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. 😉