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2025 Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra Pre-Race Mindset

Dr. Russ Reinbolt


Arctic Solitude
Arctic Solitude

Before my big races, I'm usually bounding with confidence. Not this year. I've got "baggage," that is definitely weighing me down.

Up until one week ago, my biggest worry was my swollen and still painful left ankle where I had removal of a chunk of bone that was rubbing into my Achilles tendon and adjacent bursa.

One week ago, I picked up a horrible cough that hits me once per year, every year, usually during flu season. I have coughing attacks that drive me (and everyone around me) absolutely crazy. It's not infectious. I diagnosed myself with Non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. (NAEB). Inhaled steroids takes care of it but not until about two weeks of treatment.

Thirdly, I still have my lingering but improved heart issue. Ever since the last Covid booster shot (yes, I said it!), my heart rate sporadically slows when it reaches around 140. But it hasn't bothered me for the last month. Last year at Yukon, my heart did the opposite and was racing at 150 bpm at a checkpoint and I couldn't slow it down, forcing me to drop from the race. (In hindsight, I think it was mainly from too much caffeine and not enough fluids though)

I'm pretty sure it won't be an issue this year but it still worries me because of all I've been through with it. And... because it's my frickin' heart! I don't want anything serious to happen anytime...but especially out in the remote, frigid Arctic.

Finally, I had to cut back my training greatly because of my ankle surgery two months ago. My fitness level is high as I've done lots of high intensity training, but I don't have the volume of training like I've done in the past.

So: I've changed my mindset for this year's Yukon Arctic Ultra. More than ever before, I will employ my Four Pillars of Extreme Greatness: Patience, Persistence, Dedication and Discipline. (P2D2) I don't have any expectations. I will just focus on going checkpoint to checkpoint. Finally, this year I am much more at peace personally and professionally. I think these factors will outbalance the "baggage"; I'm bringing to the race.

Thanks to all of you for your support. Remember: NO REGRETS!

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