Tags
Blue Hell, Cheaha State Park, Mt. Cheaha 50k, Pinhoti Trail, running motivation, Trail running, ultra running
My blogging buddy Ricardo wrote a blog post the other day as he prepares for his first 50k in April, reflecting on what motivates him to run. He reached out to me asking if I wanted to share my thoughts on why I run—perfect timing as I taper for my half marathon this weekend and then 50k the next.
Though this view is pretty sweet…
I started drafting this post by compiling a list of things that I like about running and thus what I thought motivated me, but something felt off, forced. Sure, I love the scenery when I trail run and the camaraderie of my running group, but I’m not sure that feeling is exclusive to running. I can feel that same happiness without running 60 miles a week, right?
Surviving my first major creek crossing
I think when it really comes down to it, I am always running in search of that moment where I pushed myself further than I thought I could. You know, the one when you would step back, look at yourself and say “damn, I am pretty fucking incredible.” I found that feeling for a while after I completed my first marathon, but as long runs got easier I started to wonder if I can do more.
Definitely out of my comfort zone on this “trail”
I revel in that feeling of amazement and accomplishment when my lungs are burning after a speed workout that I didn’t think I could finish, or when I am a human salt lick after running 20+ miles in smothering humidity. That feeling of surprise when I am too busy sharing stories with my friends to notice that an hour has passed. That feeling I experienced this past weekend when I realized that come hell or high water I will be an ultra runner by the end of the month.
So I guess I run to toe that line between “dedicated” and “insane.” You are only given one body, and it is capable of some pretty amazing things if you try. I’m curious to see what I can ask it to do, and that unknown motivates me.
Now it’s your turn—why do you run?
All In Stride | Blogging and running my way through life. 
Re: “damn, I am pretty fucking incredible.”
I know what you mean, and I know the feeling. I get that way after running a trail further than I thought I could. Or hitting a huge hill that makes you think, “damn, I just ran all of that.”
The human body is incredible. And lately, it’s something that I’ve been cherishing a lot. It’s pretty amazing how much you can push yourself and how far your body can go if you train it to.
Good luck on your ultra this month! You’re going to crush it!
Thanks Ricardo! It must be hard having to sit back and rest while you heal up, but it does give you a lot of time to reflect. Once you’re back on the trails you’ll appreciate what you can do that much more. I think you’re doing to rock your 50k!
You better watch how far you chase the “damn, I am pretty fucking incredible” feeling. That’s how I ended up at the starting line of my 100 miler. It’s a slippery (but awesome) slope once you start into the world of ultras!
Ha, I can imagine! I haven’t even finished my first 50k and I’m wondering what training for a 50 would look like… I now think a 50 is doable, 100 terrifies the crap out of me still!
I made the leap from 50k to 100miles. Half the excitement was that I didn’t know if it was doable or not!
I love to run too. Nice article about what you like most….all the best
Thanks Michael!