How did I get here?

At this point, I am strictly writing this for myself, but even I ask myself how did I get to the point that I want to run an ultra marathon? Not just that, but actually want to do well enough to want to do another and eventually qualify for the big daddy in these parts, The Western States Endurance Run. Being a realist, I understand that I may never get the point that Western States becomes a realistic goal, but a couple of years ago, a marathon might as well have been 100 miles. I've got 3 marathons under my belt now and it seems as good a time as any to step up in distance. Probably the biggest inspiration has been the beautiful, challenging trails within driving distance. Outside of the sheer joy of running, there were a few things that really got me to thinking that it would be pretty cool to do something like an ultra. The Ultramarathon Man book by Dean Karnazes opened up the culture of the ultras to me and it just went on from there. I attended a talk Tim "The King of the Western States" Tweitmeyer gave at a local Fleet Feet and it blew me away how much of an average guy he was (and I mean that as the highest compliment possible). Talk about incredibly down to earth and matter of fact about his awe inspiring accomplishments. After listening to Tim, I went to the Forresthill School aid station during the 2007 WS 100, then down to the finish line in Auburn to see Hal Koerner come across in first place. Then, shortly after Hal, Eric Skaden from my neighborhood came in second place. I don't know Eric at all, but I have seen him a couple of times on the trails and the amount of inspiration I have here locally never ceases to amaze me. Currently I am acquiring as much information as I can on ultras, from training plans to equipment, trails to races, anything I can find that might assist me in making a successful transition from marathoner to ultra man. Wish me luck! If I find anything I think would be beneficial to anybody, I will be sure to post.