The Allure of Western States - Too Much Information?

What is it about the Western States 100 Endurance Run that gives it such allure? That draws ultrarunners to its hot canyons like moth to flame? Is it the rich history of the event? The “family” of runners and volunteers who come back year after year? The popularity that fills the event, breeding only more popularity? Certainly all of these contribute. But as a first time States runner, I think I have found another culprit. There is TOO MUCH information about this race.

Most ultramarathons give you the basics - a course description, map, and some previous finish times. But do some research on Western States and you are quickly drowning in information. You’ve got DVD’s, Google fly-overs, videos, dozens of personal race reports, training guides, podcasts, split times, training clinics, and even a fancy new video splash page. Whoa! Once you get through it all, it's hard not to fall in love with the event.

I often find myself having the explain my passion for States to other endurance athletes that aren't familiar with ultras. The conversation typically goes like this:

Athlete: Is Western States the hardest 100-miler?

Me: Well, no. That would probably be Hardrock or Badwater.

Athlete: Oh. Is it like Ironman Hawaii where all the best athletes compete for a world championship?

Me: There are certainly lots of top athletes, except many great runners still can't get in due the lottery.

Athlete: I see. So why is this the best 100-miler again?

I typically will explain that States is "our Boston marathon, our Wimbeldon, a race with deep history that makes it one we all want to do". Then I point them to the multitude of resources and let them get sucked in all by themselves. I know they will find all the elements of a great story - history, challenges, heroes - in whatever media speaks to them.

Greg Soderlund and the Western States volunteers are to be commended for assembling all the great information about the race. It certainly makes it easier to train. But I will say that it also makes the race much more intimidating for first-timers. I will often start by searching for specific information about a section of the course, and then walk away from my computer as a panic attack kicks in. This can happen in training too, when a running pal will say "you better do 54 minutes between Foresthill and the river crossing, or you'll never crack 24 hours". Wha? Do I need to track each split to the minute (panic, panic)?!? Probably not, but when there is too much information, you can certainly head down that path.

I am excited as ever for Western States. I hate to say it, but having it delayed another year probably just boosted the allure for me. I am training hard and hoping to make the most of the day. Thanks to all the information, I should arrived trained, ready, and not too scared about what lies ahead.

This post is another synchroblog, so be sure to check out the others writing about what they love the most about Western States:

Bryon Powell Loves It All
Craig Thornley Talks About the Western States Family
AJ Wilkins Loves The "It" of the Race
Sean Meissner Shares His Memories

- SD