The Boyne Valley 50M || The Struggle Is Real || Running My First Ultra Marathon

Choosing to run an Ultra is a natural development for a runner who wants to keep pushing their development further. The Boyne Valley 50M || The Struggle Is Real || Running My First Ultra Marathon and it was the hardest ultra marathon I've run.

It's a major test for someone to attempt and endure. It's not for everyone, and the reasons runners undertake the challenge vary. While my own underlying motivations might not be completely clear, I'm sure I share these ones with others who have attempted this distance: to demonstrate, to ourselves or others, that we have the courage and fortitude to push through the impediments we once envisioned, to resist the chances to quit and to bear the difficulty of the distance physically and emotionally.

I've had to deal with self-doubt; the feeling of not being good enough and the nagging memories of a Principal telling my 10-year-old self he was stupid. I've had people judge me for my grammar and spelling. Obesity and high blood pressure were the kicks in the butt that led me to start creating this version of myself.

I love the feelings of solitude, autonomy and freedom I get from trail running. I have come to realize though, that running is only partly physical. The longer the run, the deeper you have to dig, and sometimes you find things you didn't know were there. So you don't need to just face the physical exhaustion, you have to be prepared to face some inner demons as well. And the let down after months of planning and training, and hours of physical and mental struggle, can be severe. Like the day after Christmas when you realize it's all over for another year. I can keep busy with work and family, but often the only thing that helps me cope is going out for another run. Astounding and unbelievably crazy as that sounds it's the truth.

I ran the Boyne Valley, a 50-mile route I created in Dufferin County. It was the hardest thing I've ever done mentally and physically. I crossed the finish line after 12:39:31 elapsed time and 11:17:21 moving time, physically and emotionally drained. My 10-year old self calls it unbelievable. My 48-year-old self calls it a success. In the days that have passed since I took on the Boyne Valley, I've become increasingly aware that this post-run emotional roller coaster is just as much a part of running Ultras as are the training, friendships, fatigue and physical endurance. Even when we reach the goals we set for ourselves, the feeling can be bittersweet in the end.

My finishing time of 12:39:31 is a reflection of the staggering amount of dedication that goes into training for an ultra.

I also want to give a big thank YOU to everyone who helped me, by providing, advice, support, pacing, cheers, crewing and for giving up your time.

Julie Gordon, Katie Aileen, Ryan Flint, Steve Hunter, Dennis Huurman, Karin Ann, Kurt P. Hundeck, Natalie Intven, Mike Wigmore, Simon Browning, Team
Vegan Trails,

Was it worth it? YES.
Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY.
Stay tuned....

and the special surprise that awaited at the end...

#BoyneValley #UltraMararthon #ThePlantPoweredRunner
00:00-02:20 Introduction
02:20-03:37 A Few Days Before
03:37-07:06 0k to 17km Murphys Pinnacle
07:06-12:29 The Enchanted Forest
12:29-14:52 Breakdown, 40km Update
14:52-18:51 46km Aid Station
18:51-23:08 Deep In The Boyne Valley
23:08-28:51 Rivers, Mud, Aid & Don't Shoot The Runner
28:51-33:39 The WHY
33:39-38:00 The Finish Line
38:00-39:48 Unfinished Business


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