Colorado’s David Roche isn’t simply coaching for Western States 100 (WSER)—he could also be redefining what’s doable. A coach, author and ultrarunning phenom, Roche made waves when he shattered the Leadville 100 course report, a efficiency so dominant it was chosen as Path Efficiency of the 12 months. Now, he’s providing a behind-the-scenes journey as he chases a daring purpose: to face on high of the rostrum at WSER.
“I’m in it to win it”
Roche likens his journey to WSER as greater than a coaching plan—it’s additionally a science experiment together with his personal physique as the topic. Within the intro to his sequence, he mirrored on his 18 years of endurance coaching, likening every day to laying a brick in a construction he couldn’t but envision. “Now, I get 166 extra alternatives to put down bricks to the dream I by no means actually let myself absolutely think about,” he stated.
However Roche is doing greater than dreaming—he’s decided to chase that first-place end.“I do know it in all probability ruffles some feathers once I say that I’m in it to win it. I’m not that man, proper? Deep down, I positively don’t assume I’m. Nicely… I used to be fallacious each instances earlier than.”
Redefining the playbook
To make historical past, Roche is aware of he can’t play by the same old ultrarunning guidelines. His plan? Present up with “track-ready 5K health” to outpace even the most effective within the sport. He’s throwing himself into speedwork and operating economic system like by no means earlier than, aiming to push boundaries and rewrite the expectations of a 100-mile race. “I’m going to get quick. Actually quick,” he says.
Why you’ll wish to watch
Roche is inviting the world to comply with his journey in a brand new YouTube sequence, Highway to Western States, with the primary episode titled “Shock the World.” Roche provides a uncooked, unfiltered take a look at what it takes to chase greatness. From pace exercises to GI coaching, psychological challenges, fueling and extra, Roche’s movies provide a front-row seat to an athlete keen to danger all of it for a shot at making historical past.
“Perhaps it can work. Perhaps I’ll crash and burn,” he says. “Both means, I’ll have a narrative to inform.” For anybody who’s ever dreamed huge or rooted for the underdog, that is the story to observe. Try Episode 1 of Highway to Western States right here, directed by Cody Naked, and put together to be impressed.