Baylor senior takes on 8 ultramarathons in 8 months, says he’s just getting started

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - A Baylor University senior is pounding the pavement with a goal that sounds almost impossible: eight ultramarathons in eight months.

Carson Sheldon insists he doesn’t love running, but his race calendar tells a different story.

The 22-year-old has committed to running more miles in a single day than many people will run in their entire lives. An ultramarathon is any race longer than the standard 26.2-mile marathon. Sheldon’s longest so far is 65 miles.

His main goal? Longevity.

“I wanted to show people you could be great for a long time, and not be great for just a week,” he said.

That mindset requires discipline, but his running journey didn’t start with structure or training plans. It started as an emotional outlet almost four years ago.

“I would just grab literally any pair of shoes. They didn’t even have to be running shoes, and I would go for a run because the pain I was feeling in my day-to-day life was just taking over,” Sheldon said.

What began as an escape has turned into a routine. Now, he leans into the discomfort.

“I’m a big believer that pain is an invitation to grow,” he said.

About a year ago, unsatisfied with his half-marathon time, Sheldon decided to make his own path — literally. Instead of signing up for another traditional race, he ran 38 miles from Waco to the Buc-ee’s in Temple.

In April, for the eighth and final ultramarathon of his eight-month challenge, he plans to go back to where it all started, this time going even farther. Sheldon will take on a 75-mile run from the Buc-ee’s in Hillsboro to the Buc-ee’s in Temple.

Through every mile, he said, the biggest lesson has been internal.

“Greatness is not something that you can get through someone, your friends, or a book,” Sheldon said. “Greatness is already within you.”

After graduation in May, he plans to pursue a career as a professional ultrarunner. The median age for pros in the sport is about 45. Sheldon is 22.

“I have a while until I hit my peak,” he said.

Follow Carson’s journey on his Instagram.