I run happy.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

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!!!

28 comments:

  1. Ultra runners are a breed apart. There are no egos - because they are all battling the same thing. Congrats to BS - to complete 50k is a huge achievement.

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  2. Having just read and reviewed "Running on Empty" has definitely given me a glimpse inside that world. There is something very genuine about ultra runners.
    Happy Mother's Day Meg!

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  3. A BIG congratulations and GREAT job to BS!!! Awesome way to start his ultra career! Hopefully he keeps his big grin plastered across his face all week. The trail races do have a really nice, relaxed, friendly vibe. And who says no makeup when running on trails??? LOL! Have a great week, both of you!

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  4. I never knew there was such a race...that is awesome! Congrats to him! I'm so inspired by the support that you have for each other's running!

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  5. Congrats to BS! I suppose it would take someone with a great and happy wit about themselves to participate in ultras. I would venture to guess there's a lot of digging down deep to push on. Wow.

    Happy Mother's Day, Meg!

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  6. Love that pic of the three of them! They all look like they just went to Disneyland--or ran a 50K:)'

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  7. Thanks for the little view of what its like to be an ultra runner trail runner. Bugs in their teeth? Right up my alley. lol. Congrats to BS on his finish, and your friend. Happy Running. Cheers.

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  8. I loved this post so very much. Congrats to BS, and to Gazelle! And truly, the support from family/friends is something so beautiful, it cannot be expressed in words. Hope you had an awesome Mother's Day!

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  9. Congrats to BS and Gazelle! What a feat. Ultra runners inspire me heck out of me.

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  10. What a beautiful tribute to ultra runners and especially BS and Gazelle.

    Congrats for the both of them.

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  11. Hey, where did the lime green background go???? I liked it - very Springy! We will put our heads together and come up with a few Fall trail races for you guys. What length are you looking for and how high on the scenic scale would you like???!!! How fun! :-)

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  12. Since making the switch to trail races and ultra distances, I can not imagine doing anything else. There is very little comparison between road running and trail running for me. Sharing in the ultra runner attitude is what racing is about for me.
    Congrats to BS for joining the ranks of the often muddy, bloody-kneed, dileriously smiling, leave no man behind group of crazies who run through the woods, across the creeks, up and down mountains simply because it's so dang fun!!!

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  13. Ugh.

    This is my third attempt at posting this. I'll cut to the chase since I'm tired of retyping. High five to your BS for finishing his first 50k!!!!

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  14. meg - i so agree! i started running with a trail group about two months ago and a few of the experienced runners took me under their wings - and i've not looked back. now i download my garmin after a long run not to see the distance and the pace, but to say to my husband - hey, look how HIGH i climbed today. ;)

    congrats to bs and to gazelle!
    hugs!

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  15. Aw Man, I am mad at B.S. He told me that Ultras had the newest equipment, sparkles, and everyone was dressed to impressed. That's the only reason I started running with him on trails. And now you are telling me it was all a lie. No mylar blankets! I have a bone to pick with B.S.

    Alright, I'll get serious. This was a great post Meg. You sure can write. B.S. and Gazelle rocked it too. Very cool. I look forward to more trails runs with those two. And you, if you grace us with your presence.

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  16. Poetic as usual Meg.
    Now when is YOUR 50-miler?

    Congrats to BS and happy mother's day to You!

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  17. Lovely post Meg! Congrats to BS and Gazelle! To me this is what running is all about. This is where “run for the love of it” really comes into its own. Hope you had a good Mothers Day. Cheers to the ultra runners!

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  18. Yay for BS and Gazelle and all ultra runners! It's a great place to be. I love your post it is so eloquent and right on!

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  19. Congrats to BS!! I can totally see myself here at some point! Even reading about it gets me excited!! A certain freedom that I just LONG for sometimes....

    Great little tribute! Great writing! I hope you're doing well Meg. Hope the foot is coming around...I think of you so often! I'm thankful for your awesome support system! Hope you had an awesome Mother's Day!

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  20. Congrats to BS & happy mom day! :)

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  21. all the books I have read share these sentiments when it comes to ULTRAS. I will never run one (I mean it!) but admire the hell out of those who do!!!

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  22. i loooove the pic you have up right now!!

    On the Green Monster, mine are usually only around 200 cals because I probably need to add more protein powder or something, so that doesn't keep me full to long. I have them with eggs or oatmeal depending on the day

    but lots of folks make them more robust and they hold them for hours. I just use banana, spinach, broccoli, cucumber, green powder, maca powder, water and 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk. If i want to make it heartier i use yogurt or add in Vega protein powder (still just not a fan of the taste)

    ok that's really long!

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  23. Ultrarunners are truly amazing. I hope to be one soon!!

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  24. Meg--I've been missing your posts somehow, so I haven't even made a comment since before boston. First, on that one--so sorry it turned out that way. Your attitude is so inspiring, I have to say! I hope you are back in fighting shape asap.

    Now onto BS and his ultra--awesome job! You're so right--ultra runners do it for the joy, pure and simple. I really respect that. Congrats to BS and all the others you got to cheer on. When will you be joining them??

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  25. Awesome result, awesome post. Grats to B.S. I loved your description of the ultrarunner. So much truth in that. Well done all around.

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  26. This is why I'm running (figuratively speaking) trails and less roads these days. When was the last time you heard an ultra runner complaining about porta potty lines?

    Give BS my congrats on his first 50K!

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  27. I am always in awe of anyone running more than a half marathon ... but even MORE in awe of the ultra marathoners. The conditions, the distance ... major kudos to them!

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  28. That is why I love running trails with ultra folks. :) Congrats to BS!!!

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