Hello running family! My name is Deirdre but you know me as Dee. So excited to be heading back for my 4th Ultimate this year. Every year has brought a new challenge, new goals and very sweet people into my life. And the quest for that perfect tank top!
Follow this blog for profiles on the 2018 ENDURrun Ultimate Contenders.
Related: Full blog series | Full list of Contenders
After an Ultimate hiatus of one year, we’re super excited to have Deirdre Large back on the other side of the start line this year!
ENDURrun: How will your ENDURrun 2018 compare to previous years?
Deirdre: I’m hoping to finish each stage before the cutoff! This wasn’t really a concern in past years but with my recovery now I’m a bit worried.
What are the key pieces of advice to Rookies that you’ve learned over the years?
Get plenty of sleep between stages. RELAX as best you can between stages. Enjoy and embrace all the “non racing” parts of the week. It’s a very special experience when you do.
For someone who has never been to ENDURrun week, what should they expect?
They can expect to be welcomed with open arms, cared for as a competitor in all aspects of racing and end every day well fed.
What about ENDURrun keeps you coming back?
all of the above! And the Schmidt family <3
What are your ENDURrun 2018 stories?
My first ENDURrun in 2014 was part of my #bigscarygoals year. First 30km race, first full marathon and finally, first Ultimate at ENDURrun that year. My goal every year is to not fall at Chicopee Stage 5 (still a thing), RUN up the hill every loop at Bechtel Stage 3 (nope) and not lose a toenail. One outta three ain’t bad…..
What are you most looking forward to about ENDURrun 2018?
The people. Always the people. And happy healthy Lloyd.
What are you nervous about, if anything?
Making the cutoffs for every stage!
Can you share any details of your training?
I’ve always tried to do a few back to back long runs. Get used to running on tired legs. And a bunch of runs on Wilmot Line, hills glorious hills! We are very lucky to live so close and train on the actual routes.
What is your runner profile? How long have you been running, general mileage, surfaces, etc.
I’ve been running for 10 years, mostly daily short runs and 5km races for the first 5 years. But in the last 5 years I started training and running marathons, trail races (25 and 50km races) and even finished my first triathlon last year! But I still love my 8-10km daily runs around the neighbourhood the most.
What else would you like to share?
This week always feels like going home. The athletes, the volunteers, the supporters cheering us on and the Schmidt family. I still haven’t found any other running experience quite like it.
What is the most important part of the ENDURrun identity that appeals to you?
One Tough Runner. I think the fact that it is a multi-stage race is very appealing. And that it is accessible to all levels of runners if they put in the training.
What can we follow-up with you about in August for a profile part 2?
If my stress fracture survived the week.