Why an Ultra Marathon?  Exploring your limits   An ultra marathon is defined as any distance greater than a marathon or commonly referred to as 26.2 miles.  Typical distances for ultra marathons are 50K; 31.5 miles; 50 miles and 100K; 62 miles; 100 miles and yes there are even races greater than 100 miles and they are on foot!  Most ultra marathons take place on scenic trails although some are staged on a bike trail or paved surface.    I know you are reading and thinking “why?”  “Are you crazy?”  I don’t even like to drive that many miles in a car!  I’ve heard a lot of responses and certainly have endured a lot of looks when people ask me why I run ultra marathons.  The answer is not as simple as you might think.    There is something intriguing and challenging about the ultra distances themselves as to whether your body can sustain that amount of mileage.  In addition, just how far you can push your mind and what happens to your brain and rationale thinking as you delve in to these longer distances.  It is somewhat scary and exciting all at the same time.  For me, running long distances provide me with an outlet from the daily grind of work and other life stresses.  It allows me to freely think or even not think for many hours.  It can be soothing, therapeutic and I can find peace and clarity.   My favorite distance is the 100 miler as it is truly unique.  There are mutltiple high’s and low’s from start to finish and you constantly have to push yourself to new levels.  About the 100K mark, 62 miles is where the going gets tough.  Physically, you are exhausted and mentally you are fried.  You focus much of your attention to taking care of yourself by eating and drinking that you simply can’t think anymore.  Your mind starts yelling at your body to stop and go home.  You have to dive in to your bag of tricks and find something to convince yourself otherwise.  For me, it is seeing a friend or having a pacer that I find a new source of energy within myself.  Eating real food always spikes my energy levels and rocking out to a motivational tune can also jump start my engine again.  From this point on, it is a combination of doing things to take care of yourself but also the will to fight and never give up.  I tend to think of people that have inspired me and how lucky and blessed I am to be out on the trail doing what I love to do.  The emotional swell that comes over me helps to spur me on.  I talk and remind myself to stay tough and see this challenge all the way to the end.  I remind myself of my goals and why tackling this race or distance is important to me.  It is at this point, when you reach a level where you think you can’t go any further, you find out what you are really made of and what makes you tick.  The challenge and extremity of the goal have this effect on my body and mind.  When I get to that finish line, it is euphoric.  The day and night all seem to be forgotten as the elation and high set in.  After the challenge is complete, I reflect back on the hard times but the good as well.  The hard times teach me to keep at it even when you are in the depths of despair.  I carry this theme with me through life and in my professional life.  The triumphs and the lessons learned on the trail teach me a lot about myself. If you stay focused and hungry enough you will reach your peak performance.  That feeling and sense of and accomplishment resonates deep within your entire body and is something that no one can take from you and makes it all worth the effort!

Spice up your running!                 Running can be addicting and following a program can lead to obsession. Runners and most athletes in general are Type A personality, myself included. We get accustomed to doing our training runs on the same courses, at the same paces and at the same time each day. Or, if we run out of time because of job, family or other constraints, we give up or feel discouraged if we cannot execute an exact workout on the schedule. Incorporating variety in to your running will keep you fresh. Venture out on a new route, try a trail run, scope out some new adventure and you will have some new options to spice up your program. If you always run in the afternoon, try running in the morning. If you always run one direction on a particular route, go the opposite way.  If you always run with a partner or group, take a day out of your run schedule to train solo. Or, if you always run solo, make a date with a friend and use it as a time to catch up with others, while engaging in your fitness.  If you always run on a treadmill, try a run outdoors. If you've never run on a track seek one out.                  Be sure and consult your program ór coach for guidance on running faster and higher intensity efforts to avoid potential injuries and over use. If you are a racer who always enters and trains for the same races from year to year, break out of the rut and set a new race goal. Experiencing something new can fuel the exhilaration and excitement and often can lead to faster running or race times.                 Spice up your pace with intensity and rhythm. For instance, a 30 minute run or jog can be done at an easy feel good pace. Or you can choose to change it up by adding some stride outs, pick ups or steady tempo running in the middle of the run. If you are on a hilly route, add some hill charges which will strengthen your legs and upper body and work your quads on the down hills. Change up your training schedule several times during the year. Following the same training plan from year to year never works. Your body is always in a constant state of change and with change, we are never the same athlete. Also past injuries or other constraints should be heeded and your training should be tailored to fit these idiosyncrasies each time you train.  Don't be afraid to find a new routine or add pizzazz to your running. Adding cross training, specifically swimming, biking, hiking and yoga can significantly benefit your runs and overall strength.When you incorporate such activities on consistent basis, it spurs your excitement to lace up your shoes and relish in the benefits of your fitness both on and off the road or trail. Substituting cross training days into your program can help keep you injury free and produce overall quality in your fitness level. Supplemental strength cross training is a great way to hinder burn out.            Variety is one of the key ingredients to happy and healthy running. Variety sparks new challenges.  Setting new goals and challenges on a consistent basis help you achieve a more balanced program and find new inspiration for running.                   Happy running and enjoy your “spices” of Fall!   (Fall 2008 Incite Magazine)