It is tempting to describe Traci Falbo (@Nedbank Dream Team) as ultra-racing’s ‘biggest loser’, but it will not be said in a derogatory way.
Falbo, who is now a 44-year-old mom of two, started running when she was in her thirties. It happened after she took a good look at the numbers displayed on her bathroom scale. The digits inspired her to start running for the very inspiring reason of losing weight.
Having lost 46kg in about 15 months, Falbo can certainly claim to be ultra-racing’s ‘biggest loser’.
Having achieved her first goal, she set her sights on running her first marathon. The rest, as the saying goes, is history.
Since donning her first pair of running shoes Falbo has run a marathon in each of the States of the US. She has won more than 20 marathons to date and has completed the Grand Slam of Ultra-running in 2013.
She currently holds the American Record and the World Indoor Track Record in the 48 Hour event, running 387,348km (242.093 miles). She also held the American Record for 100 mile trail.
After having run many marathons, she started looking for a new challenge and decided to compete in ultra-races. It did not take long for Falbo to realize that she was actually quite good at running far.
Recently Faldo has set herself a new goal. She has decided to run the Comrades.
“I'm looking forward to running the Comrades Marathon because it is a bucket list race for me. The history of the race and what it represents is very exciting. I'm thrilled to take part in the Comrades, especially as a member of the prestigious Nedbank Team,” said Falbo.
Asked which type of racing she prefers she answered: “I like fixed distance events better. Timed events are mentally challenging because, no matter what you do, the race ends at some point. You can take a nap, go out to eat or see a movie, and then come back to the timed event. Well, nobody does that, but you could, so it's a lot more tempting to take breaks.
“A fixed distance forces you to run until you get to the finish. It is more concrete and less tempting to be wimpy. I'm better on less technical surfaces. I can do technical but I fall frequently.
Faldo says she motivates herself by setting specific goals.
“I usually set multiple goals and rarely hit them all, but I always go for it. The main reason why I run is because I love to have fun. When my goal was to run a marathon in each of the 50 States I picked races that were in cool places and scenic as well. Sometimes I even picked races because I thought the medals were cool.”
Ask whether she had any advice for novices who are just starting out as ultra-racers, the @Nedbank Dream Team athlete said: “You have to believe that you can do it. Racing ultras requires stubbornness. Sometimes you hit lows and have to ‘will’ yourself through it. If you are able to stay mentally strong, you can do anything.”