There are a variety of questions we get asked when us Ultra-types talk about our infatuation with long(er) distance running. It is interesting, at best, when I mention to people that I run ultra-marathons. The first question is, "Oh, have you run Boston?" After giving them the simple, "No.. it's not long enough. Ultra's are longer than marathons, usually 50 or 100 miles in length" they'll stand there in a state of confusion and then at times ask again, "So you haven't run Boston?" This question alone is enough to drive me pretty crazy. Why Boston? What's the big friggin' deal about Boston? No.. I haven't run Boston.. but I've run a race with almost 17.5 times greater in elevation gain and 3.8 times longer in distance... No.. I have not run Boston and I'm not even interested in doing so.
Besides the Boston argument, there are a litany of other questions that typically get asked and most of which I have no problem in answering. Truth be told, I LOVE telling others about this sport I love. I love to educate people about the amazing instrument we own known as the Human Body and I love even more to talk about the Potential that lies within. What do we eat, what do we drink and when do we eat and drink it? Do we sleep? How many days does it take to run 100 miles? There really is no end to the various questions we can get asked. But there is one question I am asked often that I do not mind answering... but the reaction I get to my answer is what peeves me the most.
Do you run the whole thing?
I used to answer them with a simple, "No. Of course not." This is typically followed up by their response, "Oh.. I thought so" or they answer just "Oh." Oh? Oh? Why do they say it so. Unfortunately I cannot insert their tone of voice into these empty words, but when they say "Oh" it is said in such a loathing fashion that it really makes my skin curl. As if by saying "no" the accomplishment of running 100 miles is now only half of what it used to be some 5 minutes earlier. And then I have to explain... "We walk most of the uphills, run the downs and run the flats when we can." This is typically followed by another loath-full "oh" or maybe they'll spice things up a bit with an "I see." So in recent months when I am asked the question, "Do you run the whole thing?" I am quick to answer with, "If I told you NO, would it take away from the accomplishment of running 100 Miles in One Day?" They are very quick in this instance to reply with a hurried, "No no no, not at all.. just curious" at which point I once again break into my explanation of when we actually do run. I might add a "Do the math... 100 Miles in 24 Hours.. that's some 4.16 mph where the average human's brisk walking pace is 3.8 mph. So on average, we are indeed running or as some might argue.. Jogging at a decent clip."
A few days ago I read somewhere else on the internet a runner talking about this same questioning process. When he told someone he ran a 50 miler they were impressed and even responded, "Wow, and to think I had so much respect for Marathon Runners, unreal!" But as soon as the same runner told his friend that "that's nothin' I ran a 100 miler too." Their reaction was 100% different. They went from respecting and intrigued to completely silent and un-responsive to the rest of the conversation.. even walking away. While I'll never understand why people react this way, I can only hope in the future we can all be just a little more understanding (myself included).
Monday, November 17, 2008
7 comments:
Comments to this blog are moderated by a third party. Any comments that could easily fall under the definition of "Cyber-Bullying" are promptly deleted. The author of this blog reads comments only after having been published for public view.
Cyber-Bullying is a crime punishable under Federal Law and in some cases Individual State Laws. By posting a comment to this blog, you acknowledge that you understand and accept these laws and are aware that you will be prosecuted for offenses under the full extent of these laws. By posting a comment to this blog you also agree to waive your anonymity, and any rights associated with that anonymity, by having your computers I.P. Address tracked.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
It's so interesting you say that, John. I got the same questions after my ultra. People were impressed, but I think they almost assumed that I'd do it, so the pizazz was gone.
ReplyDeletePreachin' to the choir!
how about "don't you sprain your ankles on the trails" or "you're kneess have to be terrible" My favorite is like your Boston question. I get "oh I thought you'd be in insert city here" when I ask why the response is "there's some sort of run there, figured you'd do it" as if I just run everything. Most people just can't wrap their heads around pretty much anything longer than a 5k.
ReplyDeleteI too find that people are impressed by 50 miles, but much more quiet with 100s. My theory is that has to do with the fact that they simply don't believe - they feel I'm full of shit. Think about it. 100 miles. To a non-runner, that might as well be a million miles. And if I told you that I ran a million miles, and if you didn't want to engage in an argument, you'd have a similar quiet, laconic response.
ReplyDeleteJust my opinion. Disclaimer: I've personally not run 100 miles yet, but I'm registered for RR100 in February and talk about 100s a lot.
An interesting inquiry; thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe people who ask if you "ran the whole thing" are posing an obvious and valid question. Billing yourself as a "runner" and doing a "running race", presumably means you are running. If not, why? Good question.
Rather than bristling outward at the questioner, our attention might better be directed inward at ourselves.
My answer: I don't "run the whole thing" in a 100 because I can't. I'm not good enough. Once I'm comfortable within myself to say that, I'm comfortable to answer it as well, which I think is the only honest answer there is for any of us.
Once I achieved that level of honesty, it helped me to see that I really did want to run. Jogging and hiking are good, I still do it, but there's something about really running ...
So now my standard distance is 5 - 15 miles. Like 99% of all runners, this is the maximum distance I can actually run. I crank up the hills, I jump over logs, bank the corners ... watch a kid run across the playground ... that feeling, and not what we feel like going thru May Queen, are what I believe our collective unconscious recognizes as "running".
So your friends are asking you a reasonable question, worth considering.
It's all good, however we choose to move is all good, so all we have to do is make honest choices and be self-content with them.
I couldn't agree with Buzz more. It's a totally valid question, even one i ponder as a person that does run long. In fact recently, due to injury, i've thought about just walking most of a 100, and i still think i may finish around the times of those claiming to have "run" it. I often question those who say they've run a 100, when they admit to me they walked the last 40 miles.
ReplyDeleteMy question then is, how much of a run does one actually have to run to say you ran it?
nothing to take offense with, not sure i'm understanding your feelings here. Honestly, it's coming across as if your upset because they're not in total awe of what you've done.
Jeff
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteWhen I ran across NH, my avg pace came out to 15:?? min miles for 32 hours. Did I run the whole thing? No... did I run MOST of it? I'd say I ran about 85-90% of it.
With all due respect. I don't want people to be in awe of me. I'm just wondering why people react the way they do. Is this fair?
My standard answer to the "do you run it all?" question is:
ReplyDelete"Not quite, but I try. It's a fun challenge." And variations thereof, e.g., "I have to pace myself otherwise I run out of gas and can't finish it."