I will never forget the day I ran my first ultramarathon. This 32-mile gut punch went from Burkeville to Pamplin City in Southern Virginia.
A rush of adrenaline over the last 100 yards (all uphill) helped me to cross the finish line in style. Training for -- and running -- my first ultra allowed me to explore a beautiful world that I would otherwise have never discovered. I had given myself a real gift: the goal to finish a really hard race, and the satisfaction of (by God's grace) having reached that goal.
Life is like that, isn't it? Our existence on this planet is so much more interesting when we have something to look forward to outside of the routine of work and family. Ultrarunning is a sport that anyone who's in basic shape can do and enjoy. You don't have to be fast (I almost came in dead last), just willing to set goals and challenges while that voice deep within you says "You can't." Even today, training and racing are tremendous gifts God gives me and I try to never take them for granted. My amazing family has been incredibly supportive and that makes me happy.
Have a wonderful day!