{"id":21373,"date":"2013-04-22T17:56:34","date_gmt":"2013-04-22T22:56:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/?p=21373"},"modified":"2014-10-29T11:32:16","modified_gmt":"2014-10-29T16:32:16","slug":"duane-mckee-this-is-why-i-run-ultramarathons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/duane-mckee-this-is-why-i-run-ultramarathons\/","title":{"rendered":"Duane McKee: This is Why I Run Ultramarathons"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"coach<\/a>

Duane McKee<\/p><\/div>\n

Coach Duane McKee, 45, Gainesville Fl, Fitness Trainer\/Running Coach<\/b><\/p>\n

<\/b>Why do you run?<\/b> I like to run because it brings me joy and mental clarity. It also inspires other people to start running.<\/p>\n

How long have you been running?<\/b> I have been doing Ultramarathons for two years now.<\/p>\n

Tell us about competing.<\/strong> I compete mostly against myself and the course distance.\u00a0 Most Ultramarathons have between 40 -60% DNF (Did Not Finish) failure rate.<\/p>\n

Most challenging aspect of running 100 miles at a time:<\/b> Mental preparation and to keep running at mile 70 when everything is telling you to stop.<\/p>\n

Most fun aspect of running:<\/b> Meeting other Ultra runners and sharing experiences out on the course.<\/p>\n

Most rewarding aspect of running:<\/b> Completing is a very challenging task and I also run to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.<\/p>\n

Who\/what inspires you when you\u2019re feeling weak?<\/b> All the people that have supported me in my Ultra running journey: my wife, kids, and being a former Army Officer. All the Wounded Warriors who have given so much for our country and will face much bigger challenges in their lives, not by their choosing.<\/p>\n

Advice for others who\u2019d like to get started:<\/b> Do your research before you begin.\u00a0 Slowly increase your running distance, 10% at a time.\u00a0 Hire a Coach, even if it\u2019s just for an hour to pick their brain.\u00a0 This is a very specific event, normal physiological processes, nutrition info, Thermic regulation principles don\u2019t apply when your body is in constant motion for 20-34 plus hours.<\/p>\n

Your must-have equipment for running:<\/b> A strong mind, water, electrolytes, a practiced nutrition plan, anti-chafe gel and head lamps for running at night!<\/p>\n

Favorite training song:<\/b> Against The Wind by Bob Seger<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

Favorite healthy food:<\/b> Brown rice<\/p>\n

Favorite not-so-healthy food:<\/b> Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Butterfinger candy bars<\/p>\n

Funniest \/weirdest\/most awkward experience while running:<\/b> I had a stray dog run with me for 12 miles at a time, three different times. Same dog on an out and back 25 mile loop I had to do four times for my first 100 mile race. People thought I had brought him as my pacer!<\/p>\n