I wrote about a month ago the ‘running’ account of my journey toward the 100 mile race that will take place on July 30.  The event is The Burning River 100 Mile Run that begins in Cleveland and takes you along a route ending in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio, spanning a 30 hour period of continuous running.   At this point, I figure there is no turning back.  I have prepared for this event for the past 25 years through fitness teaching, running races, duathalons, tri’s and bike adventures.  I am not a crazed fitness fanatic that watches every carb and gram of protein I eat.  I often meet up with friends for a leisure bike ride that includes a break half-way for lunch and a beer.   What made me want to run 100 miles continuously?  I am still asking myself that question!
This journey will take me over a wide array of terrain.  Miles will be covered on rugged trails, into creeks, on driven motorways, bike and walking paths and steep steps in the metro parks (90 steps at around mile 90).  If that isn’t cruel, I don’t’ know what is.  I will change running shoes approximately four times during this event along with clothes changes to keep me dry.  Food breaks will consist of tea, broth soup, peanut butter sandwiches, and plenty of sports drinks. A support crew will follow me along the way with a trunk filled with all the necessary gels, sprays, clothes, shoes, socks and miscellaneous first aid supplies that I will need.  This support group will stay with me during my journey and will forgo a restful night sleep as I run through parks and trails during the night time hours with headlamp in tow.  If it were not for the support of my fellow workers, friends and family, I could not possibly have gotten to this point in my life.
For those of you who have been following my journey, thank you for your support and encouraging words.  I will keep these well wishes neatly tucked into my head during the approximately 30 hour run on July 30.
Please feel free to contact me with any fitness questions or ideas you may have.  I would love to hear from you.

In good health,

Julie O’Connell
NZ MFG INC.