any fellow ultra runners out there?

I've done a bunch of 50Ks and two 50 milers. Next year the plan is at least a couple of 50 milers (and numerous 50Ks), and in 2013 I will attempt my first 100 miler. But yes, anything over 42.2K is considered an ultra marathon. The majority of my races are on technical trail so they're more difficult (and longer time on my feet) than road running.

What motivates me is how personal the experience is. I am not fast, but I am determined. To complete a race for me is the ultimate reward and high. I feel such a sense of achievement when I finish. It's hard to explain.

With regards to nutrition, you do eat solid food during an ultra event as opposed to just electrolytes/gels like you typically would with a shorter distance race. But there's definitely a deficit, so it is a lot about recovery afterwards. My problem is I find I tend to overcompensate (and reward) after a race, and also now that I've been running for a few years my body has become more efficient and therefore does not burn as much while running (training) as it did when I first started. I'd ideally like to lose about 30 lbs to get down to about 145 lbs, but right now the main goal is to get back down below 160.

Thanks Kirsty! Beautiful scenery in your profile pic by the way.

ludger I see you've completed Haliburton. That was my first 50 miler, and I'm hoping to do 100 there (I may attempt Sulphur 100 miler first depending on how my training goes). I'm sure we've likely ran past each other in a race or two. My plan for next year is to do most of the Ultra series again. It was my plan this year, but I had several bad races and DNFs due to a lack of training. I've set a goal to complete a 60K race in Kentucky in March 2012 (Land Between the Lakes). I'm hoping that will keep me motivated to train over the winter. I will attempt to figure out how to add you as a friend. Any insight you have would be fantastic.