Don’t Let This Ultrarunning Myth Stop You

How often have you heard some version of, “I run ultras to suffer?”


It gets tossed around so much that I wasn’t surprised it came up in two client sessions last week.


The new ultrarunner liked the dramatic bravado of it.


The seasoned ultrarunner going for her first 100-mile race, was immensely relieved to learn it wasn’t the point of months of hard, dedicated work. That it was ok if she didn’t suffer through the entire race and she was actually allowed to - get this - enjoy it.


Because while running ultras to suffer may sound cool from the outside, doing it kills the very inspiration you need to finish big ultras consistently.


To understand why running to suffer is so unmotivating, look at the definition of suffering: The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.


Running ultras just to submit yourself to suffering is passive, negative, and pointless. It changes nothing and you get nothing from it.


Trust me, I’d never have finished 145 100-mile races if I’d been doing it all just to suffer. What’s the point?


For an alternative, let’s look at a sample of the reasons a group of experienced women ultrarunners gave for running ultras:

• Life is too short to sit on the sidelines and let it go by. I’m going to be on that jet and go to all the places!

• With each ultra-distance race I do, my mind and body and nature are connected more deeply.

• I want to learn what I’m truly capable of.

• Running is something I can do to stay badass, strong, focused and healthy.

• it forces me to be honest with myself and allows me to see what I’m really made of, what I’m grateful for, as well as what parts of myself I need to work on.

• I feel amazing for that accomplishment

• I love the challenge each race and journey brings physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

• It gave me more confidence than I ever had before.

• I love the challenge and adventure.

Would you rather run for something like this or to suffer? 


Let’s set the suffering myth straight.   


Suffering is not the point. Suffering does not mean you’re doing it right. It just means you’re suffering. 


We might suffer in a race but the real point is what’s on the other side of the suffering - finding out who we are, discovering what we’re capable of, and becoming a better, stronger version of ourselves in the process.


Suffer or not, run ultras to love who you become.