What Ultrarunning Means to Me

Every time I go to an ultra-marathon, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Even at those races when a knee was bandaged or a part of my body was held together with athletic tape, I still was so grateful to be among people who always inspire me and show me what a family the running community is. I only do the loop ultras, so I am able to see all the participants throughout the race.

When I go to an ultra, I know I’m going to walk away with at least several new friends, I’m going to hear interesting stories of runners facing challenges who use running to overcome those challenges while maintaining their mental health.

Because most runners might be running slower to run longer miles, it makes conversations easier. Sometimes I learn so much from the veterans, and often they make me feel better when I fall short of my mileage goal. Last year, I was trying to do 50 miles, but I also promised I wouldn’t go beyond my comfort level because I was going on a trip with my daughter the next day, so at 32 I told my husband I was going to do one more lap. I’m not sure why I felt so defeated, but I was walking with a woman named Angie. She asked me how much longer I was staying and as I told her I was leaving after this lap, I had to fight back the tears. She told me she had been upset last year because she wanted to complete 100 miles, and she only made it to 60. She said, “I…