On running an ultramarathon: Never say never

Last year was the year of the marathons, where I ran four full marathons in six months. A friend asked if I’d ever do an ultramarathon. An ultramarathon is a run that’s longer than a standard marathon (26.2 miles). I jokingly quipped that it would be a cold day in hell before I ever considered one of those.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened, and the local running organization, Orca Running (I love them), put on the Social Distance Run, which was exactly what it sounds like. It was then that I did strongly think about running a 50K ultramarathon. There wasn’t enough time to train then, so I settled on another marathon instead. Maybe I could do an ultra the next time they put another virtual run on.

Orca Running introduced the Summer Camp Run, which included the 50K. And here we are: I immediately registered for my first ultramarathon after saying that I wouldn’t less than a year ago.

The most IN TENTS run I’ve ever done

In uncertain times like these, even the little things such as earning badges or switching up a training program gives the entire experience a boost.

Earning merit badges, just like Girl Scouts!

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The Summer Camp Run was very much like summer camp, except it was in the comfort of our own homes as we continued to social distance in this pandemic. There are even merit badges that we can earn, and it’s just like being in Girl Scouts! The challenges to earn badges range from running or walking 2 miles a day for 30 days (The Streak), to doing random acts of kindness for a stranger (Positive Vibes). I even submitted an entire roll of a dozen dad joke videos to get that Eyeroll Badge. For runners with kids, there were weekly arts and crafts to do. There are online talks and classes about running, plus a private Facebook group where we come together and share our experiences.

This whole experience is something wonderful to look forward to in such strange times. Earning the badges was especially rewarding for someone like me who enjoys completing little goals. Many of us looked forward to getting that small dopamine rush by completing one small goal at a time.

Trying a new training program

As for the training program, I usually swear by Hal Higdon’s programs. This time, however, I used Orca Running’s 8-week version. I was running three days a week instead of the usual five, even though the weekly mileage was roughly the same. It was probably easier for my body, especially when it comes to training past a standard marathon distance. Nonetheless, it was still a big challenge.

Going the ultra distance of 31 miles

The 50K run is 31 miles, and going an extra five miles past a standard marathon distance doesn’t sound like much. It still requires a lot of faith to get through, because that kind of endurance has yet to be written in the body.

The day before, I carb-loaded on sticky Korean rice cakes for glycogen, which is energy stored in the muscles for later use. For breakfast on race day, some peanut butter on toast was enough.

What to bring on a 50K run

It was a bit warm out. A daytime temp of 80 degrees Fahrenheit doesn’t sound too hot, except when you’re spending the better part of the day running 31 miles. Maintaining electrolytes is important, so I used Clif Shots for energy and electrolytes during the run (not sponsored here; I just really like this brand). The hydration vest pictured here is the Osprey Dyna 1.5-liter. I also brought my wallet in a Ziploc bag, in case I needed to make any pit stops. I ended up stopping at 3 different convenience stores to replenish my water.

I always bring my iPhone. Not only does it track my progress via the Strava app, it’s always good to have for emergencies. I also had a buff here. Masks are required when going inside a public space, or when a distance of at least six feet from another person isn’t possible.

What is it like running 31 miles?

It felt like running a very long marathon. The hills were steep, and the heat was unrelenting. Towards the end, I was crawling and my legs cramped up. But, I made it a point to keep going and to not even think about quitting. Somehow I was able to summon the fortitude to keep going, even when every fiber in my body felt both numb and pleading for relief. Keeping one foot in front of the other. Going one mile at a time. Sometimes things like this show you the strength that you didn’t even know that you had.

When I finished, it felt absolutely unreal. Not only did it feel that my soul had left my body on an epic endorphin high, I felt endless amounts of gratitude, as if warm sunlight was constantly replenishing and overflowing from every part of my body. This body can run 50K. I am now officially an ultramarathoner.

Treat yo’self

After every big run like this, it’s important to reward yourself for a job well done, no matter how you did. Big distances deserve nice rewards, such as a vegan deep dish pizza from Breezytown Pizza. This 12-inch deep dish is their signature vegan pie called Raiders of the Lost Art. It’s filled with vegan chicken crumbles, melty vegan cheese, artichokes, tomatoes, and spinach.

Running 50K burns about 3,000 calories, so this is definitely a delicious reward. Plus, you can save leftovers for the next few days for a filling meal.

Post-ultra self-care

The day after running 50K, I took a long walk. It keeps the energy and blood moving. If I skip the post-ultramarathon self-care, that energy becomes stale in my body, and it can be harder to move both physically and mentally. After that, I spend the better part of the day resting and slowing down. There’s lots of stretching and self-care in between. I meditate, write in my journal, drink lots of water, and take naps.

My body is still feeling it three days later and appreciates the extra rest from running. I usually take a week off. Yesterday I took my bike out for a spin and went to a socially distanced yard sale. Other than that, rest is important. For now, I will be taking a break from running, and I’m sure another virtual race will come in. At the moment, I can soak up the fact that, yes, I did a 50K ultramarathon. Never say never. 😉

Exactly what it sounds like

This pandemic has cancelled many races, as seen in the Vancouver Marathon a couple weeks ago. Orca Running put on the Social Distance Run for the first and hopefully only time for that very reason. The Social Distance Run is exactly what it sounds like: participants choose a distance to run on their own and use a GPS to track their time and distance—all while maintaining a minimum physical distance of at least six feet.

I used the same gear as last time: Osprey 1.5 liter hydration vest, Gu energy gels, and the Strava app on my iPhone.

How it works

There are six distances for this race: 5K, 10k, half marathon, 30k, full marathon, and 50k. I strongly considered the 50k (31 miles), which is an ultramarathon distance. I was already training for the Vancouver Marathon, and with the two races only two weeks apart, there wouldn’t have been enough time to train for an ultra. I chose the next best thing: another full marathon.

This particular race comes with many perks. All participants get to join the private Facebook group for encouragement, motivation, questions and answers, and an endless supply of dad jokes. It’s a highly supportive and responsive group—runners post about their progress, their amazing long runs, and even when training gets difficult.

The Social Distance Run also sends out weekly emails and training programs. I was using my own program since I was already training for two full marathons. They also sent out Pop Tarts for those who signed up for the ultimate race package.

Alone together

I slowly ate my oatmeal and sipped my coffee for breakfast, the fuel for this long race.

There’s something about running 26.2 miles alone. There are no crowds or spectators to cheer you on. You’re on your own, and you lean on that kernel of faith to keep going.

It’s like a metaphor for life, especially in these strange times: take it one day at a time. One mile at a time. Eat snacks, and drink lots of water. Keep going, stay present, and don’t ever give up.

Social distancing protocol still remained a minimum of six feet. When passing someone, I stepped off the sidewalk and ran carefully on the road. We‘d give each other the social distance salute, which is a wave and a nod of acknowledgement and gratitude. The best part was this vivacious old lady with cotton-candy-pink hair and heart-shaped sunglasses cheering me on from the other side of the street. I don’t know who she was, but I love her.

When I ran the Vancouver Marathon, running 26.2 miles alone in the 80-degree heat was an experience. I was a bit apprehensive about having a repeat. The weather this weekend was 20 degrees cooler, which makes a huge difference. Runners are like flowers in the heat—we wilt.

Another marathon completed

My time was still on the slower end: 05:34:56. It was still half an hour faster than the last race. Nonetheless, it’s my first time doing two marathons in a month. I’m so happy I did it!

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted just about every aspect of our lives. Events and races have been cancelled, classes have been moved online, and we haven’t seen our loved ones in months. (I, for one, am dying for a warm hug.) Essentially, the world has stopped.

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is no exception, so it converted into a virtual race. A virtual race is where you do the race on your own while using a GPS to record the distance and time.

Our Washington State governor released a stay-home order with a few exceptions of essential activities. Exercise is considered an essential activity, as long as a physical distance of at least six feet is maintained. For this, we are grateful–many countries around the world even prohibit exercise.

Prepping for the solo 26.2 miles

While I don’t have a smartwatch to record my distance, the Strava app on my iPhone gets the job done.

Because this race is done alone, that means there are no aid stations. Participants must have their own supplies such as water, snacks, and electrolytes. I use an Osprey Dyna 1.5-liter hydration vest. That amount of water weighs a little over three pounds, so the extra weight might take some getting used to if you’ve never worn one of these before.

For electrolyte gels, I switched over to Gu Energy. (I was using Clif Shots before, and these happened to be on sale.) Before you do a big race, it’s good practice to sample a new gel before an easy run and see how your body reacts. Certain people’s systems may react to different gel brands. I personally have never had any problems with energy gels.

The long and slow 26.2-mile journey

As an introvert, I generally recharge from alone time. However, I do enjoy feeding off the buzzing energy from crowds. This is the first full marathon that I’ve done alone. No crowds. No spectators. It was just me and the road.

It was also 25 degrees warmer than what I’m used to. I was training in 50-55 degree weather, and it warmed up to 75 degrees that day! A friend said that the heat can slow down the pace by at least a mile a minute.

Lately, my body has generally felt heavy, slow, and sad. I’m always grateful that I can run this far, but this time it felt strange and even formidable. For the first 20 miles, I shuffled my feet, wondering why I even do these. Earlier in the week, I saw a sign online that said, “Do people who run marathons know they don’t have to?”

But I kept pushing through. I knew this was going to be a more challenging race. My time was going to be on the much slower end. This I knew.

Keep going. You have got to keep going.

I returned to my home after the 20-mile loop to refill my hydration vest. I did not want to set out again for the last 6.2 miles. Still, I had to finish.

I ran under the sun numb. I checked Strava every 10 minutes or so. Counting down one mile at a time. Then half a mile at a time. Then tenths of a mile. I kept going, almost numb to the stinging sweat in my eyes, until the app ticked 26.2 miles.

My finishing time was 5:57:13, my slowest time ever.

Post-marathon self-care

After every marathon, I am starving! Running a marathon can burn anywhere from 2,500 to 3,200 calories. This is on top of the daily 2,000 calories that the body burns for its usual functions. After a race that big, you may need 4,500 to 5,200 calories to replenish the energy lost. If you’re like me, you’ll feast on the best vegan food in town. This time I went to Chu Minh Tofu in the International District. This amount of food above was probably enough to feed four people…and I ate it all in one sitting. No shame.

A memory or a lesson

This race may have been the slowest, but I’m still glad that I did it. Everyone has their best races, and then there are ones that could be used as lessons. Did I give my best? Did I keep going? Did I finish? Yes to all of the above. It wasn’t my best time at all, but I still did it. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop.

Yesterday I completed my fourth and final marathon of the year at the Seattle Marathon. My time was 4:19:12, which is 18 seconds slower than my fastest time. Lately, I’ve been working 65-70 hours a week while sleeping 4 hours most nights. All things considered, this was a very good race.

Earlier this year, I was riding the runner’s high from the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon. I was making such excellent progress with healing from my Complex PTSD, that an ambitious goal of running 4 1/2 marathons in six months seemed like a great idea. Of course, five minutes after signing up for all of those races, the weight of everything sank in and terror washed over me. Maybe I was in over my head. What kind of mad person does something like that?

Slowly, the fear turned into excitement. I get to run another marathon!

Seattle Marathon’s 50th anniversary

The Seattle Marathon was my last marathon. This race is known to be a tough course–it’s cold, dark, wet, and hilly. Training for it was much easier this time, however. Instead of building up the mileage, I was maintaining it through the other three races.

The marathon went quite smoothly, despite how overwhelming things have been. I glided through the course, occasionally throwing back shots of water and slurping energy gels. I don’t remember some of the course, because my mind often goes on auto-pilot, similar to driving. My favorite part was going through Gasworks Park, a public park that is reminiscent of the Victorian-inspired steampunk genre (at least, for me).

There weren’t as many memorable hills this time. I do recall a long hill slowing me down around Mile 23, but that was quickly forgotten about. The course very gently sloped downhill, and I sprinted the last .2 miles towards the finish line.

Treat yo’self

Running a marathon burns 2,500-3,000 calories, so my best friend and I went to Araya’s Place for their all-you-can-eat vegan Thai buffet.

This was followed by a Lush bath bomb. These are like an alka seltzer for your tub.

One thing at a time

The secret to doing this many marathons was to focus on one race at a time. If I had paid more attention to how many more I had left to do, then it would been overwhelming. All of that energy would have been lost from worrying about how much more there was to do. The best I could do was stay very present and focus on the race at hand. This also translates when running a marathon. Instead of seeing how many miles there were left to run, I only focused on the next mile. This made it much easier to handle.

Earlier this year, I thought that I was in over my head about running several full marathons in a short amount of time, but now… Now I finally reached the last one. Everything else was put on pause, because this goal was important to me. Something like this requires a tremendous amount of faith, which is so important when it comes to healing from C-PTSD. In the past, something like this seemed impossible. But I made it. And I totally took this last race on.