I’ve been reading a lot about ultra running lately. I read blogs written by people who run from 50k to the 135 mile Bad Water Ultra that starts in Death Valley.
All of this reading has started me to wondering what my limitations really are. Have I ever really pushed myself? My running this year has increased tremendously over previous years mainly because I have been consistent through the middle of the year rather than dropping off.
So I wonder …can I run a 50k? Surely I can. It is less than six miles longer than a marathon.
Can I run 50 miles? … almost two marathons back-to-back?
What about 100?
Late last week I had been reading blogs by people who are attempting the Western States Endurance Run (100 miles) this weekend. I started looking at 100 mile races closer to home without the insanity of mountains and canyons. I found the Arkansas Traveler 100 - one hundred miles in the hills of Arkansas in October. I thought to myself “maybe someday …”
Then I woke up Saturday morning and struggled through a tough, hot, humid 12 miler and my hopes were dashed. How stupid could I be to think that my body could hold up to running 100 miles?
Today at lunch I read through the Western States Endurance Run program. I wonder …
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
- T.S. Eliot
All of this reading has started me to wondering what my limitations really are. Have I ever really pushed myself? My running this year has increased tremendously over previous years mainly because I have been consistent through the middle of the year rather than dropping off.
So I wonder …can I run a 50k? Surely I can. It is less than six miles longer than a marathon.
Can I run 50 miles? … almost two marathons back-to-back?
What about 100?
Late last week I had been reading blogs by people who are attempting the Western States Endurance Run (100 miles) this weekend. I started looking at 100 mile races closer to home without the insanity of mountains and canyons. I found the Arkansas Traveler 100 - one hundred miles in the hills of Arkansas in October. I thought to myself “maybe someday …”
Then I woke up Saturday morning and struggled through a tough, hot, humid 12 miler and my hopes were dashed. How stupid could I be to think that my body could hold up to running 100 miles?
Today at lunch I read through the Western States Endurance Run program. I wonder …
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
- T.S. Eliot
