"Ultramarathons" by Jeff Browning (Ignite Bend 4)

Describing and giving a first-hand account of experience of competing in ultramarathons (I've finished over 40 of varying distances). An ultramarathon is defined as any running event longer than the traditional marathon length of 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometres). There are two types of ultramarathon events: 1) specified distance (the focus of the talk), and 2) events that take place during specified time (with the winner covering the most distance in that time). The most common distances are 50k, 50 miles, 100k, and 100 miles. These events and courses vary, ranging from single or multiple loops (some as short as a 400-meter track), to point-to-point road or trail races. Most ultramarathons in the United States, specifically in the west, are trail races. Many ultramarathon trail races have severe obstacles, such as inclement weather, extreme elevation change, or rugged terrain (climbing mountains). The 100 mile events can take anywhere from 14 to 60 hours, depending on the course and terrain. The 5 minute focus would be on the 100 mile ultramarathon trail race (I've completed 9). I would also talk about the experience of training and running for 100 miles in the mountains for 18-33 hours without sleep.

About Jeff: Even though I "grew up" to be a Graphic Designer, I guess I'm just a country boy at heart. Born and raised on a farm in the Show-Me-State of Missour-ah, I'm still looking for the backwoods experience. Combine the brain's creative energy with running for over a day straight without rest and you have a good recipe for starting to know yourself a little. I guess the adventure and the unknown is what attracted me to ultramarathons in the first place...can it be done? Running 100 miles straight through the mountains and what does that feel like. 10 years later and I'm still running through the mountains all night. I know what it feels like generally speaking...but every event is a new experience. You can't fake it, you have to do the dedicated work to have a chance at finishing. No posers—that's what I like. You can't cheat the event or it will crush you.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• ignite
• ignite bend
• ignite bend 4
• ib4
• oreilly
• jeff browning
• bend
• oregon

[touge242]

that was awesome

[AnTianLeMing]

This is an awesome presentation, Jeff. Thank you!

To Jeff and all the ultramarathon runners out there, you all are my inspiration!

Thank you "ignitebend" for posting this video. :)