Power Couple Takes on the NorCal Backyard Ultra
A Tale of Love, Grit, and the Ultimate Endurance Test
There's a striking parallel between ultrarunning and maintaining sobriety. Both require discipline, perseverance, and a strong mental game. In both cases, it's about taking one step at a time, one day at a time (and in this case, one hour at a time). It's about staying focused on the present moment and avoiding distractions.
The NorCal Backyard Ultra is looming large on the horizon and this is more than just another race. For my trail-husband (Vinny) and me, this race is a culmination of an entire year’s worth of training, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. It's a chance to push our limits, to discover our true potential, to experience the euphoria of pushing through pain, and to celebrate our sobriety.
The Allure of the Infinite Loop
There’s something undeniably alluring about the concept of an endless race. For those unfamiliar, a Backyard Ultra is a grueling endurance race where runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, until only one person remains. It's a blank canvas, a limitless horizon. But it's also a terrifying prospect. A test of will, a battle against fatigue, and an experiment with pain tolerance; going deeper and deeper into the pain-cave with every yard.
Running for a Purpose
After decades of heavy drinking and negative consequences, I finally reached my breaking point and I found freedom from alcohol on May 26, 2020. Running has been a crucial part of my recovery process, giving me not only a new zest for life but also intense feelings of euphoria that recovering addicts often miss after they get sober, which is known as “the runner’s high.” Running has helped me build discipline, focus, resilience and community with sober runners who I feel a deep connection to.
That’s why I’m running this race with a purpose greater than myself. I'm running this race for everyone who is struggling with addiction. I'm running for those who have lost their way. I'm running for those who are seeking hope and healing. This race is a celebration of life, a rebirth after addiction, and a testament to the strength and resilience of two recovered addicts who choose every single day to get high on running.
Our Strategy: A Mindful Approach
To conquer this beast, we’re adopting a mindful approach. It's not just about the physical exertion; it's about the mental gymnastics required to sustain effort over an extended period. Here's our strategy:
One Loop at a Time: We’re breaking down the race into manageable chunks. Each 4-mile loop is a world unto itself. By focusing on the immediate task, we can avoid getting overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge.
Embrace the Suffering: Pain is inevitable in a race like this. Instead of fearing it, we’re embracing it as a badge of honor. It's a sign that we’re pushing our limits deep into the discomfort zone.
Mindful Movement: We’re tuning into our body's sensations, adjusting our run/walk strategy as needed. It's about relentless forward motion and keeping a steady, sustainable pace- and avoiding the desire to quit when it gets really hard.
The Power of Positive Self-Talk: I'm using positive affirmations to keep myself motivated. Phrases like "I’m unstoppable," "Just keep moving forward," and "Pain is just pain, I’m not going to die from this" will be my mantras.
Nutrition and Hydration: Fueling is crucial in a race like this. We’ll be consuming a mix of carbohydrates and electrolytes every 30-45 minutes to maintain energy levels. Staying hydrated is equally important, so we’ll be sipping on water and electrolytes from a handheld water bottle. What else will we eat? Oreos, Pringles, Fruit and Uncrustables.
The Importance of Connecting with other runners: One of the most powerful aspects of a backyard ultra is the sense of community. The shared experience of suffering and triumph creates a bond between runners that transcends the race itself. We’re excited to connect with other athletes, share stories, and support one another.
The Ultimate Test of Love and Endurance.
As we prepare to embark on the NorCal Backyard Ultra, Vinny and I are locked in a friendly rivalry. We're both driven to push our limits, and we're determined to outlast each other. While we're partners in life and training, the race is on. It's a battle of wills, a test of endurance, and a celebration of our shared passion for running.
For a few more days I’ll sit here and visualize every scenario with the best possible outcome, but I do wonder: Will there be tears? Will there be words traded that will later be regretted? Will this insane running adventure bring us closer together? Which one of us will be the last man standing? One thing is for sure, it’ll be interesting to find out!
The Reward
While the physical challenge of the NorCal Backyard Ultra is daunting and thrilling, the true victory lies within…. and we’ve already won. We've already conquered our greatest adversary: addiction. There will never be another obstacle in my path more hellish than my life in active addiction. By breaking chains, shattering stigmas, and defying societal norms, I've forged a path to a healthier, happier life in sobriety. This race is merely an opportunity to celebrate our resilience and push our limits. The ultimate prize has already been claimed—sobriety is the reward. Everything else is because of sobriety, and I am forever grateful for it.
The Journey Continues
As I reflect on my sober journey, I'm filled with gratitude for this sport that I love, the support of my loved ones, the running community, and the transformative power of sobriety. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our wildest dreams. (dreams that only a Recovery Road Runner would understand!)
I'm excited to share my experience with you all. Follow along on social media (November 8-9, 2024) for real-time updates, post-race reflections, and lessons learned.
Remember, whether you're running an ultramarathon or navigating the challenges of sobriety, you are capable of amazing things. Believe in yourself, stay focused, and never give up.
Let's push our limits together and find out what we’re truly capable of!
The runner’s high is the best high. Go get yours.
Amber “Sobriety Is My Superpower” Graziano