Is there a better test of the human spirit than running 250 miles around Villanova’s historic track on a spring day? In the upcoming weeks, Villanova junior Teddy Fitzsimons will attempt to run 1000 consecutive laps around Villanova’s track with minimal breaks, pushing the limits of both his mind and body as he completes this ultramarathon.
Why is he willing to sacrifice astronomical amounts of time to train and prepare for this abysmal task? For Fitzsimons, the answer is rather simple. After learning of recent cancer and sepsis diagnoses of loved ones, he decided that he wanted to help in any way he could.
“I wanted to find a way to make a difference while also pushing myself and strengthening my mind in ways I didn’t think were possible,” Fitzsimons said.
Fitzsimons, no rookie to ultramarathons, is in the process of preparing for this endeavor through extensive training. He has successfully completed numerous 100-mile ultramarathons, and is reflecting on his previous races as he looks ahead to his newest challenge.
“I’ve already learned a lot from my 100-mile races,” Fitzsimons said. “Miles 50 to 60 and 70 to 90 are the biggest mental walls for me. Ultramarathons liberate you from your old way of thinking.”
He has never attempted any event nearly as long as the one he will this spring. However, this leaves him with a certain level of uncertainty.
“I do not know what to expect from a 250-mile run yet,” he said. “After completing the 100 miles, I didn’t think I could run another lap.”
In addition to his endeavors around the track, Fitzsimons will be going to local businesses around the Villanova and Bryn Mawr area to seek support for his fundraiser, asking stores to donate a percentage of their sales to his cause. As of now, he is still unsure what charity organization the fundraiser will support, but he plans to make sure the proceeds help those in need battling similar illnesses to those close to him.
Fitzsimons likes to call himself the “Side Quest Man,” stemming from his enjoyment of taking on unusual and fun challenges such as this one. In addition to being an ultramarathoner, he is also a member of USA Bobsled-Skeleton (USABS).
Though 250 miles is ambitious, Fitzsimons is up for the challenge. If one sees a friendly ultramarathoner running around campus in the coming weeks, feel free to cheer him on in his latest side quest.
