Nate manages to fit it all in, with a relaxed but focussed style.
He currently is geared up for his own race, the
Jemez Mountain Trail Runs.
"The race is shaping up nicely.There are lots of photos on the updated website. Karl Meltzer into coming down, and Kyle Skaggs says he is also coming. I wish Tony were coming. Also coming are the standard Hardrockers, like Roch Horton, Kirk Apt, and Betsy Kalmeyer. The race filled to 370 runners this year...its going to be a zoo (I'm psyched!).
What keeps you going?
It feels great to run on trails, away from civilization, up and down hills; to see what is around the next corner.
What's next for 2008?
Jemez Mountain 50 miler May 17 (his race), the San Juan Solstice 50 miler in mid-June, the Where's Waldo 100k National Championships mid August, and maybe the Bear 100 or Angeles Crest 100 in September.
Training Advice?
I think sustaining an ultrarunning career is more important than having a good year and then burning out. With that in mind, keeping it fun is critical. That means: a) Choosing to rest when you are tired; b) Choosing to run your favorite trail fast for a speed workout rather than doing a track workout if you don't like the track; c) Choosing fun and beautiful races rather than "championship" races if they are not one and the same. Beyond that, sustainability is achieved by doing whatever mileage and workouts you can manage, and not stressing about life getting in the way of doing as much mileage or workouts as the next guy is doing. For example, I have a daughter and a pregnant wife right now and cannot get in as much time on the trails as I'd like, but its OK because I still get out and I appreciate it.
Sample Training Log
30 to 80 miles per week, depending on time availability and goals. No track, no hill repeats, no fartleks! I try to have two hard workouts per week, one long and fast (>20 miles) and one shorter and fast (10-15 miles). Sometimes those runs are very hilly. The routes are always chosen to maximize the quality of the experience, e.g. bagging peaks, exploring canyons, or linking up my favorite trails. One day off per week. Lots of rock climbing if possible; ideally, 2-3 times per week for 3 hours each time.
