The email caught me by surprise.
It popped into my inbox at 10:01 a.m. today.
Subject line: Notchview Ultra – 100.7 Miles – Registration Invitation
After a few months of lingering on the wait list, the click of a button moved me into the field. No more waiting, wishing and wondering; I’m officially in the 100.7-mile race at the Notchview Ultra in July. I had been hopeful for months, but wasn’t sure how much movement we’d ultimately see for this mid-sized event with multiple options ranging from distance- to time-based races. There was no action on the waitlist through December, January or February. A week ago, the first folks moved from the 72-hour race’s waitlist into the field. I was hopeful I’d see some movement for my race soon, but didn’t expect it to happen today. Still, I’m glad the wait is over and I can start to finalize plans and preparation.
I’m excited to run Notchview this summer because the race holds a special place in my heart. I entered the 48-hour race in 2019 when I was dealing with knee issues and couldn’t run. The race served as the carrot that motivated me to be a good PT patient, to get out and hike for a few hours on the trails every weekend and do the little things right that ultimately got me back to running, and eventually back to running ultras. I hiked 81.7 miles that year, which remains the longest my legs have ever taken me.
This year, I look forward to running as much of the race as possible and having my legs take me farther than they ever have. I could’ve signed up for the 72-hour or 48-hour and received credit for however many miles I cover, but I wanted to take the opportunity to sign up for the distance-specific 100.7-miler so that I have to do the distance.
And I will do the distance.
No partial credit. No pat on the back for a good effort.
It’s finish or fail. All or nothing.
Notchview is officially a go.
Chris Wristen 