Thinking of doing an ultramarathon or wondering what is an ultramarathon?

Thinking of doing an ultramarathon or wondering what is an ultramarathon?

So what is an ultramarathon? Typically it is a race that extends past the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles. It can be a 50K, 50 mile, 100k, 150k, 100 mile and some even farther.

 The Badwater Ultramarathon is considered to be one of the toughest races. It’s a 135-mile course starting at the Badwater Basin in California's Death Valley. Then you have the Western States 100 which starts in Squaw Valley California and is the oldest 100 mile trail race in the world. Plus there are plenty more crazy races and distances like these. Some are even 6 days long. Whomever completes the most miles in 6 days wins. There is also the Barcley Marathon which if you haven’t seen or heard about it, definitely check it out. It’s absolutely insane and hilarious! You can catch it on YouTube.

Ultramarathons have definitely seen a surge in popularity. More races are added each year and the number of participants is quickly rising. I’ve been kicking around the idea for the past 2 years and have finally decided to take the leap.

My son Tyler and I are training for the WC-50 Ultra Trail Marathon, October 14^th in Charlotte North Carolina. When he first asked me to do it, I said “sure, I’m up for a 50K”. I’ve done marathons, and with proper training, felt pretty good about pulling off a 50K trail race. At which point he said “no, not the 50K the 50 miler”. I have to say, the sound of a 50 miler was far more daunting than 50K. But I said “OK” and here I am.The training is going well. I found a great “16 Week First 50K Training Plan” on Competitor.com. When the 16 weeks is up, I can then fold in the 50 mile training piece. This plan suited my life style better than some of the others. If you’re going to jump in on an ultra or any endurance race, definitely look at the different training plans and see which one works for you best. Several plans had you running 6 days a week and that’s not for me. I like to cross train, and this one allows me to do that. I think it’s best if your training plan is one that’s realistic and you know you’ll stick with.

This past fall I had an opportunity to go to Carrboro, NC for a mini Fleet Feet conference. One of the owners of Fleet Feet Seattle, Brian Morrison, was there with us. Brian is an accomplished ultramarathon runner. At our conference we had the privilege of seeing a new documentary “A Decade on”. It’s about Brian’s decade long quest to complete the Western States 100. Brian’s first attempt was 2006 where he had a comfortable first place lead and his body failed him at the last moment. He was assisted across the finish, which was a disqualification. Brian made several other attempts and the documentary follows his final attempt to get it done. His wife and co-owner Andrea is a big part of the film as she had always been there supporting a crewing Brian. You’ll have to watch the video to see what happens. It was produced and filmed by The Ginger Runner, (gingerrunner.com). It’s just an awesome film. Very heart wrenching and inspiring all at the same time. Check out the YouTube video, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OArKXKj5PeU) it’s amazing. It’s only 45 minutes long but a fantastic and a well told story that I know you will love.

We hope to see you out there. Stay safe, healthy and happy!

 Edgar