Think you're tough?

If so, then perhaps you'd consider running an ultra marathon, an event that involves running and walking longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometers.

The most common distances are 31 miles (50 kilometers), 50 miles (80 kilometers), 62 miles (100 kilometers) and 100 miles (160 kilometers).

1st Lt. Taylor Mosera is one who finds the ultra marathon challenge irresistible.

"I ran my first marathon as a junior at West Point," he said.

"I loved it."

Since then, he's continued to run farther and farther. In 2012, Mosera ran his first ultra marathon.

An intelligence officer assigned to 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Mosera runs between 10 to 15 miles during the week. On the weekends, he will run for four to seven hours.

That can mean 25 to 35 miles and more on a given Saturday or Sunday.

When asked about how often he needs to buy new running shoes, Mosera smiled.

"I buy a new pair of shoes every 300 miles, and maybe I will get 400 or 500 miles out of them," he said. 

"I have lots of shoes to use, but I buy a new pair every two to two-and-a-half months.

>>> 1st Lt. Taylor Mosera, 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment displays the belt buckle he earned by completing the Badger Mountain Challenge 100-Mile Endurance Run.

Looking to test his limits, Mosera competed in the Badger Mountain Challenge 100-Mile Endurance Run late last month.

The event was his first attempt at running that far.

Badger Mountain is the premier climbing, hiking and running area for the Tri-Cities area in the state, and it offers expansive views of the Columbia Basin.

"The goal was to complete the 100 miles in 32 hours or less," Mosera explained.  "My time was just under 30 hours."

He went on to explain that he studied every aspect of the terrain and worked to negate any surprises the racecourse might hold.

"Plan, plan, plan," Mosera emphasized.

"I knew the terrain, and I knew where my drop bags were in order to refuel and refit," he added.

"Then all I had to do was concentrate on running the course."

The strategy - along with his training - worked to perfection.

One major aspect of Mosera's running is his association with Team Red, White and Blue.

A nonprofit organization with headquarters in Tampa, Fla., Team RWB's purpose is to enrich the lives of American's veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

"It is a great organization to be apart of," Mosera, who happens to be the director of Team RWB in Washington. 

On a more personal note, he pointed out that running an ultra marathon is not as daunting a task as it may at first seem.

"If you had asked me five years ago to run 100 miles, I would have said you're crazy," Mosera said.

"But if you set a goal and decide to accomplish it, then you will do it."

All 100 miles of it.

For more information about Team RWB, visit TeamRWB.Org/Get-Involved/Join-The-Team.