Ultra Runners – Meredith Murphy

This week’s ultra runner interview is with Meredith Murphy, a very talented ultra runner from the suburbs of Philadelphia. I first met Meredith online in a running forum we both frequent. She’s done several of the popular ultra races such as Umstead, Grand Teton, Badwater and Rocky Racoon – in fact, it was actually Meredith who first sparked my interest in ultra running (although she probably doesn’t even know it) a few years back because she has always been so open and ready to discuss her experiences firsthand. Last year she had her first baby and ten months later ran the Umstead 100 miler. Incredible! Recently she finished her first 48 hour race. You read that right, 48 hours. Absolutely awe inspiring. Congratulations Meredith on all of your accomplishments.

How did you first get started?
I started training on trails and a friend told me that trail races were ultras and I should look into them.

What was your first race and what was the distance?
My first race ever was a marathon, my first ultra was a 34 mile 50K

How many marathons had you done prior to your first ultra experience?
3

How many miles a week do you run, on average?
Prior to having the baby 60-70, after having the baby, 45

How many weeks does it take to train for an ultra?
You train year round, haha

Patience has got to be the biggest key to ultra running. Did this come naturally to you or
is it something you had to learn?
Always been a patient person

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in ultra running?
It will get better, just keep going. puking is not a big deal.

What have you learned about yourself from your experiences?
That I can persevere.

What is your greatest ultra running accomplishment to date?
The Grand Teton 100 miler, it was super duper hard.

What are your goals for the future?
Badwater 2011, if I get accepted. I was not accepted this year, but only 8 rookie women were accepted this year. I will be out there pacing and crewing again

What distance would you recommend for a beginner?
50K, it is like a long, fun marathon

How would someone get started with ultras?
Pick a race and train for it, train on similar terrain, talk to veterans.

What is it that you love most about ultras?
the people, the challenge, the meditative aspect of long distances. 50K and 100M are my favorite distances.

Are you currently training for any races in particular and which one(s)?
48 hour race in May. Possible a return to the Grand Teton 100 in September, if we can get the funds together.
(Note: Obviously, I sent her these questions back in April – she has since completed her 48 hour race.)

Meredith maintains a blog about her running journey located here.