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Ultra-Marathons

I know this is not strictly Triathlon related but….

I’ve just read Ultramarathon man by Dean Karnazes. It almost makes you want to do one of these crazy races - the Western States 100 is described in agonizing details. Has anyone done one of these or knows anyone who has done one and what are your opinions - Are these guys barking mad – DK certainly comes across as being a little ‘unusual.’

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Karnazes
http://www.ultramarathonman.com/flash/
http://ws100.com/home.html

Comments

  • ironkavironkav Posts: 259
    dont think id have the discipline to train for 100 mile run. Its a whole other level of fitness, even more than ironman fitness.

    imo The book clearly shows how much of a nutter you need to be, and the dedication you need to even compete in something that strenuous to the body.

    Reading his 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days at the moment.. not as good as Ultramarathon man though.

    IK
  • danny_sdanny_s Posts: 235
    A colleague of mine did a 100km race, which ended up taking her about 15 hours. After she was done, she was satisfied that she knew that there was a limit to the endurance she 'enjoyed.'

    If you think that marathons and century bike rides are nice but not a true challenge to complete, then giving this a one time go may be the thing that pushes you back down. Amy's final opinion of it was that this is an interesting thing, but not for her. The training for it was apparently just soul wrenching. Always an avid runner with a marathon PB of 2:52, she was disgusted by the thought of having to train on the volume necessary. It doesn't take a crazy person, but certainly a different mentality and strength than I know.

    Dean's writing is interesting to me and I think its fascinating to hear and see but for me, is nothing I want to participate in. I'd rather try and PB a 10k, 1/2 or full Marathon and work hard to find my speed limits rather than the point at which my body collapses.
  • MowfMowf Posts: 272
    I'd rather try and PB a 10k, 1/2 or full Marathon and work hard to find my speed limits rather than the point at which my body collapses.
    I'm totally with you on that one. I wonder at what point an endurance 'race' just becomes an excercise in how much suffering you can endure without giving up. Has anyone seen the 'deca-ironman'? It takes them like a week and they have tea breaks and sleep in between sets of swimming, cycling and running. I have to question the point. But hey, whatever floats your boat i guess!
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