Just finished reading the Dean Karnazes book – Ultramarathon man: Confessions of an all-night runner. It is very easy to read and is pretty interesting. At times, some people may think that Dean seems a little cocky but as you read the book you realize that it is just confidence in himself and his training. He uses the motivation and the inspiration he gets from people around him to achieve his goals and to push harder and faster. He has great respect for the distance and the people who take up this or any other sport. You can see why many people would get into ultra running after reading something like this. It displays some of the joys but mostly the masochistic pain, both physical and mental, that you have to overcome. Ultra-marathons have their appeal, and some people love the pain and the ultra runners high associated with them. I am in awe of what some people are able to accomplish every day.
I learned never to say never 5 years ago when I said that I would never participate in a marathon, and now here I am:a multiple marathon finisher with several long course triathlons under my belt planning on when I will do an Iron distance race or any other adventure that I can get myself into as long as my knees hold up and I stay healthy enough.
Even now I am eager to do my next marathon or any other endurance event. I will never say no to an ultra and if it comes my way I will do it. I doubt that I will ever do a 100 mile race but I will not rule it out either. I will stick with triathlons for now and keep spreading the tri bug the best I can.
Any ultra’s on your schedule for 2011? Would you ever consider one?
