Lifetimes Further Along

Sometimes, you think you’re doing pretty well. Running an ultramarathon is a lifetime achievement. It can be difficult to remember occasionally when you’re immersed in the people and culture of that world, but having finished a race like this puts you automatically in rarified air.

I just met a lady from Bulgaria on our van from Betong. Somewhat reassuringly, she was just as confused by the whole bus setup as we were. I asked her about her race, understanding that she was here for the event, but without assuming which category. Turns out, she’d absolutely smashed the 100km race! Only around half of the participants even finished. It is an absolutely gruelling course. She had flown by herself from Bulgaria, aced it, and now was on her way to fly home again.

I asked whether she had raced many ultras before. Her résume included three 100+ kilometre races and three 100+ mile distances, too! Running that many miles is unfathomable. Let alone wanting to do it three times. I don’t know if humbling is the right word. Admiration. The implicit comparison aspect is unavoidable though. On this journey, it felt like I’d met some timeless master, lifetimes ahead of me. But I don’t know if it’s appropriate to frame it as being further ahead in some pursuit. Yes, she has made impossible and once-in-a-lifetime accomplishments look routine. There is no need for inadequacy in response to that, though. Whether she had completed 100 marathons or was simply here on holiday should matter very little. What a incredibly fulfilling purpose all the same.

I know very little about her otherwise, but I have all the information I need to understand that this was a woman with serious character. On the bus, she booked herself in for another 100km race this August and then asked me what was next on my calendar. I don’t have a clue.

May pursuits like this keep bringing joy to her life. Safe travels.