[Editor’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]
After I was in my mid-20s and simply getting began in my skilled profession, my father gave me “The Seasons of a Man’s Life,” the 1978 guide by psychologist Daniel J. Levinson. Within the guide, Levinson walks the reader by means of the 4 seasons of the standard grownup life: the novice section (age 17-33), the settling-down interval (age 33-40), the mid-life transition (age 40-45), and center maturity (45+).
On a latest future, I used to be reflecting on Levinson’s guide within the context of my very own life’s journey. As I’m wont to do, I discovered myself drawing a metaphor out of the 4 seasons primarily based on my experiences over time working the Western States 100. The Western States course, just like the seasons, is actually divided into 4 distinct sections: the excessive nation, the canyons, California Avenue, and the ultimate 20 miles.
AJW and household after the 2007 Western States 100. Picture: Larry Gassan
The primary 30 miles of the race — the excessive nation — is characterised by what Gordy Ainsleigh known as “the exuberance of the morning.” The path winds its manner over peaks and alongside ridges with expansive views and breathtaking terrain. Very similar to the novice section of maturity, the runner within the excessive nation is stuffed with pleasure and expectation and, in consequence, may also be inclined to creating errors which will show expensive later within the race.
After mile 30, the excessive nation provides method to the canyons, and the subsequent 32 miles are characterised by arduous climbs and descents by means of three canyons that make up the steepest and most distant areas on the course. In some ways, the journey by means of Deadwood, El Dorado, and Volcano Canyons is akin to Levinson’s settling-down interval, the place runners are pressured to just accept their present scenario and the way they really feel. They have to additionally adapt to the modifications and challenges they face by means of every successive canyon. Whereas the excessive nation is stuffed with pleasure and anticipation, the canyons are all about acceptance and perseverance.
AJW along with his son Logan popping out of El Dorado Canyon. Picture: Carson Jones-Wilkins
When runners attain Foresthill at mile 62, they transition to the California Avenue part of the course. Whereas solely 16 miles in size and predominantly downhill, this singletrack heading all the way down to the Rucky Chucky crossing of the American River is, for many individuals, the crux of the race and the place that may actually make or break the expertise. Very similar to Levinson’s mid-life transition section, Cal Avenue requires purposeful focus and focus at a time when sources are stretched and power ranges are waning because the transition to the ultimate miles of the race unfolds.
Lastly, after crossing the American River and ascending two miles to the Inexperienced Gate help station, runners attain the ultimate 20 miles. These miles, based on many Western States veterans, are essentially the most runnable a part of the course. Nevertheless, coming as they do 80 miles into the race, that is additionally a time when many are merely unable to run them. In Levinson’s fourth season, center maturity, the expertise is way the identical: There may be loads of life behind you, however nonetheless a lot to be completed forward.
AJW crossing the American River at Rucky Chucky. Picture: Luis Escobar
I discover myself on the age of 58 simply coming into center maturity. I’ve climbed up from the river crossing and regrouped on the Inexperienced Gate help station, and with an enormous chunk of my life nonetheless forward, I need to proceed to discover a method to grind ahead and revel in what might be essentially the most spectacular a part of the race. It’s not all the time simple, and there’ll proceed to be forks within the path, however hopefully I can harness the knowledge gained over these first 80 miles and make the ultimate 20 essentially the most satisfying of all!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from In a position Baker Brewing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Crispy as Duck is their distinctive tackle a traditional pilsner. Gentle and clear, Crispy as Duck is an extremely fresh-tasting pilsner excellent for nearly any event.
Name for Feedback
- Are you able to establish totally different seasons of your working life?
- What information have you ever gained over your years of working?
