My Ultra Experience

The ultra experience:  The greatest distance I had ever run was 26.2 miles, a full marathon in Phoenix, AZ.  Trail running in an ultra is no comparison, especially in the Bighorns of Wyoming.  I have never experienced such a vast amount of beauty over the course of a day.  Wildflowers as far as the eye could see in every shade of blue, purple and yellow…simply breathtaking!  The trail varied from loose rock, dusty paths, creek crossings, narrow paths no different than cattle paths on a ranch in eastern Montana to ATV roads.  I did a few things right and many things wrong during my first ultra marathon.

Things I did right: 

·        I wore running pants.  As I looked around at the start line, I was the only person in pants – everyone else wore shorts.  However, the temperature was a whopping 38 degrees at the top of the mountain and I am a wimp when it comes to the cold.  Secondly, when I wiped out at mile 16, my pants literally saved me from tearing my knees wide open. 

·        I trained.  I set up a training regiment and followed it fairly close.  Physically it was helpful and mentally it was powerful.  As I looked around at the elite athletes I was running with, my brain did not beat me up.  I knew I had the endurance to finish the race along side each of the other lean, mean running machines. 

·        I did not wear a watch.  This was a conscience decision but not an easy one.  Since it was my first ultra experience, I made the decision to listen to my body rather than letting the watch and time dictate and possibly push me beyond my ability.  I missed the cutoff time by 15 minutes at mile 34 to be able to continue the remaining 16 miles.  However, I arrived at mile 34 safely and feeling strong.  Safety throughout this event was truly my main goal. 

Mistakes I made:

·        I lost my package of wet wipes out of my running belt.  Refer to number 6 below.  What I learned from this experience is to shake off the innovative grass usage.  I discovered first hand where the term “ants in your pants” originated.

·        Wear a watch.  I know, I know…this contradicts above.  However, being shy only 15 minutes I easily could have adjusted my speed to ensure I would have made the cutoff time.

·        I packed way too much food in my drop bags.  We were allowed 2 drop bags.  One was waiting for us at mile 18 and one at mile 34.  The aid stations along the way were well equipped with wonderful food, power bars, electrolyte supplements and fruit.  Next time I would pack only my change of socks, shoes and wet wipes.

My friend and fellow ultra marathon participant, Kristin Mattocks summed up the experience below.  I think she nailed it!!

0. Most people don't do nearly enough training for their ultra, and they are fine. Or, people do a kind of training that you wouldn't expect to be successful, and they kick your butt. For example, my new friend Connie didn't run a single step before this weekend's ultra. ...Instead, she did months of power hikes in Wyoming and kicked my butt in the race. Go figure!! She's a rock star.

1. Most people walk a good bit of the race; except the really good people, of course. You're supposed to walk up all the big hills. Believe me, it’s a relief to see so many people walking.

2. You'll never find better food than in an ultra. Some examples of aid station tables: bacon, grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, Fig Newtons, jelly beans, peanut butter and jelly, turkey and cheese sandwiches, Mountain Dew, M&Ms, gummy bears.

3. Ultra folks drink a lot of beer the night before the race.

4. Ultra folks drink a lot of beer after the race.

5. The starting line is totally laid back. Nobody is in any kind of hurry to get out of the gate quickly. And, you'll never meet a nicer bunch of folks then those crazies who run ultras.

6. There are no porta pottties along the way, so you've gotta be creative.

7. Its best to run with somebody you like rather than alone. It’s also perfectly acceptable to tell long, never-ending stories that focus on: your childhood, your marriages, your childbirth experiences, songs that you like, concerts you wish you had attended, and other irrelevant pieces of information that take up a lot of time. The longer the story, the better.

8. If you see a lawn chair or some other comfy place to sit at an aid station, DO NOT SIT DOWN. It is a trick to get you to drop out of the race.

9. Nobody cares how you did in the race. Its all about finishing. And the food. And the beer afterwards.

10. Know that you will not be able to walk like a normal person for a week. In fact, city curbs will become the biggest obstacle you've seen in months.

11. Once you try an ultra, you'll be back for many, many more. What better way to see some of the most beautiful backcountry in the US, eat crap, and meet great people?