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Re: I thought I was OK, but apparently not

Posted by gmb on June 17, 2006, at 17:54:46

In reply to Re: I thought I was OK, but apparently not, posted by fca on June 17, 2006, at 13:21:14

> How much and how long are you running?

When I answer this, people will know that I've got some sort of mental problems!!!

I'm a reformed, ex-road runner who now races trail ultramarathons. I try to run at least one 100 mile trail race every summer and a few other races in the 50K-100K range. Next weekend, I'll be in CA, pacing a runner in the Western States 100 miler. A pacer runs with a competitor late in a race to keep them company, provide a safety element, and to provide advice. That race next weekend is the ultramarathon world's equivalent of the Boston Marathon. Well, for the US at least. There are a couple really big deal races in South Africa as well.

Three weeks after that, I'll be running in a 100 mile race in Vermont.

I know it sounds crazy, but it's something I really love. To me, the mental aspect is what is most interesting. You have to find a way to keep your body moving when your brain is getting all these signals telling it to quit. You do have to know when to quit, if necessary, but you also have to know when to simply ignore the tiredness and pain and just keep going. I've been doing this for a long time, running for 20+ years and ultras for 12+.

The think that prompted me to finally get some psychiatric help was when I finished the toughest 100 in the US two years ago, something I'd dreamed about for years, and I simply felt empty afterward. There was no joy at all in something that had been a goal for years - something I loved.

Sorry for the long rambling response. I don't think I'm running away from anything, and I do think the exercise helps me mentally. But, who knows?

gmb


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poster:gmb thread:657928
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