Ross Ormond recently finished running his first 50 miler at Hells Hills at Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, TX. He's psyched and ready for more. Congrats to Ross! Here's a quick Q&A with him, enjoy!
What made you want to run almost two marathons back to back?
The challenge. Something I had never done before and quite frankly just the thought of it made me feel crazy; in a good way. It was all part of the training and commitment to getting the legs in the right shape. Coach Joe said I would be cursing his name on the second 25-miler…I did, but only briefly.
How long did you train for this specific event?
Specifically not long. I had a good base built up from a December marathon and carried it into a 50K trail run in Bandera. It was after Bandera that I truly fell in love with being in the backcountry…running…living…enjoying what we take for granted each day. If I had to put a number on it, about 2.5 months.
How did you avoid injury in training for such a long race?
It so important to take care of the body, especially in endurance sports. Nutrition is first and foremost. I also take time, albeit reluctantly, to properly stretch and get massages to work out things I can't fix on my own. It’s a constant battle for me but I know the consequences if I don’t. I’ve overtrained in the past and know what that feels like. Joe does a great job of keeping that in check for me.
What do you feel was the single most important aspect related to your success?
Commitment. There are times where life gets in the way and you have to make sacrifices if it’s something you want to do. For me that meant getting up at 2 or 3am to get my 5 hour workouts in so that I could be back home to have breakfast with the family. You also have to give a shout out to all the people supporting you. From my family, friends, colleagues, and of course Joe. It goes without saying that they are, and continue to be, champions for me.
How did you handle your caloric needs in training and in racing?
Trial and error for training, finding out what my body could take and how much at any one time. On my second marathon in two days I was so hungry I ate about 5 or 6 small boiled and salted potatoes. I thought I was going to die 5 minutes later. I guess I overloaded my body and it kicked back; hard. It’s truly about balance and finding something you can choke down when your 30, 40, 50 miles in because your body/mind is telling you ‘I’m good’. My go-to’s are boiled potatoes, stinger waffles, Pringles (always available on the course), Skratch chews, Justin’s peanut butter, almond butter and cashew butter.
Are you ready for more?
Bring ‘em on! 100 miler here we come.
What advice would you give to the aspiring Ultrarunner?
Do it because you love it. Find balance. Make the sacrifices, it’s all worth it!
Happy training,
Joe
