Starting ultrarunning at 36 might seem like a late start, but it became the catalyst for profound personal growth and athletic achievement. This journey wasn’t just about physical endurance; it was about overcoming deep-seated insecurities and redefining what’s possible. Discover how past struggles transformed into hidden strengths, shaping a unique path to success in the demanding world of ultrarunning.
This article explores the transformative power of ultrarunning, demonstrating how it fostered resilience, mental fortitude, and a newfound appreciation for the body’s capabilities. We’ll delve into the early struggles that fueled the fire, the pivotal role of kettlebell training, the advantages of a late-stage beginner’s mind, and the ultimate triumph over self-doubt. Join us as we uncover the secrets to becoming a stronger athlete, both inside and out.
Early Struggles and Their Hidden Gifts
From a young age, exercise was associated with fear and self-doubt. Early experiences in PE class were marred by illness and bullying, creating a deep-seated aversion to physical activity. Taunted for being ‘ugly’ and ‘the fatty,’ I regularly ‘forgot’ my sports clothes to avoid the ridicule. This negativity followed me into adulthood, shaping a deeply insecure relationship with my body.
Even when I started running in 2006 during a forestry exchange in South Africa, the motivation was rooted in self-criticism and the desire to lose weight. These initial runs were painful and filled with loathing. However, amidst the solitude of the plantation, surrounded by nature, a transformation began. The early morning runs became a safe space, free from judgment, where I could explore movement without pressure.
‘I can almost run one hour without stopping,’ I proudly wrote in my journal, a testament to the slow but steady progress. Yet, the mindset remained flawed. Despite transforming my body, the fear of gaining weight persisted, leading to disordered eating and a severe drop in weight. Injuries became frequent, and running became sporadic, culminating in a complete halt after completing a marathon in 2013.
Despite the difficulties, these years laid a crucial foundation. They taught me valuable lessons about my body, the importance of mindset, and the pitfalls of external validation. This groundwork would later inform a more mature and sustainable approach to athletics.
Finding Freedom Through Strength
The turning point came in 2015 with the introduction of kettlebell training. Unlike previous attempts at exercise driven by punishment, kettlebells offered a path to expansion. Each movement was about building strength, not diminishing my body. ‘Each movement was a deliberate act of building strength, not diminishing my body,’ I realized.
Kettlebells became an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Where running had once been a desperate attempt to lose weight, kettlebells taught me to value my body’s capabilities over its appearance. The shift was profound: my body was no longer an enemy to be controlled but a powerful instrument to be respected and developed. This reconstruction of my relationship with exercise was transformative.
Training became about becoming more, not less. It was about expanding my capabilities, not conforming to external expectations. This newfound respect for my body’s strength and capabilities paved the way for a different approach to running. The obsession with calories burned and miles logged for weight loss vanished, replaced by a curiosity about what my body could achieve.
When I considered running again in 2021, a deep sense of readiness washed over me, a feeling I had never experienced before. Years of kettlebell training had instilled trust in my body’s strength and resilience, setting the stage for a new chapter in my athletic journey.
The Physical Edge: How Kettlebells Prepared My Body
The physical benefits of kettlebell training translated remarkably well to the demands of ultrarunning. Years of consistent practice had cultivated deep core muscles essential for endurance events. This core strength wasn’t just about abs; it was about developing a system of muscles that maintained proper posture even after hours of exertion.
During my first 24-hour race, I received compliments on my running form and enduring strength, a testament to the foundation built by kettlebells. ‘During my first 24-hour race, I received the first comments on how beautiful my running form was,’ I recalled. This core and shoulder strength also proved invaluable in carrying a full backpack for extended periods on the trails, making the transition to ultrarunning smoother than anticipated.
The development of stabilizer muscles crucial for kettlebell training directly translated to enhanced stability and efficiency on the trails. Kettlebells engage the entire body, strengthening not just the prime movers but also the smaller muscles responsible for balance and coordination. This holistic approach to strength training created a resilient and adaptable body, ready to tackle the challenges of ultrarunning.
Kettlebell training builds the kind of functional strength that is exceptionally valuable for the unique demands of trail running.
Mental Fortitude Through Iron
The mental benefits of kettlebell training were equally profound, providing crucial psychological preparation for ultrarunning. Practicing complex movements under fatigue instilled invaluable lessons about the mind-body connection. Through long sets of swings and snatches, I learned to discern between productive discomfort and warning signs, developing an intuitive sense of pacing through challenging moments.
These extended sets with heavy kettlebells also cultivated focus during monotonous tasks, a skill vital for enduring long hours on the trail. ‘The mental challenge of maintaining proper technique during a heavy set of clean and presses isn’t so different from staying focused when running in a loop for 24 hours,’ I realized. Both require staying present, managing stress, and maintaining technique when fatigue tempts one to quit.
Furthermore, kettlebell training instilled courage. The heavy military press, in particular, fostered mental fortitude. Attempting to press a heavy kettlebell overhead alone in your living room demands unwavering focus and commitment. This learned ability to stay focused under pressure proved invaluable during crucial moments in ultrarunning, especially navigating steep and technical terrain.
This courage extends beyond physical challenges. It seeps into other aspects of life.
The Late-Stage Beginner’s Mind: A Unique Advantage
Approaching my first ultra, a 61km trail race, I possessed a unique blend of beginner’s enthusiasm and veteran’s wisdom. The eight months of preparation were marked by curiosity and maturity, not frantic training or anxiety. This ‘late-stage beginner’s mind’ became my secret weapon.
While many new runners fall into the trap of overdoing it, my years of focused kettlebell training had instilled the value of patience. I understood that sustainable progress stemmed from consistency, not compressing years of training into a few months. This wisdom guided my training approach, prioritizing base building over speed work and complex patterns.
Drawing on past training mistakes, I recognized the importance of rest and recovery. When others might push through warning signs, I confidently stepped back when needed. This ‘flexible discipline,’ a commitment to training without rigid adherence, allowed me to adapt and progress effectively.
The key to building a strong aerobic foundation is consistency.
From Novice to Podium: The Power of Patient Progress
Within eight months, I transformed from a running hiatus to an ultrarunner, securing third place in my first ultra. This wasn’t beginner’s luck but the result of methodical preparation and trust in the process. ‘When I crossed the finish line of that first ultra as the third female, it wasn’t beginner’s luck,’ I affirmed.
Patience remained the guiding principle. I carefully selected events, allowing adequate recovery time after each race. This measured approach fueled consistent progress, culminating in a 24-hour race victory. Remarkably, despite significantly increasing my running volume, I haven’t experienced a single overuse injury in the four years since resuming running.
This isn’t coincidence but a direct result of building a strong foundation, respecting the process, and allowing my body to adapt gradually. Each milestone reinforces that sustainable progress arises from steady, methodical development, not rushing.
Building a strong foundation reduces risk of injury.
Redefining ‘Too Late’
The perceived ‘disadvantage’ of starting late concealed hidden advantages. My years of kettlebell training provided physical preparation, but diverse life experiences taught invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptation, and personal growth. I brought to ultrarunning not just physical prowess but a rich tapestry of life skills: project management, problem-solving, and emotional resilience.
This maturity manifested practically. I could anticipate and plan for challenges, approach training as a project, and adapt to unexpected setbacks. ‘My professional experience helped me approach training like a project,’ I noted. Most importantly, I had the emotional maturity to separate my worth from athletic achievements, freeing me to take risks and learn without crushing pressure.
This perspective allowed me to embrace the process, knowing that running ultras was just one facet of my identity. It allowed me to appreciate the journey.
Unlike younger athletes who tie their entire identity to their performance, I understood that running ultras was just one facet of who I was.
Conclusion
Starting ultrarunning at 36 was more than just a late-in-life athletic pursuit; it was a transformative journey that redefined my relationship with my body and mind. Overcoming early struggles, embracing kettlebell training, and adopting a patient approach led to unexpected success and personal growth.
The key takeaways from this experience include the importance of building a strong foundation, both physically and mentally, respecting the training process, and separating self-worth from athletic achievements. These principles are applicable not just to ultrarunning but to any endeavor in life.
Ultimately, starting ultrarunning at 36 proved that it’s never too late to redefine limits and unlock hidden potential. By embracing challenges, learning from the past, and trusting in the process, anyone can become a stronger, more resilient athlete, regardless of age or experience. It also highlighted the advantage of a ‘late-stage beginner’s mind’, which combines enthusiasm with the wisdom of experience.
This experience demonstrates that age is no barrier to achieving athletic success.