What nobody tells you about ultra running

MeanderingMammal

The people who cheer you on in a road marathon are the spectators – The people that do it in an ultra are your competitors

http://angryjogger.com/10-things-they-dont-tell-you-when-you-go-from-road-running-to-ultra-marathons.html

spiriteagle99

I've read a few race reports from ultras and the camaraderie sounds incredible. I would really enjoy that part. However, I'm not enough of a masochist to go for the longer distances. I have a hard enough time with 26.2. I suck at long runs. I always struggle. Going from 4+ hours to 6 or 10 or 12 or more, is not something I am likely to do.

lornaharton

Sounds like fun :-D

MeanderingMammal

spiriteagle99 wrote: »

I have a hard enough time with 26.2. I suck at long runs. I always struggle.

I find the 50K distance easier than a marathon. I don't hit the wall, which is a huge bonus.

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

I'm in awe that people can push them selves to these distances.

I struggle beyond 15 miles.

The human body and mind is just so impressive.

lporter229

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

The people who cheer you on in a road marathon are the spectators – The people that do it in an ultra are your competitors

http://angryjogger.com/10-things-they-dont-tell-you-when-you-go-from-road-running-to-ultra-marathons.html

I would say that runners in general are very supportive of one another. My husband snapped this photo while spectating the Boston marathon on Monday. The runner leaning on the fence fell over and the other two guys helped him to the medic.

girlinahat

@lporter229 I did a double-take at that picture. Running on blades AND being kind enough to stop and help. Well done that man.

Hope all managed to finish safely.

deannalfisher

I have friends who are ultra-runners - one is doing a 100miler this weekend - he said its nothing like a marathon - much smaller, close knit groups of people

MeanderingMammal

And now, the other side of the equation:

http://angryjogger.com/the-pitfalls-and-pains-of-ultra-marathon-running.html

Vladimirnapkin

This guy is pretty funny.