It’s now one month since I ran my first ultramarathon, the 50 mile individual of the Keys100 series (Marathon Key to Key West), and thought I’d take a moment to share my memories of the experience. For background, I’ve been a runner for most of my adult life, and though I’ve done numerous half and full marathons, this was my first attempt at a race longer than a marathon.
To start, let me say that this was, without question, the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. I knew that an ultra would be tough, but I really can’t describe the mental and physical struggle that race was for me. Beyond the obvious challenge that a race that long presents, I made a slew of stupid mistakes that nearly cost me any hope of finishing. In fact, had it not been for an unusually cool day (only 85 degrees or so, as opposed to the normal 90+ temperatures), I’m certain I would have dropped out.
So, as for those mistakes, they really were “rookie” errors that I guess I have to blame on nerves. First, I messed up my hydration (sports drink instead of water), which soured my stomach. Then, since my stomach was upset, I wasn’t eating. So, there I was at mile 15 having had 2/3 of a LaraBar and maybe 16 ounces of liquid. Once my crew had the “light bulb” moment that I needed water and switched out my hydration pack, things improved a bit. The problem, of course, was that I had really burned through my energy stores in that first 15 miles, and was fighting an uphill hydration and nutrient battle for the rest of the race. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention how vital my crew was to my finishing the race. Without their support, both verbal and supplies, I could not have finished the day.
The other thing I realized during this race was how mentally tough it was to be out there for 14 hours with very few people around other than my crew, which I met at roughly 3 mile increments. If you’ve ever run a marathon, you may be used to seeing other runners and many spectators throughout the race. This race was a different animal, due to the length and the location. That said, the people I DID encounter made me understand why the ultra community is such a close-knit group. Any runner I saw took the time to talk to me about the race (how many have you done, how are you doing, etc.), and I started doing the same. It was these people, struggling through the same challenge, which kept me going.
Thinking back on the race, I remember how cramped I was at the end (I had to stop every 15 minutes to stretch my legs to keep the muscles moving) and how tired I was at the finish. I also remember how foolish I felt for going from 26.2 right to 50, without trying a 50K or 40 miler first. That said, I can’t wait to run my next 50.
In the end, I learned something that I think applies to many of us, regardless of the distance we’re training to run. I learned that the body can do extraordinary things, as long as the mind stays focused on the goal. More importantly, I learned the reason I ran that race, and the reason that I’ll run longer races in the future. After all, until I try a distance and fail…and then try again and fail again…it’s only then that I’ll know my personal limitation.
So, you’ll keep finding me out there, running longer and tougher ultramarathons until I finally can’t make the distance. It’s the only way I’ll really be able to learn what my body, and my mind, can handle.
