UltraRunning

I've been running quite a lot lately, often morning and evening. All runs allow me gobs of time for reflection. Occasionally I'll find myself not paying as much attention to the cars, stepping in ditches and other such less than focused behavior. Aside from the pitfalls, the reflection time is actually when I do much of my writing - though most of that material never makes it to this or any other venue. Carrying a pen and paper is simply not part of the borderline nude compulsory running attire.

Anyway, I often think about the physical limits of people. I'm incredibly impressed with folks like Lance Armstrong and elite marathoners. These folks are true endurance athletes. I'm not even remotely in their category, and few people are. I've only run three marathons, which is really nothing to write home about. They've been good experiences; fun, interesting, insightful. Lots of good and nice people - ordinary people, really, which is what makes the marathon so compelling. I truly enjoy meeting everyday folks and the marathon has lots of them.

But as I contemplate my next big run I realize that completing another marathon will lack fulfillment for me (as an aside, I plan on running more marathons, but they will no longer be my end goal). It's not that it's easy - because it's not. I suppose I'm just curious as to where my particular limits are.

With this in mind I've decided to make the switch to UltraRunning. What is this, you ask? What a perfect question.UltraRunning, technically, is any amount of running beyond a marathon (26.2 miles). Now, also technically, this would mean a 26.3 mile run would qualify. I guess that's true but it sorta misses the idea. As far as I've learned, most 'UltraMarathons' are of three varieties: 50K (about 32 miles), 50 miles, or 100 miles. Many of the annual Ultras are held either partially or entirely on trails and over mountainous terrain which makes things even more interesting.

The really groovy thing about UltraRunning, as far as I can figure, is that it's simply about finishing. Sure there are some elites working on personal records (PRs) but most of the UltraRunning culture seems firmly rooted in the mantra "to complete is to win" (Ok I made that specific mantra up, but you get the idea). I've never considered myself a speed runner. I sometimes run 5Ks (3.1 miles) and the real speed demons are like broomsticks with legs - long legs at that. I just don't have the build. And to be honest, I enjoy long runs because I get to see stuff - trees and animals (dead ones, mostly). I admit I've had a passing interest in UltraRunning over the past year or so.

Then I read an article in Runners World - no more than a blurb really - about Dean Karnazes. What an amazing endurance athlete (check out his site if you'd like to learn more). When his book came out maybe 6 months later I was thrilled, purchased it on amazon and read it in two days. Amazing guy, amazing things. But I wasn't totally hooked yet. I was close, but not completely behind the idea of UltraRunning for me. Until I followed Dean's book with a compilation of personal accounts with the UltraMarathon. Here were my ordinary folks. The people that I enjoyed being around. Full time workers, people with families, hobbies, pets whatever. And they ran a lot. All the time, in fact. Training runs were 30 miles. How cool is that. It was this book that pushed me over the edge and allowed me to personally commit to this goal.

So with this in mind, I formally declare my first UltraRunning event. For me, once I put a goal out there, in the public, then it's for real. Until then I can still cancel, disappointing only myself. But once public, it's a go. Sometime in August - likely the first weekend. It will be 60 miles and run on part of the Delaware River Mule Trail. I will come in first. I will also come in last. I will set the race record. This is mostly because it's all my idea and no one else is running it. So I will own it. Come see me on the finish line 12 or so hours later. I'm sure I'll be chippur.

Once this one is under my belt, I'll re-evaluate my UltraRunning idea, deciding if it's a fleeting thought or a more permanent fixture. But until then, I'll keep logging the miles. I'm also looking for a training partner. Anyone want to go for a run?

All runs, this one included, are for mom.