Are Ultrarunners Masochists or Hedonists?

[bf in az]

http://bfinaz.blogspot.com/2012/09/are-ultrarunners-masochists-or-hedonists.html

Which are you?

 

[EricsLearning]

I love the post especially Dori at the end. I can't tell what I am and but I have only done one baby ultra (50k). I had a great 21mile run yesterday. I didn't start wondering why until I got home and was relaxing on the couch. I'm pretty sure I run because I enjoy it at the time and because I like staying strong and fit.

 

[Barefooting Bob]

Ha, that is so true, I do that everytime as well, and yes I come back for more and more and MORE!!!

 

[theshortwhiteguy]

Where are the sick and crazy buttons?

 

[rickwhitelaw]

Hopefully I can answer this in a year. Need to run one first.

 

[RunningPirate]

Didn't know that Masochist and Hedonist were mutually exclusive

Whilst I've yet to run an ultra (I've "only" run a marathon), I'd have to say that there has to be a bit of masochism and/or self-loathing involved in running long distances. You've pegged that in the post run internal dialogue you wrote about (quite brilliantly, I might add).

 

[KiwiRunning]

Didn't know that Masochist and Hedonist were mutually exclusive .

Exactly! whats with this OR buisness?

 

[ElyDave]

There's no button for "all of the above, and throw in your own form of insanity as well"

 

[Last Place Jason]

I agree with others- it's a combination. I like the pain, but still vow to never do another ultra again at some point in every race.