(continued)
There are two other aspects that really attracted me to ultras (other than impressing my co-workers), the distance and the scenery.
Why do these 'crazy' distances attract me? Lots of reasons, but predominantly because distance is the great equalizer. There is absolutely no way to fake your way through these long distance ultras. Nobody walks up to a 100 mile race and says "Hey, this looks like fun, I think I'll give it a shot" and does well.
There is simply no way short-cut it. There is too much involved; the training, the research, trial and error. The will power. You need to figure out what kinds of shoes work, nutrition, hydration, what kind of weekly mileage you need to get ready for it... It takes serious dedication and time to complete the distance (not to mention money and support).
The distance is real and finishing is a REAL accomplishment. In our world of instant gratification and comfort, where we expect everything to be handed over or disdain anything that takes effort there are very few things that we can do that are truly an accomplishment.
That's why people react like ultrarunners are 'crazy', because ultramarathons are so far out of what society considers 'normal'.
Of course, the other amazing aspect of ultrarunning is the scenery. Every race website I've seen is full of photos and videos of amazing athletes performing amazing feats in the world's most amazing vistas. Want to travel to cool places and see cool things? Take up ultrarunning.
After all, in a 100 mile run there has to be something cool to look at.
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