Note that I didn't say "permanent damage" but "damage that will take months to recover from".
And this is largely from participating in two communities of "extreme" endurance runners (and running with them but not to the same level) who recount their experiences and advice.
It's good that you haven't had any issues but generalising to the wider world is a tricky thing - I know enough people who have attempted 100 milers (even just in 2017) and done damage that took months to recover from to know that it happens.
Without a doubt, 100 miles is a monumental endeavor. The safest way to avoid needing a multi month recovery would be to work the aide station instead of running the race. On the other hand, much of the transcendental impact of the race comes from pushing yourself well beyond preconceived limits.
> Without a doubt, 100 miles is a monumental endeavor
Well, I'll find out in March. Assuming I don't knacker myself first.
(Although it is somewhat overshadowed by the people I hang around with - one of them is currently on something like his 250th marathon in a rolling calendar year, one has done 800 under 3:30, and most of them do 10x10s as a matter of course.)
Oh yeah - barring injury, I think it's definitely doable. It's a 32h cutoff on a relatively flat and simple looped course with multiple aid stations. Almost as easy as it can get... :)
Note that I didn't say "permanent damage" but "damage that will take months to recover from".
And this is largely from participating in two communities of "extreme" endurance runners (and running with them but not to the same level) who recount their experiences and advice.
It's good that you haven't had any issues but generalising to the wider world is a tricky thing - I know enough people who have attempted 100 milers (even just in 2017) and done damage that took months to recover from to know that it happens.