Super Senior Talks About His Run Across America

Super senior Marshall Ulrich sees challenges as opportunities. At 60 years old, he’s an ultra marathoner, adventure runner and mountaineer. His resume includes reaching the Seven Summits, including Mt. Everest; running more than 100 races that average over 125 miles each; and, oh yeah, running across America. Let’s not forget that.

A few years ago, Ulrich was asked to counsel Navy SEAL recruits on how to endure extreme physical and mental challenges. The recruits are put through a grueling 132 hours of physical labor and mental pain as instructors constantly dig at them to quit.  When a SEAL recruit reaches their breaking point, they can ring a bell, signifying surrender.

As Ulrich writes in his book, Running on Empty, “the key battle (is to) shut that voice up. Don’t ring that bell.” To help recruits survive the test, Ulrich put together a list of his ten commandments of endurance.

1. Expect a journey and a battle.

2. Focus on the present and set intermediate goals.

3. Don’t dwell on the negative.

4. Transcend the physical.

5. Accept your fate.