Jack Of All Ultras (Master Of None)

At a very basic level, my goal with this hobby is to be good at running long distances. Initially, this was defined as merely finishing a given distance (50K, 50M, 100M, etc.). After I finished several races, time goals became a way to determine whether I was any good at this. I quickly exited the marathon scene because time goals were not a healthy way for me to approach races so this phase in ultras was rather short lived. I then morphed into using fun/enjoyment during races as my benchmark for determining whether I’m any good at this. This is an objectively much more challenging way to determine ability, however subjectively it more closely aligns with my values. Suffering for 12 hours in a race is a very Goggins thing to do, while cruising along barely breaking a sweat is very aspirational to me.

Also, I don’t want to be a one trick ultra pony. I want to be good at running all long distances. This is the real challenge considering the variety of ultras available to choose from:

• distances: 50K-3,100M
• terrain: roads, trails, flat, mountainous
• format: distance, timed, backyard, journey runs, stage races
• weather: rain, sun, heat, freezing temps

Endurance skills will translate from one format to another fairly readily. If you can run 50 miles in the mountains, you can do that on a road or in a timed event. The challenge is there are nuances to the different formats and weather conditions that you can only really master once you’ve encountered them a time or two (or ten in my case). So in my opinion it’s impossible to master everything from a 50K at altitude to a 6 day race on a one mile loop. But you can attempt them all and develop a level of proficiency such that you may not win the race, however you’ll have a high degree of confidence that you can complete the race.

I’m very happy with my current ultra resume. I thoroughly enjoy the wide variety of races out there and try to mix up the type of events I sign up for. This year will include a short loop hundred, journey run, backyard, couple mountain hundreds, and a timed race (48HR). Despite my large number of races (66 and counting) there are still a couple areas I need to work on to be considered a complete ultra runner.

Boxes Still To Check

International races. I’ve only raced in the US to date. The challenge with these races revolve around travel logistics, language and cultural differences. I’ll definitely get around to these eventually. Probably starting in Canada, but I’m not in any rush considering the number of more local races I have yet to do.

Races over 72 hours. I’ve done two races and an FTK that have taken between 48-72 hours. Next year will be HOTS (350 miles), which will probably take me over 100 hours.

Races at altitude. I’m 0-1 here with a DNF at Bighorn. I’ll definitely be doing these in the future, however it won’t be until after I retire and can afford to spend 7-10 days pre-race acclimating to the altitude. Until then I’ll just have to live vicariously through others.

Stage races. The issue here is more limited availability of races than anything. These seem to have a cool community vibe that I’m sure I’d love, there’s just not much opportunity to do these. Maybe some day.

Races in sub-zero temperatures. I’ve done a number of ultras in freezing temps and have been (mostly) comfortable down to the mid-teens. I have a fairly large fear of spending significant time in sub-zero temps though. I don’t have the knowledge to safely conduct myself in this weather and I definitely don’t want to lose a digit (or more) to frostbite. I’m sure I could acquire the requisite knowledge, however. . . pass. I won’t say never, but this comes closest.

Now you know my limit.