Running and Aging: Western States 100 and the Stages of Life

"The first 30 miles of the race - the high country - is characterized by what Gordy Ainsleigh called "the exuberance of the morning." The trail winds its way over peaks and along ridges with expansive views and breathtaking terrain. Much like the novice phase of adulthood, the runner in the high country is filled with excitement and expectation and, as a result, can also be prone to making mistakes that may prove costly later in the race."

"After mile 30, the high country gives way to the canyons, and the next 32 miles are characterized by arduous climbs and descents through three canyons that make up the steepest and most remote areas on the course. In many ways, the journey through Deadwood, El Dorado, and Volcano Canyons is akin to Levinson's settling-down period, where runners are forced to accept their current situation and how they feel. They must also adapt to the changes and challenges they face through each successive canyon."

Levinson's four adult life seasons map onto the Western States 100, which splits into high country, the canyons, California Street, and the final 20 miles. The high country (first 30 miles) delivers expansive views, excitement, and a tendency toward risky mistakes from early exuberance. The canyons (next 32 miles) bring arduous climbs and descents through Deadwood, El Dorado, and Volcano, requiring acceptance of current condition and continual adaptation. The later transition to California Street and the final 20 miles introduces new terrain and cumulative fatigue that demand sustained resilience, strategic pacing, and mental toughness.

Read at iRunFar