Epiphany

Yesterday morning, Scott and I hit the trail for a run that lasted little over 2 hours. While I was out there, running on tired, achy legs in the pouring rain, I came to realize why people run ultra marathons.

Ultra Marathons?? Yes, that's a race that is more than the typical marathon distance of 26.2 miles.  So, it might be anything from 50K (31 miles) to 100 miles or more. I guess I always figured that people who do 50-mile or 100-mile races must really love running. I mean, you'd have to really love something to do it for 6, 10 or even 24 hours, right? What about those people who vie for a spot to run the Badwater UltraMarathon? Holy cow, that's 135 miles through Death Valley during July with an elevation gain of 13,000 feet. That's just insane!

The mere thought of running the Badwater race, makes me cringe. Um, no, thank you. I mean, obviously, my hat is off to those crazy motherfuckers, er, I mean utterly elite, tough, and strong-willed athletes. I'm totally in awe of those folks. Personally, I can't imagine taking on such a challenge. You would have to have a passion for running that extends beyond the limits of most everyday runners. I am an everyday runner, and I don't have any desire to run more than say 3 or 4 hours. Period.

My very pedestrian runner self has read a little bit about ultra running. I've picked up Born to Run, and various articles in running magazines. I have wondered about the motivation and will that drives these people to run that long and far, and I always figured that there was something special about the people. But, yesterday, I came to a different realization about it. It is not only the superiority of the people who run almost endlessly. There is more to it.

First of all, I have noticed that most ultra marathon races are run on trails.  Coincidence? Doubtful.

Hagg Lake Trail 25K 2012

I have run a couple of trail races. Last year, I ran the Hagg Lake Trail Run 25K. Compared to any road race I've ever completed, this race can officially be put into the "Adventure" category. The race is affectionately called, "The Mud Run." And, that's no joke. I ran two training runs out there last year, but the muddiest day by far was race day. It was so slippery and wet, it was almost comical. I fell down at least 6 times, and so did everyone else. I was slipping so much going UPHILL that the woman behind me help give me a little "push" on my behind. I'm usually not too keen on the idea of someone touching my ass, but was very thankful to her for that shove. Thanks, Lady.

Sometimes, you need a push in the butt. Seriously.

I want to run more trail races. Running on a trail is different from running on a paved road or path in a lot of ways. Some would argue that trail running and road running are practically different sports. Maybe?  I have excuses for not finding the trails more during my runs.  The biggest is that I'd have to drive to the trail.  I already feel the time squeeze for getting my runs done.  But, I think that if you want to do something bad enough, you will find a way.  No excuses. What better way to force myself to run on trails (at least on the weekends) than to sign up for a trail race?   Hagg Lake Trail Race 25K here I come, AGAIN! This year, Scott is joining me for some muddy tromping.
 
Our official trail training started yesterday, when Scott and I took ourselves out to the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park. The trailhead where we started was pretty flat and fairly smooth. The steeper hills and switchbacks came along after a few miles. It was raining lightly and we loped along, noticing our already tired legs, discussing how we probably shouldn't have stayed out so late the night before. We ran in unison for the first few miles, but, at some point I realized that Scott wasn't right behind me anymore.

Then, it started raining harder. I mean, it was pouring so much that rain seemed to be coming down in sheets. I absolutely loved the giant onslaught of rain. It was perfect. All that rain made the trail "juicy." There were puddles, and squishy muddy spots that I had to navigate around. A few times, I just ran right through the puddles because it was easier than trying to quickly find a place to put my foot. On the trail, I have to be much more alert and careful. Rocks, holes, and tree roots are not my friends.

Scott running yesterday on the Wildwood Trail

The rain slowed to a light drizzle, and I was struck by the beauty of forest. A foggy mist had sunk into the valley of trees along the trail. The leaves that were left on the trees were mostly yellow, brown and rusty orange. Those colors against the backdrop of the green Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar trees was breathtaking. The sounds of the rustling trees, rain falling into the puddles, and my own breathing and footfalls kept a nice, calm rhythm. I thought about how I could just run like this this ALL day.

And, that's when the idea of ultra marathons seemed to suddenly make sense. I had an epiphany of sorts.

It isn't just that the people who run ultra marathons love to run so much that want to run all day and night. No, obviously there is more to it than just that. At some point, the running is automatic: placing one foot in front of the other. But, the challenge is to keep themselves going when their bodies are telling them to stop. These special people have taught themselves to turn off that urge to quit, and find other things to make the experience worthwhile. I am sure that the factors that would make a 50-mile trail run doable vary from person to person, but nevertheless, there must be some common themes for everyone.

Yesterday, it finally clicked for me, "This is why they do it!" With the varied terrain of many trails, one has to be mindful in order to stay upright when it's muddy, rocky, or slippery. That is one of the things that keeps the long run interesting. The forest gives a sense of calm, and quiet but yet, there are always subtle noises if you are listening closely. And, undeniably, the beauty of the land, the fresh air, and the feeling of unleashed freedom help to keep people going for hours. And, hours. I would also surmise that the challenge of pushing to the limits of your own mental and physical abilities would be a huge factor.

These long races and runs aren't just about or for the sake of running, and running and running. It's also the environment of the race itself----the internal space of the runner's mind, AND the physical surroundings of the trails they run on.

My revelations yesterday made me feel inspired to go the distance.

And.Just.Keep.Going.