The Heart of an Ultramarathoner...The Body of a 5K Runner

I am reading an amazing book titled, "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall. I will review it soon, but in short it looks at an amazing trible of ultramarathoners in Mexico. As you may know I am also a huge fan of ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes. It is safe to assume I am drawn to the ultramarathon. Sadly though, I know I can't run one.

For definition purposes an ultramarathon is a race longer than 26.2 miles. There are 50 mile, 100 mile, and probably 200 mile races that these hearty souls go out and attack. The climb mountains, endure the heat of the desert, wade through water and mud, always pushing their bodies to the ultimate limit.

I think it is that push, the desire to test your body which draws me in. Of course they are also testing themselves in some of the most stunning and fascinating places on Earth. My test is 26.2 miles, and I know I am even limited in that. I know my body is not a marathon body. My training for past marathons, and the race itself has pushed me hard. Anything beyond that might do more harm.

So I have to find the challenges in the races I can do. I have to find how hard I can go at shorter distances, with the occasional marathon. Inside though....I have the heart and desire of an ultramarathoner. I think once I realized I could go 26.2, I wondered about more.

Let's be clear, I am not saying I am going to start training for an ultra. I don't think I should. I think it would be horrible for my body. Still I can wish it.

Charlie