Interview with Darren Worts, Ultra Runner
It is no secret that we have some amazing employees at the Chatham Club. They don’t just talk the talk. They walk the walk. Darren Worts started as a trainer at the Chatham Club 28 years ago, and while he is not an active trainer, he still believes that exercise and training are essential in your daily life. Check out Darren’s story of how he took his love of running and turned it into a lifestyle.
How long have you been running?
I started over 25 years ago with the goal of running a marathon. I completed the New York City Marathon in 1997 and three weeks later ran the Atlanta Marathon. I was hooked and ran several more marathons over the next few years. In 2001, I decided to try an ultramarathon (any race over the distance of a marathon) and hired a running coach. That year alone, I ran four marathons, a 100-kilometer race, a 100-mile race, and a 24-hour race. It became a passion for me.
What do you love most about running?
Probably the sense of accomplishment after I complete a run. Running is not just a sport it is a part of who I am and my routine. It keeps me balanced in my daily life and I use it as time to clear my head, destress, and plan my day. I enjoy listening to music and letting go! I have had some amazing experiences over the years, seen some awesome places, and have made a lot of great friends along the way – something I will always cherish.
What is the farthest you have run in one race?
The farthest I ever ran was 420 miles in a 6-day race in 2009. It was a very unique experience – one that I will always remember. The race was a one-mile loop in a park in Queens, located right next to the Long Island Expressway and the Grand Central Parkway. It was my first attempt at a multi-day race and was a learning experience – including hydration, nutrition, foot care, and the delicate balance of rest and running. It was a very surreal experience leaving the park after 6 days.
How many races have you done?
I’ve completed 45 marathons and 34 ultramarathons, including 30 races of 100 miles or more. I would have to estimate that I have run over 50,000 miles since I started. Each race presents its own set of challenges, and you have to be able to adapt to whatever is thrown at you. Some of my more memorable races include Badwater – a 135 miles race through Death Valley in the middle of July (brutally hot!), and the Leadville 100 – a 100-mile trail race in Colorado starting at an altitude of 10,000 ft. and through some breathtaking scenery, and a 208-mile solo run across New Jersey.
How do you prepare for an ultramarathon?
It’s always a gradual build-up of miles over a few months. During the week, I will generally do three 10-mile runs plus a day of cross-training. The weekends are where I start to add miles, eventually working my way up to 20-25 miles both Saturday and Sunday. It is obviously time consuming, and I am very fortunate to have a family that is very supportive. I try to start early in the morning so I can still have time to be with my wife and daughter.
What is your favorite part of running these races?
There is both a physical and mental aspect to running ultramarathons. The physical part will only take you so far, and then it becomes a mental grind – particularly in the multi-day races. I have always enjoyed that mental side – it forces you to dig deep inside.
What tips do you have for people that want to start running?
Start slow! If you are new to running or are coming back from time off, try going for a set amount of time, and don’t worry about your distance. Break it up into blocks of ten minutes and do a run/walk – 2 minutes of running followed by 8 minutes of walking, 5 minutes of running followed by 5 minutes of walking, etc. Go for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or even 30 minutes. As you progress, add more running, less walking, and then add total time. It all starts with that first step!
