Running 50, 100, and sometimes even 200 kilometers is not just a sporting achievement. It is a shock to every system in the body and mind. Many believe that such distances are a path to injury and exhaustion. And yes, if you approach them without preparation, that’s exactly what will happen. But for consistent and mindful runners, ultra running becomes an experience that transforms the soul and the body.
What Happens to the Body
Physiologically, an ultra-marathon is controlled stress. The body triggers a whole chain of adaptive responses to cope with the enormous strain.
Main processes during running:
- Energy reserves are depleted: first glycogen is used up, then fats are burned. Towards the end, the body literally “eats itself,” breaking down muscle fibers.
- Muscles become inflamed and swollen: especially the quadriceps, calves, and feet. This is natural but painful. Recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a week.
- The immune system weakens: after a race, there is often a “window of vulnerability”, a temporary decrease in the body’s defenses.
- Hormones go haywire: cortisol (the stress hormone) levels rise, while testosterone and serotonin levels drop. This can lead to mood swings in the days after the race.
- The musculoskeletal system experiences peak loads: knees, pelvis, spine, everything suffers, especially if your running technique is not perfect or your shoes are unsuitable.
But there is good news: with proper training, the body does not break down but becomes stronger. Muscles adapt, the cardiovascular system works more efficiently, and metabolism stabilizes.
The Brain and Emotions
An ultra-marathon is a tough test for our minds. At some point, your legs just keep going on autopilot, and the real battle is in your head. And that’s when the magic starts.
Up until a certain point, you’re just tired. Then you’re really tired. And then… a new reality kicks in. Runners describe states similar to meditation, revelations, and even hallucinations.
Here’s why:
- Long runs activate areas of the brain associated with concentration, self-regulation, and pain perception.
- The emotional roller coaster from euphoria to despair builds resilience.
- The ability to endure and “be in the moment” increases dramatically.
Many say that ultra running changes their perception of themselves. After such a distance, you are no longer the same person. Not because you ran 100 km. But because you encountered your true self without filters, distractions, or masks.
After the Finish
When it’s all over, you’ll feel refreshed and cleansed. It’s like rebooting: your body is exhausted, but your heart is calm, and your mind is clear. The finish line of an ultra-marathon is the moment when you realize that if you can do this, you can do anything.
And although the next few days may be difficult, with you struggling to walk down the stairs and waddling like a penguin, inside you will feel something new: a quiet, confident knowledge that you have become stronger. If you approach a marathon with respect, preparation, and an open heart, it will reveal not only new miles, but also new sides of yourself.