Finding Balance in Ultrarunning?

This is a sport of extremes. Nothing about running 50 or 100 miles at one stretch is “normal” or “balanced.” I’m aware of that fact. Actually, it’s the inspiration for this blog.

Running ultra-distance requires long hours of training, sometimes in extreme conditions and mostly out in the wilderness. On top of that, you have the logistical juggling act of fine-tuning fueling, gearing and strategizing to successfully meet your desired goal — whether this is a particular time, distance or personal achievement. It’s probably the most demanding and time-consuming sport I can think of.

However, that doesn’t mean that we, as ultrarunners, are automatons. Except for the elitest of the elites, we aren’t these guys and girls who do nothing but run all day, every day. We have jobs and families and responsibilities — not to mention very real health and wellness issues that we have to deal with.

Me and "the girls."

Every time I hit the trail, I’m happy to be there. Each time I’m 75 miles into a 100-mile race and suffering, I remind myself how grateful I am to be strong enough to move that far forward on my own two feet. Statistics show that only about 70,000 people worldwide complete an ultra marathon each year. That’s a miniscule percentage who are able to do what we do.

But let’s also be unreservedly honest: The sport of ultrarunning is a selfish ambition. I’ve come to accept this. It takes considerable amounts of time, money and concentration — all of which can negatively impact of our families, friends and careers.

In this sport of extremes, where drive and commitment are so vital, we also require perspective. So, as we struggle to maintain a balance of all things life and ultrarunning, here are few things to keep in mind:

• Every new distance we set out to accomplish brings the opportunity to revisit our training. We don’t have to pick up exactly where we left off. We can break habits, change patterns, establish new priorities — and honor these consistently — if we choose to.
• We should at all times keep an open mind while training. Don’t be a slave to that training plan, because knowing nothing makes us teachable. Keep your goals fluid.
• Always remember that suffering is not a fact but a perception. Our perception is usually based on anger, fear, lack, doubt or information given to us by someone other than ourselves.
• Don’t lose focus. Life happens to us all with family, kids, work and obligations. Don’t go flat, emotionally or physically, when training gets grueling and leaves you with an “empty tank.”
• Compromise is huge. Be willing to head out the door at 4 a.m. to get a run in instead of getting that few extra hours of sleep, so you can make time for family. Or sometimes compromise might mean making the decision to skip a party to get sleep before a long run.
• Constantly remind yourself of the reasons you choose to run distance: the commitment to be your best and to keep moving forward through the ups and down. Never forget that being committed to anything in life involves sacrifices, yet this can be done with a balance.
• Finally, always remember that ultra-running is an all-encompassing lifestyle. Be aware of the moments you live. Within those, you will find meaning. It’s not the opportunity that really makes the difference, it’s the depth of the desire to finish. Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. Trust the process!
  

Author: Shalini Kovach is the lead organizer of Terrain Trail Runners. She is a competitive ultrarunner, directs two annual ultra-distance races and organizes other community events, and is a wife and the mother of three girls. Oh, and the dog, don't forget the dog.