Comrades Marathon

Many of you seasoned runners may have heard about the Comrades Marathon before, but I hadn't until yesterday when I read this Runner's World article. I think I may have found what I've been looking for.

55 miles. Devastating hills. South Africa.

I've spent the past day researching this race and it is widely regarded as the world's greatest ultra marathon. (Ultra marathon is any race longer than the "normal" 26.2 miles - though some say it's not a real ultra unless it's over 50 miles.) The race began in the early 1920's by a group of men wanting to do something physically and mentally agonizing to honor their comrades who had fallen in the Great War. The history is inspiring and the race itself is inspiring. I've always been in awe at people who push themselves and challenge themselves to the very brink. Well, enough awe for me. I'm going to make this race my personal test. And it is in Africa! It's been way too long since I've used my passport.

This year's race is June 17. So forget about that. I won't be ready for that one - but I will be ready by next year. One year to train. One year to save $. No excuses. As of right now I'm considering myself on the clock for the June 2008 Comrades Marathon.

My father inspired me to start running this past year. He's recently got back into serious running and already has a couple mountain ultras under his belt. I'm in full recruitment mode to get him to come with me. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather run this race with.

So, that's it. Simply a new race on my "upcoming races" link. Now back to running.

Today - 8.5 miles through plowed wheat field dust and rolling dirt roads. I love this life.

Keep running!