They say you are a runner if you get outside and run. Speed and distance don’t matter. How many times have you uttered the words, “I’m not a runner.” It took me three years before I finally admitted belonging to the running world. I should have claimed the honor before that.

Nothing like an early morning run!
Ultrarunning is a lot different. They don’t call you an ultrarunner just because you like run in the hills.
It isn’t until you run at least a 50k you enter the ultra-status. A 50k is five miles more than a marathon or 31 miles. I decided two years ago I wanted to run a 50k. Not to be called an ultrarunner, but because I wanted to see if I could do it.

Why I love ultrarunning. It isn’t as much about speed as it is endurance.
If you have followed my ultrarunning journey, you know I have signed up for three 50k races and didn’t see the start line on any of them. The first two were due to surgery, and then injury for starting training where I left off before surgery. The last one was canceled due to Covid-19.
While I was depressed and sick (Don’t think it was coronavirus. But, how would I know, they don’t test unless you have severe symptoms) I saw Aravaipa Running created a virtual race to help support their company and employees, as well as donate money to the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund. I signed up without really thinking. I wanted to get my 50k in, and that was my pure stubbornness talking!

Jacqueline Gareau says it perfectly!
I worked hard for training and I was bummed when I wasn’t going to get my chance to test my determination. And, even though I barely trained the month before my virtual race, I set out to get it done.

Starting before the sun peaked over the mountains.
Last Saturday, I ran my 50k. It was self-supported, meaning there were no aid stations along the way. I parked in the middle of my course and was able to stop at my vehicle at 17.3 miles for a good stretch and to restock my hydration pack. My performance left a lot to be desired, but…I ran 31.1 miles. You can call me an ultrarunner now!

Hubby met me about a mile out. Almost to the “finish line.”
I learned so much from this day about running, racing, fueling, and myself. The next few weeks I will be sharing what I learned, what I used on my run, and what I plan to do next.
If you consider picking up running or ultra-running, I’d love to hear from you. I’d love to network and become a part of your support team.
Let’s get running….6’ apart of course!
Bahaha I love that first meme 🙂 Too funny. I too had a race cancelled due to pandemic 😦 They did reschedule it but it is out of town and on Halloween. I won’t make it which is a bummer but guess I’ll just have to find a different one when life normalizes.
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Bummer! My canceled race was also re-scheduled for October and I can’t make it either. But, they did allow my registration to be transferred to next year, so I am planning on that. Happy running….and finding your new race to train for!
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Wow! What an accomplishment!! It is so inspiring to see how you were able to keep trying, even with the setbacks along the way.
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Thank you, Tessa. It has been a mental rollercoaster on and off the path! I want more…but, I am nervous of what other setbacks I may face. Can’t think about that, just have to allow what comes to come!
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I would love to be a runner but I have surgery in one of my legs and I get a little bit scared
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I would be too! Luckily we have walking and hiking! I hope you are able to hike and explore the trails that way. 🙂
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Amazing….. runner , physical exercise is an important but rest is also important of runner … love to read the great post.
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Thank you so much! My body is resting now! I may have pushed those last few miles and my legs are a little upset with me, but really, rest is good to be able to reflect and prepare for the next adventure. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
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I am impressed. I jog in my neighborhood but it’s not my favorite thing to do. I only do it so I can eat my junk food 😉 I don’t think I could do more than that.
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I enjoy eating, too, so this helps me for sure! But, since I love the actual time out on the trails, it is a favorite for me. 🙂
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LMFAO – that first meme speaks to me! I get up every day at 3:55 because I wanna get a work out in… My husband is there next to me and I always sneak outta bed. He gets sad sometimes that he “never wakes up next to me”… But I am like bro, you will survive… If I don’t get my work out in, you might NOT survive me because it’s my stress reliever LOL!
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Isn’t that the truth! My hubby learned what happens when I don’t get my run in when I planned on it. The whole house suffers, especially him! HAA!
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oh wow, you’re a beast!!! You must be so proud of yourself, well done!!! What an achievement.
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Thank you so much! I am proud of myself, although there are things I learned and things I can do better next time. Once my legs recover, haa!
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I used to run short distances as an exercise and I just got tired of it one day. High respects to people like you who can run 50K.
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Thank you! Trail running keeps the excitement alive for me. I am fortunate to live near many trails that are diverse in landscape. I never get bored.
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Wow!!!! It’s amazing that you did it, but even more amazing that you did it without the adrenaline of race day. You are strong!!!!
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Thank you so much, that means a lot! I am happy to have completed this goal!
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I have never had a great passion for running, it must have been that my big breast never made me feel at ease.
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You totally can! The sports bra industry have made great support bras for ladies like you. I have a friend with DD’s who outruns me!!! Maybe look into it, might find a new passion like I did! 🙂
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Nice!! i wish i could run long distance like this!!1 i wan sprints in college!!1
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That is pretty impressive, if you ask me! I wasn’t’ a runner, so doing this has been a huge accomplishment! 🙂
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I would love to get back into running during lockdown, however I’ve been advised against it due to health problems. I was never fast, but I loved the feeling of running with no where to go.
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I’m not fast either. It’s not about that, although I wish I were front of the pack. There are other ways to get outside besides running. 🙂
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I am also fond of running although the farthest I ran was half marathon. I was planning really to run a full marathon this year, but I got injured plus this quarantine period. so sad. praying for healing.
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Ugh I wish I could run. Alas, my knees refuse. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
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I love running, but I know I won’t be able to do it forever. That is why I push so hard now. There are other ways to get out and see the trails.
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Congratulations! That’s a HUGE feat. On one hand, I think doing a virtual run like that is a great opportunity to do it without the fear that many have of ‘looking like the beginner’, however, you’re also missing the support that comes with being in a group! I’m not a runner, I just jog with my pups, so I’m in awe!
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Thats unfortunate and a bummer. I have never been to a race but may try in the future.
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I love all the funny pictures you have in this post. Great for a laugh!
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I’ve never even heard of the term “ultrarunner”. Congrats for such an amazing accomplishment!
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That’s an awesome accomplishment. I’ve been running/jogging too. Well done!
http://stwfblog.com/
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Good for you! I wish I could do the same but til now I can’t, just keep it up!
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Congratulations on your new achievement.
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