US dollars pharmmd For the ultra marathons, just to finish the race is a big deal. And there are so many unknowns. When I do one of these races — I've done six 100-milers — there are so many highs and lows, it's like living a mini life. It takes 24 hours and you can have these really low lows. You're at mile 40, you've run a marathon and a half already, and you're not even half done. You've seen the sun come up and you won't be finished until you see the sun come up for a second time, and you're thinking, "I could be home with my little baby, but instead it's hot and I'm tired and I may not finish." It's a crisis. And then sure enough, I feel so great 18 hours later when I'm finally done and all of that is forgotten.