From Business Insider · Jessica Orwig · · 1m 20s
Ultrarunner's recipe for hard things
Dean Karnazes ran 350 miles nonstop and says the secret to endurance is simpler than most people think.
In brief
Dean Karnazes ran 350 miles nonstop and says the secret to endurance is simpler than most people think. Ultramarathon legend Dean Karnazes, who ran 350 miles in 80 hours and 44 minutes, says extraordinary endurance comes from simple habits anyone can practice. Originally reported by Business Insider.
The record that still stands
Dean Karnazes ran 350 miles in 80 hours and 44 minutes in 2005, setting the world record for the longest nonstop run. His record still stands today, 21 years later.
“I actually made it 350 miles, which was somewhat of a letdown because I thought maybe I could run 500 miles.”
Don't make winning the goal
Karnazes says he runs for adventure, not trophies. He approaches races by asking himself to be the best version of himself that day, not to win.
“I do it for the adventure. Both the inner and the outer adventure. I've never really said I want to win a race.”
Redefine what success means
When advising new ultrarunners, Karnazes tells them to set finishing as their goal, not a specific time. He says this approach changes how you see your own limits.
“Just set your goal on finishing. Don't say I want to do it in sub five hours or sub six hours.”
The mind plays tricks
During his 350-mile run, after nearly three days without sleep, Karnazes started hallucinating. He felt as though he had left his body and was watching himself from above.
“When you're in these altered states, it's as though you don't have conscious control of your mind.”
Keep moving through the pain
Karnazes advises aspiring ultrarunners to walk if they must, slow down, push through pain, and keep going. He says you emerge rejuvenated on the other side.
“You walk if you have to. You slow down, you push through the pain, and you come out the other side, and you're rejuvenated.”
The bottom line
Ultramarathon legend Dean Karnazes, who ran 350 miles in 80 hours and 44 minutes, says extraordinary endurance comes from simple habits anyone can practice.
