I don’t have the speed like Camille [Herron] does. I don’t have the speed like a lot of the women that run these races do. But I do have the ability to go long and consistent. So, I knew that I had to pace myself, especially with six days in front of me. I knew that if I went out too fast, I was going to burn out. And I wanted to be able to run as close to 600 miles as possible. So that was definitely intentional.
iRunFar: At what point during the race did you start to realize that the world record was within reach?
Eckert: Probably about the second or third day. I knew what Camille’s pace was, and I knew where I was at in relation to that. And so, around that second or third day, I knew that it was a possibility. My goal was 600 miles, and I wanted to get as close to that as possible. So, I knew that if I kept going at the pace I was going, it was definitely within reach.
iRunFar: What were some of the highs and lows of the race for you?
Eckert: I would say the highs were definitely the people. There were a lot of people out there supporting me, and that was just amazing. People were coming out from the town, and the camping area was full of people and their families. It was just a really great atmosphere. People were so supportive. There were people I had never even met before who were coming out and cheering me on. So that was definitely a high point. Another high point was just the fact that I was able to keep going. I didn’t have any major lows. I was able to keep pushing through and keep going.
The lows, I would say, were probably just the sleep deprivation. That always gets to me. I don’t do well without sleep. So, that was definitely a low point. And then just the general aches and pains that come with running for six days straight. But nothing major. It was overall a really great experience.
iRunFar: What was your fueling strategy like during the race?
Eckert: I have a pretty simple fueling strategy. I basically eat whatever I feel like eating. I don’t follow a strict diet or anything like that. I eat a lot of sandwiches, fruit, chips, and cookies. I like to keep it simple and just eat what sounds good to me at the time. I also drink a lot of water and Gatorade to stay hydrated. I think it’s important to listen to your body and give it what it needs.
iRunFar: What’s next for you after this world record?
Eckert: I’m not really sure yet. I’m still processing everything that’s happened. I think I’ll take some time to recover and then start thinking about what’s next. I definitely want to keep challenging myself and pushing my limits. I love running and racing, so I’m sure there will be more races in my future. But for now, I’m just going to enjoy this moment and celebrate my world record.
iRunFar: Well, congratulations again on your world record. It’s an amazing accomplishment, and we’re all so proud of you. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us.
Eckert: Thank you so much. I really appreciate all the support. It means a lot to me.
It was very uncomfortable. I felt like I was five months pregnant. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t get comfortable. I was hot. I was cold. I was sweating. I was hungry. I couldn’t lay on my stomach. I couldn’t lay on my back. I was like, Okay, just get through this. So that was a little bit of a mind game. But as soon as I got back out on course, it was like, Okay, we’re back to the routine, we’re back to moving. Let’s just keep going. And then physically, I had a few blisters on my feet that were a little bit of a bother, but nothing that was going to stop me from moving forward.
iRunFar: So you were able to keep moving forward without any major issues?
Eckert: Yes, I was very fortunate. I have really great support with my crew and my husband. They’re really good at what they do. They know what I need before I know, and they were able to take care of me and keep me moving forward. So, I was very lucky in that sense.
iRunFar: What was it like crossing the finish line and realizing you had not only won the race but also set a new world record?
Eckert: I was in tears. I was very emotional. I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude that I was able to accomplish what I set out to do. And to have done it in the fashion that I did, I was just so happy. It was so amazing to have that kind of support around me. I was just so grateful for the experience.
iRunFar: What’s next for you after such an incredible achievement?
Eckert: I think I’m going to take some time off, reset, let my body heal, and then we’ll see. I don’t know what’s next. I’m just going to enjoy this moment and see where it takes me.
Y mi jefe de equipo y yo no habíamos practicado esto, y simplemente estábamos chocando uno con el otro en esta cabaña tratando de prepararnos para bajar, o tratando de prepararnos para salir, y diciendo: “Vamos a tener que idear algo mejor porque estamos perdiendo tiempo valioso aquí tratando de navegar por esta cabaña.” Lo cual en realidad es un poco gracioso, lo horrible que fue esa primera noche. Quiero decir, literalmente estábamos empujándonos el uno al otro. Y el jefe de equipo es mi esposo, así que podemos reírnos de ello.
iRunFar: Recuerdo que me dijiste que cuando hiciste – creo que fue tu primer maratón en 2016 – que llovió y el clima fue miserable, y te encantó. Así que cuando empezó a llover en las últimas ocho horas de esta carrera, ¿estabas emocionada por la lluvia o simplemente lista para terminar?
Eckert: Estaba muy emocionada por la lluvia hasta que me di cuenta de que no llevaba suficiente ropa puesta, y me puse muy fría y me fui al porche. Mi temperatura había caído en picado, y necesitaba secarme y cambiarme de ropa y demás. Una vez que regulé la ropa, la lluvia no me molestó en absoluto.
iRunFar: Me encanta cómo destacas bajo condiciones difíciles.
Eckert: Es parte del desafío. Aprecié que esta fuera al aire libre porque había desafíos adicionales, también, más allá de simplemente correr durante seis días. No se sabía qué clima nos lanzaría o qué tendríamos. Había estas pequeñas cosas aquí y allá, cosas que teníamos que sortear.
iRunFar: Muchas gracias por tomarte el tiempo para hablar. Tu récord mundial fue enorme, y fue muy emocionante de ver.
Eckert: Muchas gracias.
Correr bajo la lluvia no detuvo el ritmo constante de Megan Eckert.