Monday, October 20, 2008

Yes, I am an ultramarathoner!

About a week before the crazy weekend-long run, I asked the question: will I really be an ultramarathoner? I mean, I was doing this over 2 days, and you normally have to continuously run to have it all considered one race.

I decided that that was a dumb rule. I thought about the pain and the distance and the fatigue and the fighting of injuries, and you know what? I'm an ultramarathoner... for two reasons, actually.
  1. On the first day, I ran 27.18 miles, so by the technical definition, anything more than a marathon is an ultramarathon, I did it that on day 1.
  2. More importantly, I think ShirleyPerly said it best. If you feel in your heart that you're an ultramarathoner, then you are one. And you know what? I do!
48 miles was a staggeringly long and difficult distance and it required me to fight through physical pain and mental fatigue more than any marathon I've ever run or ever will run. This run changed me and reminded me that I can do whatever I want if I put my mind to it.

So, let me say it again: I AM AN ULTRAMARATHONER!

5 comments:

Petraruns said...

You are amazing! It's an incredible achievement, you are brave to even contemplate it and you are DEFINITELY an ultramarathoner. I am very impressed and you did a fabulous job. Well done!

Marlene said...

That took some crazy determination... WTG!

ShirleyPerly said...

Great to hear you say it! I don't think what anyone else says really matters.

Runner Leana said...

Congratulations! What an amazing feat, and I think that definitely makes you an ultramarathoner!

Susan said...

YES YOU ARE!!! And I am proud.