Can We Just Talk About Ultra Marathoners??

They are a HAPPY breed.
They run with wider smiles than most.
You don't see the newest equipment, no sparkles, no dressing to impress!
You don't see the television cameras filming their training, nor their fantastic finishes.
You DO see a lot of dusty socks, you DO hear a lot of hooting and hollering as athletes leave the rest stops, off for more fun.
You DO see a joy and enthusiasm for being out there on the trails, facing some wicked wind and surviving a course that consisted mostly of hills!
Chapped lips, no makeup, bugs in their teeth(and nose and ears and....)yet, they make it look SO FUN!!

In the faces of the runners,   I saw extreme humbleness, a dedication and respect to their long, long training and perseverance on a course that was threatening, yet, beautiful.

Ultra runners are a tough group.  They don't get a milar blanket at the end of their 50 miler.  They don't get a goodie  bag full of bagels, a bottle of water, a banana nor a LONG line of volunteers shouting "Congratulations."  In this case,  the finish line was peppered with a few husbands and wives, friends or training partners,  just waiting(sometimes hours) for their runner to end their long trek.  Not a lot of fanfare,  Sometimes, not even a pat on the back nor a bottle of water.

No, the ULTRA runner is pretty much on her own.  She starts off with barely a murmur in the crowd,  no National Anthem and no spectators around to push her emotionally up the many hills that will threaten and impede her pace.  Sometimes,  walking will be the ONLY way to survive the rocky, menacing trails. The support comes from within.  From her training.  Her hours on a Saturday, dedicated to putting time on her feet. The mental game for the ultra runner is finishing, finishing strong.  Feeling strong.  The pressure of the pace is over ridden by the hills and valleys of the course,  running with flow is the goal. It's about meeting the CHALLENGES OF THE COURSE(and the mind),

Witnessing my  BS power out his first 50k and having the privilege of zigzagging all over the local roads of Palm Dale to just catch a glimpse of BS' and his  training partner,  Gazelle,  was a treat.  Both ran the 50k and it was equally exciting watching the 50 miler runners coming in at just over 7 hours.  They were all strong, they were all tough, they were all incredible long distance runners.

Interestingly,  the "winners" of the 50k and the 50 miler intermingled after the race.  Some were actually "elites" but you'd never know it.  They looked and acted like REGULAR FOLK.  Just as dirty, just as SPASTIC and HAPPY, just as humble.

I was so proud of BS this last weekend.  He has overcome some tough things these past few months. Personally and with his running.   He has overcome some ankle issues, a foot issue and still, he pressed on. Besides the obvious family blessings that we've shared,  I don't think I've ever seen him happier.  Gazelle pr'd by nearly 30 minutes on her 50k race and finished strong.  Again, I've known this girl for a while and I've never seen her so confident, so full of JOY after a run.
I respect you both tremendously,  watching you both and cruising the hills with G was even better than watching the Royal Wedding!

Happy Mother's Day Ladies,  you are all inspiring runners and mothers, I hope you had a perfect day!
Love you guys, can't wait for your next one!!!