Friday, February 08, 2008

From the Race Front: LARRY KING




On last weekend's Rocky Raccoon Race in Huntsville, TX


What surprised you most about the race?
That I ran the second 50 miles faster than the first 50 miles.

What advice helped you achieve your goal?
You've got to train hard and smart. And rest days are extremely important. Do not try to make up missed workouts. Move on and continue training. Cross-training is my friend. Don't run junk miles and train with a purpose. Lastly, you have to go slow to go fast.

Did you meet any new friends on the course?
Yes! I got to meet Kira! I remember her from two years ago when I was volunteering at Far Side. She made a great impression on me and I have been a fan ever since. It was great to get to talk with her and run with her. Go Kira!!! You ROCK!!!

Is there something you learned that you'll use in future races (good, bad, or ugly!)
Several weeks before the race, I used a lot of mental imagery of running a good race. I carried that with me during the race and although it was my first hundred miler, I felt as if I had run dozens of them, since I had been mentally imagining the race in my head for so long.

Any words of advice for others thinking about doing an ultra?
Train hard, rest, and listen to your body and mind so you don't overtrain. If you feel an injury coming on, stop running for a few days. It can mean the difference between full recovery and it turning into a full-blown problem. Patience with yourself is key in meeting your goals. But most important, you have to believe in yourself. That is the key to success.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Larry King, you rocked that course like it was just a day in the park.
R

Anonymous said...

Hi Larry!

In the midst of your incredible run, I can cite one instance where I saw you break from your race plan.

You stopped and hugged me on the course and broke your stride. you are a true gentleman...and an amazing athlete.

Looking fwd to seeing you at another race soon!

:-)

--Colleen

Bob Becker said...

Larry, it was great seeing you in action again. You are such a star! I'm going to be as fast as you when I grow up--promise. And as disciplined. Each time we talked during the race, you were so comfortable and composed--exactly as the book says you should be. You conserved energy, were obviously on plan and said so, were having fun and feeling good. Congratulations on a great race. I'm proud of you, my boy!!
Bob Becker

Anonymous said...

larry.. hell ya ! that's all i have to say.we'll catch up for beers another time. your an amazing runner.we will run again soon.
michael evans

Lora said...

Wow Larry--you make me believe one really can have fun at these amazing races. Big time congrats for such an inspiring run.
Love the mental imagery recommendation-I'm going to try that! You've inspired me.
Hope to meet up with you at one of Lisa's races.
Lora

Anonymous said...

Larry,

Awesome job man! I saw you on the course a number of times and you were looking great. You have the same outlook that I do - train hard and make the race look easy! Look forward to seeing you at the next one.

Anonymous said...

Larry,
It was great to see you run, and meet you in passing, cause you were running super fast :)
Congrats on an incredible finish. I hope to meet up with you again at other ultras.

Lisa Smith-Batchen said...

Larry...they talk about the perfect storm:)..you had the perfect race. Your race can teach and show many what following a training schedule a solid nutrition and race plan can bring...success. There is no reason to death march the last 30 miles of a 100 mile race..this is where the race starts and as you found out you raced and ran your last lap faster than your 1st lap. It was so fun to see your big smile out on the course..always stopping to say hello, give out some hugs to friends and taking the time to help others..and still run such an amazing race.
I hope you are beaming for a very long time.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

!!!!!!!!!! Kira :)

Anonymous said...

Larry,
I can't believe you ran a negative split for a 100. Unheard of. Slow is fast. Great job.
Wayne B

Anonymous said...

You are the perfect example of how to make the difficult easy and fun. There is such joy in doing something so well that the people around you become inspired. I am gonna be a good girl and train smarter now that you have shown me what it should be!
Jacqueline

Laurie said...

Larry,
You did it all right - and you made it look easy! Congratulations on being a rock star and really smart (you followed your race plan!).
Thrilled for you and plan to learn from you.
Cheers,
Laurie

leigh said...

Larry! word travels all the way to CA. you did an awesome job! what a race. i sure hope you are enjoying the memories of your first 100. what a way to show em' how it's done! great job listening to your coach! do it again next year! Leigh

Anonymous said...

You got the results you earned through your patience and persistence in training - inspirational! Good role model!! I will try the imagary - thanks for mentioning it. --Marcy (a fellow Dreamchaser)

Anonymous said...

Nice Larry! Well, I heard about your performance, and have to tell you it was amazing. Wow. I'd love to learn more about your preparation, taper, race strategy, etc. That's was one heck of a run. Congratulations. You're an inspiration! - Tom T

Lisa Smith-Batchen said...

check out these splits!!!

Loop 1 Loop 2 Loop 3 Loop 4 Loop 5
03:39:12.5 03:59:13.0 04:09:36.0 04:08:28.9 03:40:31.9
3h39m 3h59m 4h9m 4h8m 3h40m