Most of us dream of breaking just one record, but how about breaking seven in a single race? That’s the stuff legends are made of, and in our books, 75-year-old Jean Dykes fits the bill, even though she’s already a regular at getting incredible scores. This famous American ultrarunner ran 12 hours of the Dusk to Dawn Track Ultra in Pennsylvania (USA) over the weekend and there he managed to write a new chapter: seven American records in the Masters category in a single race, and its Moreover, he did this when he was ill.
“I told people that I am fighting the 3 Cs here. Two weeks ago I was infected with Covid and had cold symptoms before the race. Six months ago, I was diagnosed with blood cancer and it took me a long time. affecting tempo. A lot, but I have a theory that it doesn’t affect overtones, and it seems to have been confirmed,” Dykes said.
In the 12-hour race, Jean broke the 100 km barrier and won Masters over 25 km (2:48:33), 30 km (3:24:08), 50 km (3:24:08), Created seven records by setting national records in the category. 5:40:39), 20 miles (3:41:28), 50 miles (9:25:10), and 100 kilometers (11:56:26). He also holds the record for the longest distance covered in 12 hours (100,481 m) in the 75–79 year old men category. The race was not easy for the accomplished runner, who admitted to Canadian Running that he was not at his best.
“The only symptom I have is when I’m running fast I can’t breathe enough, but when you’re running 12 hours, you’re never going that hard. I was really happy.” That I could last 12 hours with all of those health issues.” Nevertheless, Dykes was confident in his ability to break several records –as mentioned on twitterThere was never much controversy over the many distances on the track – but he admitted that the 100km was a particular challenge.
“After [marca de 50 kilómetros]My team calculated the speed I would need to cover a distance of 100 kms in 12 hours.” Dykes also via Twitter, “I picked up some speed (it’s not an easy task) and vowed to myself that I would keep spinning until I couldn’t anymore. I really thought I had no chance, that I might Will get flat tires, nausea, or just too tired to make it.”
Dykes described this week’s race – the longest he has run since being diagnosed with cancer – as “probably the toughest he’s ever run.” “Of course, it will be some time before I can forget the horrors of such a race and foolishly sign up for another,” he said.
But the accomplishment was a huge confidence booster for his next goal: the 100-mile Western States Endurance Race in California next June, where he’s set to make history as the oldest runner in the race. Due to the pressure of performing well in Western States, Dykes, who did not start running until he was 60, pushed himself to achieve his 100 km goal.
“I had to take a chance because the big race is next month,” he said. “It’s a great event. I have a sponsor and everyone expects me to be the oldest runner ever. So I thought: If I can’t run 12 hours, how am I going to run 30?” Regardless of the outcome next month, the self-proclaimed “ultra-geyser” is happy to try. “There are many ways to enjoy running,” Dykes says. “I’m so lucky”.
