THE WHY | Running 100 Miles

Why do we run 100 miles?

It's a question I get from friends and acquaintances quite often. And in the lower moments during these ultramarathon events if I'm honest, a question I direct inward too. Sure, on the surface you can cite self-improvement, challenging yourself, so on and so forth. But the longer I do this, the more I started to explore answers beyond the surface. How we relate to discomfort, uncertainty and pain. Do we have it too easy and thus, we're drawn to the opposite end of the spectrum where we're reduced to "survival" mode and drinking/eating/moving forward? Are we in our more natural state when this is what our world is reduced down to?

Using the historic and legendary Leadville 100 Mile Race as my backdrop and with the support of GU Energy Labs, I explore these ideas as I ran my 3rd 100-mile race at the "Race Across the Sky". Through the good, bad and the ugly - I attempted to unpack "the why" in running a 100 miles. My thanks again to them for the support!

________________

Directed by: Billy Yang
Cinematography by: Derrick Lytle
Produced by: Brian Gillis, Celia Santi
Cover Photo: Colin Cooley

[dwalker]

I have been running for about 7 months. I was 320lbs and couldn't run more than min and a half. Now I'm down to 263 and running non stop for 23 mins. I'm entering my first 5k in a month. I cant wait for this challenge.

[jackpeters]

Someone reading this please realise how precious your legs are, this year I had a spine injury and I would do anything to run again. Do it for me u will love the feeling

[beckyisza]

I started running 6 weeks ago exactly - overweight and fearful of running off a treadmill for the embarrassment of being seen stopping in the street, out of breath and "failing." 6 weeks on: yesterday, I covered 7km outside through wet fields, dirt tracks, hilly roads, and pedestrianised areas - all not caring whatsoever about external worries because I have discovered the most personal, liberating, beautiful way to be with myself and push myself - the only voice that matters being the one in my head... Last night: I signed up for my first race, a 10k, in another 6 weeks and have my heart set on running a marathon by the end of the year... This video made me tear up when he said about not leaving a preserved body but a body that has reached its potential... I have found that running has become my window to realise a potential I simply didn't know I had when a few months ago I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown and barely had the energy to shower... In 6 weeks it has nothing short of turned my life around and I am so excited to see where this journey will take me and to keep on pushing myself. <3

[oldtoad]

“When you’re stripped raw and think you’re done, thats when the race really begins”. Truer words have not been spoken. Thanks Billy for making this.

[lizgama]

I first watched this when I was 15. This was the second ultra video I had ever seen. I have spent every moment since then dreaming about running one. I have come back to watch this film because of the Choose Strong podcast episode with Billy and Sally. I have overcome many obstacles in my life and after every difficult season running is what helps me hold myself together. I almost 20 now and I will be running my first 50 mile ultra in September! Thank you for sharing this incredible film!

[waywardwizardmedia]

Billy, this video gets me emotional now. I've completed my 1st 100 Miler 3 days ago - Capes 100 in Nova Scotia, Canada. I studied Ultras, trained hard... but there's a mental, psychological side to it... existential even... that you touch on that is just so beautiful to me.

A wild, epic journey into the depths of existence. I'm so in love with myself for not giving up.

[Amedo]

"gotta get some calories in, I haven't eaten anything in like the last hour" - me even when I'm not running 100 miles

[alvarojackcano]

“When it’s your time is the goal to leave a well preserved body? Or do you really want to use it? A body with stories that says you’ve pushed it and at times suffered and you sought it’s potential.” These words sum up what and how I live. Thanks Billy for this. True inspiration.

[JonnyBuilds]

My Why: For my daughter. For my mother who passed away at 60. To prove to myself that I am capable of more than I ever thought. Thanks for this. What a beautiful film. Brought me right back. It was cool to see you out there last year. Cheers.

[cya]

whats equally impressive to the runner are the friends that support him. its a huge time commitment for them and its so nice. i wouldnt have anyone that would do that for me so seeing this is awesome to me.

[sophiegrace]

This is amazing. As a teen who has just started running weeks ago, this has now become a dream of mine! Thank you for planting a seed, an idea, a goal in my mind!

[bugater]

I started trail running a year ago. First trail race was a 10K then I increased distance every week up to the point I was doing several 50ks a month. Three weeks ago, I ran the my first 100 miler on the Headlands Hundred. I definitely wasn't ready but I wanted to try. I often watched this vid to motivate me. I ran in the 'Running Screwed' division which meant no pacers, no crew, and no poles. In a sadistic way, I wanted to experience pain. I finished in 33:33 and could barely walk by the time I hit the finish.

[maryswenson]

I cried watching this and I'm only training to run a half marathon right now but it's the journey and the people along the way that we share it with that makes life so great!

[johnnyboy]

Round about 16:30 he said the pain would end if he just quit right now. Nay, sir. The pain would continue for the rest of your life. Good job on finishing

[coffeemocha]

Congrats Billy. I introduced myself to you at the WS100 last year and told you how inspirational I found your films. Since then, I’ve completed two 50k”s. Now at age 58, I’m working up to a 50mi. Keep up the great work.

[pennypackmtb]

I was a running prodigy in HS until I was diagnosed with a bone infection in my (L) great toe. I've made my comebacks through the years, until the pain returns. Then I'm in the recliner, foot up. So I live my love for running by watching and supporting runners. Thanks for sharing this part of your life. Great Video.

[jknighton]

"When it's your time is the goal to leave behind a well-preserved body, or do you really want to use it?..." You got me there man... such a great film. Well done.

[MrSepl]

My best friend was training for this. He passed away in June, and I'm just realizing the magnitude of what doing those finally 20 pacer miles with him would have been. Truly a great video that brought me to tears. Thank you for this.

[elvislives-glrv]

Thanks. I quit my very high paying DC consulting job Sept 30. I've been running through the pandemic. I'm a 53 years old 280 pounds ex football lineman. Yesterday I ran 8 miles. This was inspirational. I don't know what is next for me. My son said I should run a marathon. We'll see.

[epicboom]

I come back to this video every once in a while to remind myself about the beauty of running. I started long distance running at the start of high school and 2 years ago did my first half marathon, next may I will be doing my first full marathon. I'm still 19 and my body is still far from ultramarathon level but one day in the future I'll be able to cross over a finish line after a 100 mile race and thank that little boy back in my past for starting running and never giving up.