Runners find solace, better health on long runs

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Created on Tuesday, 06 July 2010 15:02

Written by Nathan

                                    Photo by Christian Murdock, The Gazette

BY EMERY COWAN, THE GAZETTE

Brooks Williams was 5 months old when he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.  Aided by antibiotics, inhalers and breathing apparatus, he had few problems with the lung disease.  But after a severe case of pneumonia at age 21, Williams tired of the numerous treatments doctors prescribed.

So he started running.

Williams started with a 5-kilometer race and since then has become an ultramarathoner, competing in 50 and 100-mile races around the country. Today, the Colorado Springs native is headed to Silverton to compete in what will be his most grueling race, the Hardrock 100 Endurance Run.  Recognized by runners as one of the most challenging courses in the world, the race climbs 33,992 feet through the San Juan Mountains.

Over the years, running has become a defining part of Williams’ life. The repetitive pounding breaks up the mucus that clogs his lungs, and breathing heavily helps him cough it up. His lungs now function at 80 to 90 percent capacity, up from 40 percent when he was sick with pneumonia.   The sport also has given him confidence and motivation. It has taken him to spectacular views at some of the highest points in the country and to some of the most difficult and exhausting stretches of trail that runners can find. Williams has collected stories of pain and joy, frustration and success. Cystic fibrosis is primarily a respiratory disease that clogs the lungs with mucus and leads to life-threatening lung infections. The disease limits physical activity in most people. Williams said that his doctors at National Jewish Health in Denver say he is the only person with cystic fibrosis they know who runs 100-mile races.    A median life expectancy of 37 years for people with the disease is a number Williams doesn’t think about much.

“I try not to dwell on something I can’t force or control,” said Williams, 27.  The disease has also made running ultramarathons a journey of trial and error for Williams.  During his first four 50-mile races, he was losing too much sodium, causing him to go in and out of consciousness while  running. At one race, he fainted and fell into a ravine near the trail and had to be rescued by paramedics. He views the experience as part of a learning curve, helping him figure out his unique food and water needs on the course.  There aren’t training manuals for runners with cystic fibrosis nor other ultrarunners in his situation, so Williams says he has become a bit of guinea pig for doctors and others with the disease.

At the least, years of racing have given him a wiser perspective on running. “Initially it was the thought of finishing, but as I’ve done it longer, running has become more primitive to me, more spiritual,” he said. “I like being alone with myself.”

Williams credits himself for passing the ultrarunning bug to his dad and a few friends. Sean Kute a long-time triathlete tried a 50-mile run in Moab last year at Williams’ urging and is now running a 100-mile race in Leadville in August.

Williams’ journey is amazing, he said.

“For most people with cystic fibrosis I always heard by the time you’re 30 you’re on the downward slide, but he’s just gotten better and better,” Kute said.  Williams’ father, Parks Williams, has also gotten into long-distance running during the past two years and said that he and his son feed off each other.  He will be at the Hardrock race to run with his son for the final eight-mile stretch. Williams is just excited for those final miles.

“I can’t wait to see the final descent into Silverton,” he said. “The victory lap—I want to soak it all in as much as possible.”