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What’s It Like To… Complete an ultra-marathon and Ironman triathlon

This is the first in a series called ”What’s It Like To…” where we’ll find out what it’s like to do an extreme sport, be a professional athlete, and more.

This is the first in a series called "What's It Like To…" where we'll find out what it's like to do an extreme sport, be a professional athlete, and more.  It's a peek inside some fascinating worlds that most of us will never experience ourselves, but I hope you enjoy the vicarious thrills!

Amy, 46 years old, has done 3 ultra-marathons (two 50ks and one 50 miler) and 3 Ironman triathlons (2.4 mile swim; 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile marathon).

Q:  What's that like to tackle those kinds of marathons?

The 50 mile run took me 10 hours. If you train well, the toughest part of the race isn't physical, it's mental. There are highs and lows, and it's getting through the lows that make or break you. Knowing there are ups and downs help you observe them and not get caught up in them. Don't get me wrong. These races are also demanding physically, so you have to be disciplined in your training, eating well before and during the race, adapting and adjusting depending on the weather and environmental circumstances.

The Ironman races take me between 13 and 14 hours. Each piece of the race has its own challenges. I use the swim as a warm up and get into a pace that's comfortable. The bike is my hardest part because I have to rely on a machine. I worry a lot about flat tires or crashes. 112 miles on your own is mentally tough. I'm happiest on the run because that's what I love the most, so mentally, after the bike, I'm the most motivated. That changes about halfway through, but the crowds keep you going.

Q:  What are the biggest physical challenges and how do you overcome them?

At my age, my biggest physical challenge is keeping my body in good shape. I have a nagging leg issue which can affect my training and whether or not I can do a race. I'd like to do a 100K race this year but my injury may prevent me from doing that. I do a lot more stretching and work with the acupuncture and chiropractor.

Q:  What are the biggest mental challenges and how do you overcome them?

The mental challenges are greatest. Staying confident when you are physically tired is hard. My hardest point is when I know I have 10-15 miles left. I start running to the next point I can see - a telephone pole, the next person.  Whatever it takes to stay focused in the moment, not on how much longer I have to go. Once I get to 3-5 miles left, the motivation to end kicks in and I'm good.

Q:  What's the best story you have from a marathon?

My best running story has to be the Boston Marathon. I qualified in 2006 but couldn't run it that year so put it off until 2007. My husband ran the Philly marathon to qualify and then got in through a friend of ours who owns a running store. My husband is NOT a runner but asked me to run with him during Boston. It pained me to run slower than I would have liked, but I agreed. About 7 miles in, he told me to run ahead. He'd been nursing a previous injury and he was in pain.  I ran ahead and waited for him at the finish. After a grueling 5 hours for him, he crossed the line and got down on one knee and proposed. My ring is a symbol of his dedication to me, and I wear it when I run so he's always with me.

Q:  Anything else?

For me, the best motivation is doing something I haven't done before. I can do another marathon and there is inspiration in that for me, but I am happiest and most motivated when I can push myself beyond what I've already done to realize the capacity I have. I can be alone with myself and know I will not give up. I know I have support but ultimately, I'm alone and I can decide to quit or go on. I have quit before and that's not a good feeling. There is learning in that, but more gratitude, joy and freedom in crossing that finish line no matter what.

Thanks to Amy for her story!  If you do ultra sports or have a sports-related career and would like to be interviewed, contact Dr. Whitman at Sarah.Whitman@drexelmed.edu.

Dr. Sarah Whitman practices sports psychiatry in Philadelphia. She is a guest contributor on Sports Doc.

Read more Sports Doc for Sports Medicine and Fitness.