Challenge Your Challenge

95 miles out of a 100 are done before a 7 hour (extended to 7 hours and 41 minutes) drive to Charleston, S.C. on a Friday morning. I purposely did this because I wanted the challenge of running non-stop across the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge (connecting Mount Pleasant to Charleston, S.C.) to complete a 16^th consecutive 100-mile week. Over 4 months ago I crossed this bridge but I had to take walking breaks.

The temperature is a supportive 50F with 12 mph NW winds (and 70% humidity). When putting on my dependable Bondi 3 Hokas a disappointing noticeable torn area appears on the medial side of the right shoe between the fabric and the sole. This will be their last run. I could discard them now but I want to give these shoes an opportunity to go out on a high note, they have supported me exceptionally well for 100s of miles.

During a mile warm-up I have found a compact crushed gravel trail that is both perfectly forgiving and supportive, and shares pleasing views while keeping the bridge ominously in sight in the distance.

After engaging the first quarter-mile on the steep side of the bridge ascent while cutting a direct headwind I entertained the thought, “Running nonstop to one side is not enough. You have to, no, you want to run nonstop all the way across and back. Don’t walk/stop at the turnaround.” This headwind was engaged for 2 miles (going North).

With this new commitment my gait found a patiently determined pace, becoming consciously aware of my breathing to find a physical synergy between my respiratory rate and muscles. Thank you yoga.

There were several other runners and walkers on the course. Thinking of my friend Paul G. who is the most emotionally in-the-moment generous athlete I have ever known, I share a thumbs-up and good job with as many as possible to support their commitment to crossing the Cooper River on this 4km span of concrete.

After the turn-around, due to the change in bearing of the bridge, the first half-mile is also in a headwind. This side of the ascent is very gradual, a steady uphill climb. A major benefit in this direction was that quarter-mile markers came into view within the normal window of a steadfast forward gaze, I hadn’t noticed them before. Within a quarter-mile of reaching the top, RunKeeper’s notification was just loud enough over the continuous traffic flow to communicate a sub 9 minute pace. I didn’t expect this to happen before or during this attempt, I just wanted to run the whole bridge in both directions nonstop, to challenge my challenge.

  

Time = 42:49, Distance = 5 miles, Pace = 8:34/mile

(just the bridge, does not include warmup and cool down)