounds like Mike has made and incredibly rational, sensible decision. That’s a little odd for an ultra runner isn’t it? There’s nothing sensible or rational about running that far or that long. Mike strikes me as intriguingly enigmatic.
Char recently posted…Running In The Spirit Of The Anzacs
olga April 27, 2013 at 4:18 am: Mike did make a very sensible decision we can only respect. I truly want him to tear up WS for sure!
olga recently posted…When the race throws you lemons…
Jeff Dinkin April 27, 2013 at 4:12 pm: Life would get quite boring without a good dose of “crazy” in the world! 😉
Kent April 29, 2013 at 9:07 am: So when you going to run Badwater? That definitely takes a special kind of crazy. C’mon Carilyn; I know you got it in ya – next year?