I took up running almost 20 years ago, some time after turning 40. The first couple of years were not serious. I ran one 5k the first year and one 10k the next. Then I started to get hooked and ran my first marathon in 1983. I ran my second marathon about 4 weeks later and limped in from the turn-around. But being naturally stupid, I ran my next one the next year. But it wasn't until 1990 that I got into ultras.
Some time in late 1989 I saw an article about the Dukes Club in Milwaukee. Gary Hauser was mentioned by name, so I contacted him and he sent me a copy of ultrarunner. The next spring I started training and attempted Ice Age 50 mile. I was a DNF at 25 miles, cold, wet, and almost unable to unlock my own car. I changed clothes, got some lunch, and went back to the trail head. A little later I went over to the finish line, umbrella in hand, and watched the first finishers. I saw the buckle and decided that I had to have one too. The next year I did.
But in between I sprained my ankle half way through the Glacial Trail 50k, but finished -- still stooopid. But I have always loved hiking and camping. Just being out on the trails. And my ultrarunning combines the best of all worlds along with a sense of accomplishment when I overcome a new goal. Finishing with a broken hand (Glacial Trail 100k) or a sprained ankle has shown me that I can keep on going in the face of adversity.
So out there I meet someone really important to me, ME. And I am still learning more about ME, so I don't want to quit yet.
Another reason, YOU. I have never associated with such a fine group of people. Whenever I go to an ultra, I know I'm among friends. If I were to go to an out-of-state 10k, would I end up with as nice a "date" as Lady G afterwards? I doubt it. (And if I went out with a young lady after a 10k, my wife would shoot me, ultrarunners are a different story.)
