How to run long distance, or 50k in this case? If you are a runner, that may be a question you are asking yourself. If you are not a runner, you most likely perceive such feat as an act of madness. Give me a chance. There is reason to my madness and it does not necessarily focus just on running. Maybe I should go with a different title - Why Run a 50k instead of How To Run 50k? Either way, let me explain.

An Ultra Feat

50 km is considered to be an ultra marathon. Basically, any distance greater than the marathon distance (42.195 km or 26 miles and 385 yards) is already an ultra marathon. I call it a mini ultra. Marathons have grown into a phenomenon in recent years, with the most popular ones attracting tens of thousands of runners, many of whom are taking their first stab at a marathon. A large number of these participants are actually taking their first running steps only months before the big event. And why? Why are none runners all of a sudden running distances that they cannot even comprehend? Because they can. They know that they can do it if they put their mind to it. The marathon is the ultimate goal. A limit that can be reached.

However, I want to go beyond. Conquering the marathon is an exceptional feat. I struggled when I ran it. But a marathon poses a limit. A set distance, which many achieve, yet do not go beyond. Why? Why stop there? Is it a mental block, or a physical limitation?

How To Run 50k

Like with any new distance, especially long distance, there is a method to go by. First, set your mind to believe that the goal can be reached. Does this sound familiar? It’s like with any other things we want to achieve. First we need to set our mind to focus on the goal, and then believe that it can be achieved. It’s no good thinking we can jump over the puddle if deep down we feel we will land in the middle.

Second, eliminate or reduce factors which will negatively impact the run. In my case, I knew that during such a long run, my mind would constantly think and evaluate my ability to run. Hence, I provided it with a distraction, an audiobook. Something to keep it occupied. Going back to the example of jumping over the puddle, there too, we can eliminate certain factors, like maybe leaping from a point closer to the edge of the puddle.

Third, baby steps. When you reach a point where you think you cannot go any farther, focus on the nearest point you feel you can reach. Like the bench 100 yards away, or the turning which is within eyesight. Once accomplished, see if you can spot another point, which will bring you closer to your goal. Alright, with the puddle example, it may prove difficult to take baby steps. However, you can throw your backpack over it, to lessen the weight you are carrying, bringing you an inch closer to flying over it.

When I thought how to run 50k, I did not focus on the limitations. I considered this as breaking loose of the limitations a marathon brings. And you know what, it was much easier to run 50k than it was to run a marathon. Break free of limitations and see how far you can go.

Please click here if you would like to read more on what the 50km run actually looked and felt like.