The Path We Run
It refers to running any distance beyond the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles, but the 100-mile mark is a defining milestone for all ultrarunners. So when Jen Benson hit her forties and realised she wanted to rediscover her enthusiasm for pushing herself to her physical and mental limits, she turned to running and a fascination with covering the fabled 100 miles.
In her book, The Path We Run, she charts her return to running at a very different stage in her life, as a woman in her forties, married with young children, and the highs and lows of taking on an ultrarunning challenge. She also explores ultrarunning from a female perspective, and the history and successes of women’s distance running, including notable modern-day trailblazers such as Jasmin Parris and Courtney Dauwalter. Ultimately, she sets out to achieve the realisation of a goal of running 100 miles and the physical, mental and social challenges that poses as she takes on the Arc of Attrition along the dramatic south-west coast path.
With blisters, nausea and hallucinations par for the course, Jen Benson’s personal account makes the meaning of ultra in the name ultrarunning very clear.
Reviewed by Jade Craddock.