Ultrarunning anyone?

[DeliaItaly]

I think you might enjoy this, it's a very interesting read indeed:

guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle...

[rfawag]

Interesting inded. My thoughts? NOT BLOOMING LIKELY!!

[Rollertoaster Graduate]

I don't see myself going loooong distances either, but it was a really interesting read and who knows, I may in time find myself craving bigger and bigger highs!

[Mitts Graduate]

Interesting yes. Recommendable...??? Doubtful.

I think there's a fine line between being courageous, intrepid, sportive, heroic and innovative on one hand, and just plain stoopid on the other, and I'm sorry if I'm standing on anyone's toes here, but I wouldn't like to say which side of the line this comes under...

I think if we'd been meant to cover distances like that in this way, we'd have wheels and not legs...

[DeliaItaly Graduate in reply to Mitts]

LOL !!!!!!

[Hidden in reply to Mitts]

"I think if we'd been meant to cover distances like that in this way, we'd have wheels and not legs..."

I used to agree with this too Mitts, but then I read Born To Run by Christopher McDougall and he presented some really interesting research that we were actually meant to cover distances like this. It might not change your mind but it was a really interesting perspective!

[pingle Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Loved Born to Run but have not been even slightly tempted to go in for mega distances! The runners high does exist though, even at sub 5k. A year ago I would not have believed it could happen to me but I find running such a fantastic destresser. My family have noticed too that I am calmer and less irritable when I have been running. I am quite an anxious person in the normal run of things and running is a really useful tool to keep this under control.

[Mitts Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Now you mention it I remember something too about the Aborigines doing tremendous distances in the Outback in the past. Don't know if they still do.

But I feel that we'd need to make huge changes to our lifestyle to get our bodies back to what nature maybe did originally intend...

I'll have a look for Born to Run, it sounds interesting and Amazon owe me for a failed delivery.

[Hidden in reply to Mitts]

Yeah, apparently it is how our ancestors hunted; literally chased an animal to death! It's a good read. I def won't be ultrarunning ever; but I love reading about those who do

[notbad Graduate]

Hmmm, each to their own.

[Greg_M Graduate]

I am completely fascinated by these guys and if I did not have to work for a living would have a crack for sure. Just incredible feats (feet???) .

I just read a book by someone who had a go at the Spartathlon called "Why We Run" and there is loads about by Dean Karnazes which I hoover up; love the idea that all they race for prize wise is a belt buckle and the Spartathlon has a very cool little medallion, really understated. Just the sort of thing you could have on your shelves that no one would understand what you had to go through for that little medallion until one day one person would.....

Jawdropping.

I want to be in the Bob Graham Club!

[Greg_M Graduate]

Love this:

"When you realise what you are capable of and what you can put up with, it is very liberating," he says. "You're used to being clean and warm and dry, and when you're out in the elements for the length of time it takes to run an ultra, you get this voice in your head telling you to stop … and if you don't, then that's very rewarding. There is an addictive element - but I think it is more mental than physical."

Though it applies as much to those of us who get out for half an hour in the puring rain I think

[DeliaItaly Graduate in reply to Greg_M]

Yes, he does sound a bit nutty at times if you don't mind my saying so!

[AuntieAli Graduate]

great read delia, thanks.

particularly like - "The longer and farther I ran, the more I realised that what I was often chasing was a state of mind – a place where worries that seemed monumental melted away, where the beauty and timelessness of the universe, of the present moment, came into sharp focus."

im no ultra runner but i think this is what Im aiming for in my lowly three minutes!!

will i be taking it up? erm ...............

:-0

[DeliaItaly Graduate in reply to AuntieAli]

No way!

[AuntieAli Graduate in reply to DeliaItaly]

no way!

[Tkdgirl1983]

My brother and dad do ultra marathons and they never look like they're enjoying it. Must admit to being tempted but as I can only run 5k it might be a while yet

[swanscot Graduate]

I'd love to be able to run ultramarathon distances, but know my poor old knees wouldn't stand it.

But quoting the same para as Greg_M

"You're used to being clean and warm and dry, and when you're out in the elements for the length of time it takes to run an ultra, you get this voice in your head telling you to stop … and if you don't, then that's very rewarding. There is an addictive element - but I think it is more mental than physical."

I'll stick to getting my 'reward' for being out in all weather with hill walking and even more so, when backpacking - which can involve being out in the cold and the rain for several days.

[ceefin Graduate]

100k? How about the 95 miles of the West Highland Way?

Here's a blog from a successful competitor from last year who has just entered the selection process again for this year.

therunningbug.co.uk/rbblogs...

My view? If you're fit enough and your family and/or friends are willing to put up with the trials of living with your obsession, then it's your body - abuse it if you must

As for me, well I'd rather get the bus

[eshaz14 Graduate in reply to ceefin]

Hear, Hear ceefin, couldn't agree more I really don't think I'll be going for this challenge somehouw

[earl-grey-sian Graduate]

Interesting, but at the moment I'm staggering through the second week's 90 second runs!!!