When to Quit (And When to Keep Going)

Written by Doug Hay

If there’s one truth about running an ultramarathon (or chasing any big dream, for that matter), it’s that there’s an inevitable point when it’s not fun. That point when you start questioning your decision to do it in the first place.

Usually, if you’ve made it through the training cycle and to the starting line, you’re determined to push through that pain and discomfort to reach that finish line. But what if come race day, you’re not feeling the motivation that’s supposed to push you through?

In that case, is there a point where it’s okay to say that enough’s enough, and call it a day?

That’s the question I asked myself for hours during last week’s Steep Canyon 50K.

I spent the majority of the race in pain, tired, and most importantly, not having fun. Should I listen to my head and stop running, even though I know I have the physical strength to keep going … or should I suck it up and finish what I started?

In today’s episode, Matt and I explore this question, and talk about the lessons others chasing big goals (and ones that sometimes aren’t fun) can take from my experience.

Here’s just some of what we talk about in this episode:
  • The highs and lows of Doug’s most recent 50k
  • Questioning your “why”
  • Accountability as a training tool
  • The absolute best time to call it quits

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