Pushing the Limits: 5 of the World's Toughest Races
Are you the type of person who constantly seeks to push yourself to new heights? Do you ever wonder just how far you can truly go before hitting your breaking point?
Well, in today's episode, we're going to dive headfirst into the world of ultra running, where athletes take on some of the most gruelling races known to man in a quest to push their bodies to the absolute limit.
We'll explore the mental and physical demands of these extreme events, and discover what motivates these runners to go above and beyond in pursuit of their goals.
So, are you ready to push your limits?
Let's get started.
WELCOME
Hello, its Ash your personal podcasting running coach, welcome to the Run Better with Ash podcast.
In this episode I’m going to explore the world of extreme sports and the athletes who push themselves to the limit.
Today, I’m talking about one of the most challenging sports out there: ultra-marathon running.
Imagine running over 100 miles in extreme conditions, such as scorching deserts, freezing temperatures, or steep mountain trails. Ultra-marathon races push runners to their limits, both physically and mentally. It takes months, even years of preparation and training to be able to tackle these gruelling challenges.
During the race, runners must battle through physical pain, exhaustion, and mental fatigue, pushing themselves beyond what they thought was possible. Every step takes them closer to the finish line, but it's not just about the end goal. It's about overcoming obstacles, testing one's limits, and finding inner strength.
"I ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. Then I ran some more." - Dean Karnazes
And the rewards of completing an ultra-marathon go beyond just finishing the race. It can be a life-changing experience, providing a sense of accomplishment and confidence that can carry over into all aspects of life.
WHAT IS AN ULTRA MARATHON?
An Ultra Marathon is any run that is longer than a marathon.
One of oldest and most prestigious Ultra Marathons is the Western States Endurance Run, created in 1974.
The race is a 100-mile (161 km) run that starts in Squaw Valley, California, and finishes in Auburn, California. The course takes runners through rugged and scenic terrain, including mountain trails, canyons, and rivers.
It wasn't until the 1990s and 2000s that ultra running began to attract more attention and participants, with the establishment of new races and the increase in media coverage.
In recent years, ultra running has continued to gain popularity, with more races being held around the world and more people taking up the sport.
The increase in popularity can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the growing interest in endurance sports, the rise of social media and online communities, the increased availability of information and resources for ultra runners and the fact that modern humans seem to be looking for more and more extreme ways to challenge ourselves.
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ULTRA MARATHONS IMPACT ON THE BODY
Ultra marathons can have a significant impact on the body.
The human body is designed to handle prolonged physical activity, but the extreme and prolonged nature of ultra running can cause a range of physiological changes and challenges, including:
Muscle Damage: The repetitive strain on muscles can cause muscle damage, resulting in muscle soreness, inflammation, and fatigue.
Dehydration: The prolonged physical activity and sweating can cause dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and in severe cases, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Sweating can also cause an imbalance in electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which can cause muscle cramps, nausea, and fatigue.
Gastrointestinal Distress: The prolonged physical activity can cause gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Immune System Suppression: The prolonged physical activity can also suppress the immune system, making runners more susceptible to infections.
Psychological Fatigue: The mental and emotional strain of running for an extended period can cause psychological fatigue, including decreased motivation, mood swings, hallucinations and reduced cognitive function.
Joint and Bone Strain: The repeated impact on joints and bones can cause strain, leading to joint pain, inflammation, and in severe cases, stress fractures.
Despite these challenges, many ultra runners continue to participate in these races and have found ways to mitigate the physical and mental toll of the sport, through proper training, nutrition, hydration, and recovery techniques.
You have to have everything working well in those departments otherwise you will fail pretty quickly in ultra running.
5 OF THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST RACES
There are many ultra-marathons around the world that are considered to be very challenging and demanding. Here are 5 of the hardest ultra-marathons in the world:
The Barkley Marathons: This race, held in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, USA, is considered by many to be the toughest ultra-marathon in the world. The course is approximately 100 miles long and includes over 60,000 feet of elevation gain, with runners having to navigate dense forests, steep hills, and rugged terrain. The race is invitation-only, and only a few runners have ever completed it.
"I think what attracts people to the Barkley is its mystery and mystique. It's the fact that it's so secretive, and so few people know anything about it. It's a very unique event that requires a very specific set of skills, and that's what makes it so appealing to runners."
John Kelly, winner of the Barkley Marathons in 2017.
2. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc: This race is held in the Alps and covers a distance of approximately 170 kilometers, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The route includes more than 10,000 meters of elevation gain, with runners having to cross mountain passes and glaciers, making it a very challenging race.
"I think what draws people to the UTMB is the combination of the history, the beauty of the mountains, and the challenge of the course. It's a very demanding race, both physically and mentally, and requires a lot of preparation and dedication. But when you're out there on the course, surrounded by the majesty of the mountains, it's an experience that's hard to put into words."
Xavier Thevenard, three-time winner of the UTMB (2013, 2015, 2018).
3. The Western States 100: This race is held in California, USA, and covers a distance of 100 miles, with runners having to climb more than 18,000 feet and descend more than 23,000 feet. The race is held in extreme heat, with temperatures reaching over 100°F, making it very demanding for runners.
"Running 100 miles is a journey into yourself, and you never know what you're going to find. But if you're willing to push through the pain and the doubt, you'll come out the other side with a sense of accomplishment and a greater understanding of what you're capable of. That's what the Western States is all about."
Timothy Olson, two-time winner of the Western States 100 (2012, 2013).
4. The Marathon des Sables: This race is held in the Sahara Desert in Morocco and covers a distance of approximately 250 kilometers over six days. Runners have to carry all their food, water, and supplies, and the temperatures can reach over 120°F during the day.
"The Marathon des Sables is more than a race. It's a journey through the desert, a test of your physical and mental strength, and an opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. It's a life-changing experience that will stay with you forever."
Rachid El Morabity, five-time winner of the Marathon des Sables (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018).
5. The Badwater 135: This race is held in California, USA, and covers a distance of 135 miles, starting from the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and climbing up to the base of Mount Whitney. The race is held in extreme heat, with temperatures reaching over 120°F, making it very challenging for runners.
"Badwater is a journey into the heart of the desert, where the heat is relentless and the terrain is unforgiving. But if you can push through the pain and the fatigue, you'll come out the other side with a sense of accomplishment and a deep connection to the beauty and power of nature. That's what makes Badwater so special."
Pete Kostelnick, winner of the Badwater 135 in 2016.
WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO RUN AN ULTRA MARATHON?
For some people, running a marathon just isn't enough. These are the ultra runners, the ones who crave the thrill of pushing themselves to the absolute limit, to the brink of disaster, and coming out victorious.
For them, there's nothing more satisfying than accomplishing an extreme challenge that most people wouldn't even consider attempting.
But it's not just the sense of achievement that draws people to ultra running. It's also about the community and the connection with the natural world.
In a world that can often feel mundane and uninspiring, ultra runners find a sense of adventure and exploration that they may not find in their everyday lives.
So much so, that some have even given up their office jobs to pursue a career in ultra running.
Yet for others, ultra running is about something deeper. It's a way to cope with adversity, whether it be from a traumatic event, mental health challenges, or other life struggles.
Through ultra running, they find a way to conquer their fears, improve their mental health, and discover a new sense of purpose.
And let's not forget the physical benefits of ultra running. Once you've conditioned your body to handle the grueling demands of an ultra marathon, the rewards are immense.
The sense of accomplishment is unparalleled, the connection with others and nature is profound, and the opportunity to explore new countries and cultures is unparalleled.
So, would you run an ultra marathon? It's a question worth considering, as the benefits of this extreme sport extend far beyond the finish line.
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Thank you for listening, I will speak to you in the next episode my fellow runners!