Who really wins an Ultra Marathon

Although the records only list the names of the runners crossing the finish line at an Ultra Marathon, it would be wrong to say that anyone did it alone. I'll speak for myself.

From as long as I can remember, my parents were always telling me that I could do anything I wanted to. I would test this, " So Mom and Dad, your saying that I could be an astronaut AND paleontologist that plays in the NBA for the Orlando Magic?" 

The answer was always the same- "If thats what you really want to do, then yes." So when I told my parents that I was running a 50 mile race in January, they supported me 100%. When I saw them and my friend Julia holding signs for me at the 38.5 mile mark I thought to myself, "This is what it's all about." 

I've also been blessed with amazing friends who have always had my back. I mean, three of them showed up to run 20 miles with me in a windchill of sub 10 degrees. My friends are all working their butts off to achieve their goals- and thats what keeps me cracking at mine. We don't need to coddle each other, we just tip our hats and know we've done our best. 

The friend who inspired me to do these races is always there with me on the course, in my jacket or pockets of my shorts. I hold a picture of him, and the picture reminds me of how much he would tease and haggle me if I even entertained the thought of quitting. He was always a ball buster. Although he has passed on, he is very present in my darkest and most lonesome moments of these races.

So who wins an Ultra Marathon? I'll tell you.

Your family.

Your friends.

People who you see struggling in life, but push on despite the pain.

Young couples trying their best to be great parents.

Friends who have passed on. 

The race volunteers. The people taking photos of you. The people who at mile 50 ask, "wanna do a jello shot?"

The stranger in your life that tells you to push on.

The little engine who COULD.

Your failed romantic pursuits/disappointments/etc.

Then you. 

And thats the cold truth. 

BEAST OF BURDEN 50 mile race Jan 18th 2014 :) Thank you race volunteers, directors, and new friends!

photos compliments of kino : (http://www.kinosfault.com) Thanks a ton!

A very special thank you to the dashing whippets running team and all those who accomplished the beast or helped make the beast happen!
Joe Del Conte
 Kenneth Tom
Lisa Cao
 Kat Uba Bermudez 
Otto Lam 
Tiger Ellen
 Jim Pease 
 Beth Buchanan Pease- thank you soooooo much for the jello shot and all your help during the race :) 

Sweat the big stuff

Your out pushing your body to the max, in the office getting screamed at by your boss, waiting in the surgery waiting room for a loved on, trembling at a desk while your final board exam is handed out. A bead of sweat drips down your forehead. Its on.

Many days of the week I can't tell you what I ate for breakfast, maybe thats because I wasn't sweating. Many people say, "ew" to sweat, but I say, "ah ha! sweat!" Sweat is uncomfortable, its sticky, moist and smells bad. But there is nostalgia attached- sweat happens because of something. Your senses are heightened, your blood flows and change is needed (like get me out of these clothes). Sweat occurs when your body is in some sort of overdrive, whether it be due to the stress of physical activity or anxiety. 

When I sweat, I remember. I remember great times of physical achievement,  times when I was terrified and times that took a combination of all my mental and physical strength to get through. So its true, "don't sweat the small stuff" if the small stuff isn't worth a sweat. Sweat the big stuff. The good stuff. The stuff worth sweating over. The stuff you care about. 

You won't forget it. 

7 reasons why you should run an ultra marathon

7  Reasons why you should buck up, lace up those sneakers, and run until you can't feel your legs. AKA an ultra marathon.

Reason # 7. Because everyone will think you are crazy:

Its true, people will think your nuts. But this is a step up in the world. Last week, they didn't even know your name.

Reason # 6. Because your parents will tell you they are proud of you:

Though they will most likely question your decision, harp on you while training, and even tell you repeatedly that they, "don't think this is healthy"- they will most likely come around in the end and say what you did was pretty cool.

Reason # 5. You don't want to be the 1%:

As occupy wall street taught us, the 1% is the problem. According to statistics roughly 1% of the US population has ran a marathon. Don't be the 1%. 

Reason # 4. When its over- you can eat anything you want:

Thats right, when your done you can eat an entire Pizza, tub of ice cream, and pound of french fries and still not gain a pound. You probably won't, but you could. And thats pretty great. (oh you get to eat DURING the race too!)

Reason #3. Because you will get an awesome shirt/hat thats lets everyone know how hardcore you are:

Its like wearing your high school letterman jacket, or your biker jacket, or gang colors. People see what your wearing and know that your cool. Ultra marathon tee shirt with matching hat? Instant conversation starter.

Reason #2. Because people of the opposite sex will find you more attractive:

Maybe its the idea that your intense, or really fit, or that you just have a few screws loose- but people will find your amazing feat sexy. At least initially. And then they will totally forget about it. 

Reason #1. Because it FEELS SO RIGHT.

Nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment you feel when finishing an ultra. Your worn, battered and bruised, but you cross that finish line with a big smile across your face. If the marines are right and, "Pain is weakness leaving the body", then you lose a lot of weakness after an ultra marathon. The biggest battles are mental, the biggest hills are physical, but the biggest drive is spiritual. So lace up those boots and keep on keeping on.