Favorite post of 2008

Looking back at 2008, I have a lot of posts that I look back fondly on, but I think my favorite post comes from October 20. It was the day after my 48 Miles in 48 Hours run and I was on a huge high. Though, truth be told, I'm still on a bit of a high from it.

It was the post where I recognized that I was in fact an ultramarathoner. It wasn't a long post and there were certainly other contenders (detailed in the year-end review), but I think this is the post that puts the biggest smile on my face. It's re-posted below.

Happy New Year!

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!


This was written as part of the Runner's Lounge Take It and Run Thursday.