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Paul W. B. Marsden's avatar

Hi James

Here’s a post of mine. Please Like, Restack, and consider Subscribing!

I can’t run anymore but I dream of my marathon races.

One day, maybe, one day.

I keep dreaming…

https://open.substack.com/pub/paulwbmarsden/p/i-cant-run-anymore-but-i-remember?r=206izj&utm_medium=ios

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James Ron's avatar

Hi, Paul. Very cool running story. Glad your health is fine. Just recently, in reducing my "stuff" footprint, I tossed out almost all of my running mementos. They were hard to let go.

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

Interesting observations, James. I can't imagine doing anything for weeks after running 100 miles. I was a sprinter myself, 100 and 220, but I still had injuries to my ankles and arches and that was as a kid. I am in awe that you completed these runs at that age.

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James Ron's avatar

It would take about a week before I would run again. You would do well at ultras with a sprinter's speed, would just have to slow down and train at longer distances. You would have a good cruising speed. I did start running again at a later age but I was a miler in high school and those running genes don't go away. Thank you, K.C.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Much respect my friend. I tried running in my 30's and 40's but always developed shin splints. I never could get past the pain once they took over. I totally agree that it's a mind game.

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James Ron's avatar

I ran the mile as a youngster but didn't run again until I was 55 and got into ultras. Shin splints, probably from trying to do too much too fast or too far too soon. You were wise not to try to run through the pain, which is different from the normal aches that come with running. Thank you, Jim.

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J. M. Elliott's avatar

I definitely respect the dedication it takes to do a run like that! Ouch 😓 I’ve done a few 100ish mile walks/hikes and they took days. How long does a 100 mile run usually take?

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James Ron's avatar

Very cool that you've done longer challenges like that. Courses and times differ according to terrain but 100 miles under twenty four hours is considered pretty good. The elite do them in mid to low teens. Record now is at 10 hrs 51 mins on a flat course at a 24-event. That is close to flying. : ) Thank you, J.M.

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J. M. Elliott's avatar

Wow, that's intense! I'll probably stick to my slow walking ;-)

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Awesome! 🤩 I have such huge respect for distance runners - my longest run was less than 15 miles and….. hello stress fracture! 🫣

That’s the last time I used my ‘all or nothing’ approach for anything athletic! 🤣

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James Ron's avatar

Hi, Rebecca. Thank you. I haven't had a stress fracture. I hear they can be pretty painful. I had my recurring aches, I think from over-training and under-recovering. My ‘all or nothing.’ Moderation goes a long way in physical endeavors.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Over-training and under-recovering are both occupational hazards!

I hated running…. for the first 15 minutes of every run. And then, oh boy, the endorphin rush, and the power I would feel, just wow! No wonder I would want to just keep going, no matter what. Turns out that actually I loved it! 🤣

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Switter’s World's avatar

I’m more of a plodder. A turtle. I can plod all day, for days, but admire the rabbits who can cruise.

Good on you, James!

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James Ron's avatar

I had stamina, that was about it. Running did make me feel good. That's what drew me to it. Especially trail runs, even though I did better on the flat loops. Yes, some of these guys and gals can really put the miles down hour after hour. Thank you, Switter.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Hey Ron, I was with you every step of the way and admiring your chutzpah. I had knee issues before a some-total of one Marine Corp Marathon and for six months after. I can't imagine doing a hundred - a head game indeed!

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James Ron's avatar

Hi, Mark. Thank you. I hope your knees are okay now and you have no ongoing issues. Bad knees are prone to get arthritis over the years. Mine did. If you were trained for a marathon, you could train to do ultras.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

The way I look at it is - our original equipment only gets so many miles or in the case of hearts, beats. The trick is to use them wisely.

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The Radical Individualist's avatar

I've run a hundred miles. Just not on the same day! Or week. Or month. Or year...

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James Ron's avatar

Ha! See? It was easy. Good job.

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Barry Lederman, “normie”'s avatar

Hats off to you and all “ultras”. As having done a few marathons and centuries (on bike) also 2.4m swims but not all together, I also appreciated the Ironman participants.

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James Ron's avatar

Hi, Barry. I apologize, I didn't get a notification and I didn't see your comment. My wife noticed.

Thank you, and congrats on your Ironman-like runs! That takes training for sure. I never did an Ironman. They are great athletes. The ultras are easier logistically and less costly. I didn't want to deal with flats. : )

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Barry Lederman, “normie”'s avatar

No problem. All the best to you both!

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