Running my first ultra marathon—a 31-mile adventure—was an experience I never planned for, but somehow found myself tackling.
Our friend Holly played a major role in this. She shamed Kim and me into signing up, and I have to admit, I wasn’t thrilled with her at the time. Despite my reluctance, there I was, standing at the start line of the Lake Waramaug Ultra, ready to take on a whole new kind of challenge.

The course consisted of multiple loops around picturesque Lake Waramaug, followed by an out-and-back section to hit the full 31-mile distance. From the beginning, it was clear that this wasn’t your typical marathon crowd. Ultra runners are a different breed—the pace was slower, the vibe more relaxed, and the camaraderie unmatched. And let’s talk about the aid stations.
They were absolutely incredible! Instead of the standard gels and bananas, there were egg burritos, apple pies, candy, boiled potatoes, and more. It was like running a race and attending a picnic at the same time. We’d run a bit, stop to eat, and then keep going, which added a fun and unique rhythm to the day.
The race hosted several ultra distances, including a 50-miler. Every time I saw those runners still out there grinding, I felt a wave of relief that 31 miles was enough for me. My legs were still recovering from Boston, but surprisingly, the slower pace and frequent breaks helped keep me feeling relatively strong throughout the day.
Crossing the finish line of my first ultra was an incredible moment. I didn’t feel completely wrecked, which was a huge win considering it followed my Boston Marathon effort. The Lake Waramaug Ultra was a new kind of running adventure for me, filled with good food, great people, and a sense of accomplishment I’ll always treasure. And while I might have initially resented Holly for pushing us into it, I’m grateful she did—it turned out to be a memorable and rewarding experience.
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