There is a mailing list called the “Ultra” list. It is a list for ultrarunners. According to Wikipedia, an ultrarunner is someone who runs races that are longer than a traditional marathon which is 26.2 miles. I am not an ultrarunner yet, but I aspire to be one. My wife thinks I am insane. She is concerned that I will end up spending most of my time out running. At my current pace, that is closer to the truth that I like, but I am getting faster. So, right now, I am building my base and will continue to do so. Will I ever be an ultrarunner? Maybe…maybe not, but I hope so and I am working toward that title. Right now my base is at 20 miles per week so I only have another 80 or so to go. 
I mean, heck, if you can run a marathon, you can run a 50K. If you can run a 50K, you can run a 60K and if you can do that, you can probably do a 100K. If you can do that…well, you get the point. That is the wonderful thing about running, id est, you can go as far as you want.
Here is the profile I had to post when I joined the Ultra list:
Name: Matt Pardo
City/State/Country: Austin, Texas, USA
Occupation: IT consultant
Height: 5’11″
Weight: 211
Birthplace: Detroit, MI
Date of birth: December 8, 1966
Years running: 1 (I know…I can feel eyes rolling from here!) I have been trying to be a runner for decades on and off but never could run beyond a couple of weeks due to shin splints, knee issues and back pain. That is until I discovered minimalist shoes at a local running store, i.e. when I started using them my shin splints, knee and back issues went away. I have been steadily increasing my mileage over the last few months.
Years running ultras: 0
PRs: 5K 27:57, longest distance so far is 10 miles
Shoes I run in: Brooks True Grit and Vibram Spyridon
Favorite running surface: Trails
Some ultras I have completed: None
Ultra achievement I am most proud of: N/A
Typical training week: 18-20 miles running per week, 100-160 miles cycling per week, crossfit 1-3 times per week
Injury history: Avulsion in left foot, broken ankle, shin splints, IT band and lower back pain
Favorite ultra foods: N/A but I can’t wait to read some of the other bios to find out more
Favorite ultra beverages: N/A but I can’t wait to read some of the other bios to find out more
Things I like most about ultras: N/A
Things I hate most about ultras: N/A
What got me started doing ultras: Not doing it yet, but the idea of running very long distance has always appealed to me. When I was a child, I loved the idea of being able to run all day. As I got into jogging and running, I heard more about Ultrarunning and started looking into it. One of my favorite podcasts (3 non joggers) talks a lot about it. So, I have set my sights on ultras.
Why I do ultras: N/A
Where I found out about the list: I was watching a youtube video called “Sh*t Ultrarunner’s Say” and the guy in it mentioned the Ultra List. A search later and I found the information about it.
Short-term ultra goal: Within 1-2 years, I would like to be able to run a 50K
Long-term ultra goal: Within 5 years, I would like to be able to run from sunrise to sunset. I don’t care about distance, but being able to run all day has been a dream of mine for some weird reason.
Fantasy ultra goal: Run one of the 100 mile races
Favorite ultra quote(s): I am not sure what an ultra quote would be, but one of my favorite quotes and one that seems applicable is “a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”
