Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: June 15, 2022
I’m navigating a rugged single-track trail deep within the forest. The morning sunlight filters through the trees, casting playful shadows on the pine needles and stones beneath my feet. It’s only 8 am, and I’ve already been running for two hours, with four more to go.
Last year, my son Jamie proudly told his gym teacher that his mom had completed 100 miles. The teacher chuckled, dismissing it as a tall tale. Jamie responded, “No, really! My mom runs ultramarathons.”
An ultramarathon is any race longer than 26.2 miles, often held on trails rather than roads. I’ve participated in numerous 50-kilometer races, three 50-mile races, and one 100-miler. In a few weeks, I’ll attempt my second 100-mile race. Yes, I run through the night; no, I don’t take breaks; yes, I eat while running; yes, I find a spot in the woods when nature calls; and yes, I occasionally encounter wildlife.
People frequently ask me why I take on such challenges. They must wonder why a mother of two young kids would choose to cover such vast distances. It’s true that I don’t meet many moms of small children who take on ultramarathons. My fellow ultrarunners enjoy hearing about my kids during our runs, yet I sometimes sense skepticism from those who aren’t runners. Many fail to grasp why I would want to spend time away from my children, and some think my long-distance running is rather peculiar.
But truthfully, if it weren’t for my kids, I may have never discovered ultrarunning.
As a child, I wasn’t a runner at all; in fact, I was quite the opposite and never engaged in sports at school. After having my first child, I joined a mom-and-baby running group to get in shape and connect with other mothers. About a year later, I completed my first half marathon with that group. Eventually, I began running trails with local enthusiasts and learned about ultramarathons.
My inaugural ultramarathon was a 50-kilometer (31-mile) race in January 2019. It was a loop course where runners could tackle anywhere from one to five laps. I hadn’t intended to run the entire 50 kilometers, but it just sort of… happened.
Crossing the finish line, I felt a surge of pride and confidence I hadn’t experienced since becoming a mom. Not that motherhood isn’t magnificent—I cherish watching my children learn and grow. However, since their arrival, I hadn’t felt that personal sense of achievement.
From that moment, I was hooked.
The stress relief I find in running has kept me logging hundreds of miles each month since then. As a mom, I had to set aside my career to care for my son with special needs. Like many parents, I often don’t feel particularly skilled at parenting. There’s no handbook, no matter how much we wish there were. I thrive on feeling accomplished, engaged, and determined in both my work and life. I also excel in structured environments, and stay-at-home parenting lacks that.
Running meets those needs. When I look at my running schedule or check my Garmin app for workout analysis, it’s often because I feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and perceived failures. That little bit of predictability and structure provides comfort. Preparing for a race and meticulously packing my gear is my way of establishing control over my life.
I’m fortunate to have tremendous support from my partner. Pursuing a passion like ultrarunning wouldn’t be feasible without it. My husband isn’t a runner, but I encouraged him to find a sport he loves, and I’m thrilled he found it in jiu jitsu. I support his time away to recharge and maintain his health.
As I trudge back from my long run through the woods on a Friday morning, I finally reach the parking lot. I stop my watch, check the distance, and save the run for later analysis. Sweaty and drained, I climb into my car to head home as quickly as possible. I have just enough time for a shower and a quick snack before picking up the kids from school.
I stub my toe on a rock, and I’ll be limping for the rest of the day. But I can’t rest much because Jamie has archery, and Ella has a friend coming over for a sleepover.
It’s a grind, and it can be exhausting. Yet as I lie in bed at the end of the day, reflecting on my accomplishments, I have tangible evidence of what I achieved that day. I may never be certain if my parenting decisions were the best, but I know I got out there and finished my run. As I drift off to sleep, that confidence is what I focus on.
About the Author: Sarah L. Jenkins is a freelance writer and mother of two children and a dog residing on Boston’s North Shore. An avid crafter, she can typically be found knitting, baking, painting, reading, running, or writing.
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Summary:
In this article, Sarah L. Jenkins shares how her passion for ultramarathons serves as a coping mechanism amidst the challenges of motherhood. Discovering running after having children, she finds solace and structure in her long-distance pursuits, despite the skepticism of some people. With the support of her husband and the fulfillment of completing races, she highlights the importance of self-accomplishment and confidence in her parenting journey.