Lessons AFTER My First Ultra Trail Run

Was it worth it? Are you really capable of more than you think? How much difference did the training and nutrition make? What have you learned from this that applies to all of life?

Last weekend my son and I did our first ultra trail run. That's 50km (31miles) including climbing in-excess of 4600 foot of elevation. Last episode I summarized what I have learned in the process of preparing for this. But preparation and the actual event are two very different things. In training, the longest run I did was 14 miles. Over the event I ran, walked and climbed more than 31 miles! 

So what did I learn?

After experiencing this event by following the wise training plan of a friend I am literally shocked at how I finished strong, recovered well and even went for a short 'check-if-this-still-works' run two days later! It was hard but achievable without extreme effort. My body hurt but was not broken. And the recovery was in hours, not days. I contrast this with the marathon I ran ten years ago, with just six weeks training and no wise counsel. During that shorter event my legs cramped and I physically locked up - frozen in agony off and on for the last 6miles. Afterwards the marathon, my wife said I looked like how she felt after having a baby!

So, cut-to-the-chase, what's my overall take home message? 

When I listened and followed my wise friend's training plan (because he had already overcome this and more...), applying it to my life, it worked, it really worked!!! 

You have shown me the path of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your Presence. Acts 2:28 NLT

IF you will listen and follow the wise counsel of someone who has been there before, having overcome every challenge, you will find yourself not only finishing strong, but also experiencing joy along the way.

The Holy Scriptures - the Word of God is called the Way of Life. Following these words you will finish strong and experience joy in the process - even in that which is difficult. You won't avoid pain and challenge and difficulty. But if you continue to follow the way of life, you will find that it works, it really works!

Give God the right to direct your life, and as you trust him along the way, you'll find he pulled it off perfectly! Psalm 37:5 TPT

Life is an endurance race, not a participation event. It belongs to those who are intentional and lay hold of all that is possible. There is so much more available to us if we will listen and follow the One who has gone before us and triumphed victoriously!

So, back to my 50k Ultra...

1. The training works - trust the plan even when it doesn't look like it relates

2. The nutrition works - even when you don't think you 'got' anything

3. Smile at everything - your attitude truly does affect how you experience life

4. Take notice and Appreciate everything along the way

- the volunteers at aid stations

- the beauty that surrounds you on the trail

- the fellow participants

- the organizers

- the supporters who couldn't be with you but were cheering you on from a distance

5. Do this with those you love - don't go alone

- grab a friend and walk, run or crawl together

- create memories

- go beyond your limitations

You are capable of much more than you think, so change the way you think and take on a challenge beyond your ability!

And finally, follow the path of life. It's true, it's all true.

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