I had low expectations for Las Vegas. All the past reports I have read have been very negative. I knew they were notorious for late starts, running out of stuff at aid stations, and little food at the finish line. I also knew the weather could be cold and windy, and the course boring. I made sure I was prepared for the worst. I brought lots of clothing for all weather conditions and carried enough gel with me to get me through the race.
Sometimes when expectations are low, things turn out surprisingly well. First, our hotel was very nice and not terribly crowded. The cowboys were in town for the National Finals Rodeo, so that gave a nice feel to Vegas. We found a great place to eat and watch the rodeo with all the cow folk within easy walking distance to our hotel. Also, we found the Cowboy Marketplace and had fun shopping for belts.
The marathon itself had some nice surprises, too. First, all the brides getting ready to for the run-through chapel at mile 5. I think there were 45 couples taking part this year. Second, was the whole herd of Elvi.. most were running the half, but a few were running all 26.2 in full Elvis gear. Third, was a huge fireworks show that started the race. I couldn’t believe how long it lasted and it was really spectacular. Last, and possibly best was finally meeting and running with Marathon Maniac Larry Macon. I didn’t know it at the time, but completing the Las Vegas Marathon would make Larry a world record holder: 105 marathons in one calendar year.
The marathon started at 6 am. It was cold and dark as we made our way to the start line. The race website said there would be a corral for people expecting to complete the marathon in under 4 hours. This simply wasn’t true. It was a free-for-all. 20,000 marathoners and half marathoners, runners and walkers all jammed together. The first few miles were slow. People dodging in and out, stopping without warning, slamming into each other. It was slow going. At mile 4 I ran into Larry. By that time, any hope of getting a BQ was long gone, so I decided to relax, run slow and make a new friend. Larry and I ran together for several miles, chatting and engaging in typical Maniac conversation: How many have you run? When did you start? Why did you start? What’s next? Unfortunately, Larry is somewhat famous and other Maniacs came by wanting in on the conversation. I started talking to a few of them who were running a slightly faster pace and before I knew it, Mr. Macon was left behind.
As usual, I ran a few miles with one person, then by myself before meeting another runner to become friends with before moving on again. The race itself was rather ordinary. On the way back into town, we ran through the backside of the strip. I couldn’t believe how badly it smelled. All the glamour on Las Vegas Blvd, and all the rot and all the rot and decay behind the scenes. When we rounded the corner for the final push to the finish we were presented with little plastic leis. Half a mile later I crossed the finish line in an unspectacular 4:30:00. I grabbed a chocolate milk, found Ric, then walked back to the hotel. After a quick shower, we started walking again, stopped for lunch and continued to walk. We walked until 6:00 or so, stopped for dinner, then headed back to our room at 8:00. A total of 15 hours on my feet. Monday morning we walked some more… at least 5 or 6 hours. I was pleased with all the time on my feet because it put a cap on my training for Across the Years. 3 weeks and I’ll be running the big one!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tri Cities Marathon
I woke up Sunday morning ready to run. My ankles were a little sore from the sand yesterday, but otherwise I was feeling great. After a quick coffee and biscotti (my latest “breakfast of champions”), I walked over to the lobby of the Shilo Inn. People were gathering for the early start and there were several faces I recognized from yesterday. The general consensus was that yesterday’s course was slow… mostly due to the 5 miles of sand… and that everyone was feeling fatigue in their calves/ankles. A little before 7 we were ushered outside to begin our run. There were a dozen of us taking the 7:00 start, and rumor had it that 25 took the 6:00 start. I was excited because the weather was cool and there was no wind! The 2006 race was so windy I was almost blown off course a few times. I lined up with Jill and once again we decided on a strategy. Today it would be a 1 mile run followed by a 10th mile walk until the half way point, then I would drop down to a ½ mile run, 10th mile walk.
I started off faster than I expected, churning out solid 9:30 minute miles. Jill dropped back by mile 3 and I decided to proceed on my own. It was one of those days where I wanted to be alone with my thoughts and push myself from within. Just me and the marathon.
I kept a good pace as I ran alongside the Columbia, then over a bridge. Once over the river we turned back towards the start line and bam! There was the headwind. The wind is like that, you can be fooled into think there is no wind, just easy, effortless running. Then you make a turn and realize the wind had been pushing you all along. At mile 12 we turned again and got to experience the joy of wind-at-your-back for the next few miles. I passed the halfway point feeling much better than I expect. My two previous attempts at doubles left me tired and fatigued on day two, struggling to complete the distance. I didn’t feel like that today. All too soon, we crossed a beautiful suspension bridge and turned for a final 12 miles into the wind. I considered shortening my run/walk ratio like originally planned, but decided instead to push through to the 20 mile mark before making any changes. At mile 21 I let myself slip into the 5/1 ratio. I was starting to feel a little tired and the change felt great. By mile 24 I was refreshed enough to run the final 2.2 miles (with the exception of a brisk walk up the last bridge). As is customary at Tri-cities, a local runner met me at the 26 mile mark and paced me the final .2. He kept trying to get me to stretch out and sprint for the finish, and I gave it my best shot. Unfortunately that was the wrong decision and I felt something give way in my calf. Still, I finished strong in a time of 4:34, giving me a weekend double time of 9:13, a Double-Marathon PR 45 minutes.
Back at the hotel I took an ice bath and immediately notice my calf filling with fluid. I think the stress of the soft footing yesterday really took a toll. I’m planning on resting all of next week and letting myself heal up before starting my final training cycle for the Across the Years 24 hour Ultra.
I started off faster than I expected, churning out solid 9:30 minute miles. Jill dropped back by mile 3 and I decided to proceed on my own. It was one of those days where I wanted to be alone with my thoughts and push myself from within. Just me and the marathon.
I kept a good pace as I ran alongside the Columbia, then over a bridge. Once over the river we turned back towards the start line and bam! There was the headwind. The wind is like that, you can be fooled into think there is no wind, just easy, effortless running. Then you make a turn and realize the wind had been pushing you all along. At mile 12 we turned again and got to experience the joy of wind-at-your-back for the next few miles. I passed the halfway point feeling much better than I expect. My two previous attempts at doubles left me tired and fatigued on day two, struggling to complete the distance. I didn’t feel like that today. All too soon, we crossed a beautiful suspension bridge and turned for a final 12 miles into the wind. I considered shortening my run/walk ratio like originally planned, but decided instead to push through to the 20 mile mark before making any changes. At mile 21 I let myself slip into the 5/1 ratio. I was starting to feel a little tired and the change felt great. By mile 24 I was refreshed enough to run the final 2.2 miles (with the exception of a brisk walk up the last bridge). As is customary at Tri-cities, a local runner met me at the 26 mile mark and paced me the final .2. He kept trying to get me to stretch out and sprint for the finish, and I gave it my best shot. Unfortunately that was the wrong decision and I felt something give way in my calf. Still, I finished strong in a time of 4:34, giving me a weekend double time of 9:13, a Double-Marathon PR 45 minutes.
Back at the hotel I took an ice bath and immediately notice my calf filling with fluid. I think the stress of the soft footing yesterday really took a toll. I’m planning on resting all of next week and letting myself heal up before starting my final training cycle for the Across the Years 24 hour Ultra.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Columbia River Power Marathon
If it’s October, it must be time for another double. As luck would have it, the perfect opportunity for a double was taking place in eastern Oregon and Washington. One of the most appealing things about this double was the easy logistics. Marathon 1 was in Umatilla, Oregon, and marathon 2 was in Richland, Washington… just 35 miles apart. This meant I could stay in Richland and drive to Umatilla on Saturday morning, so no long drives between marathons and no changing hotels.
It sounded good (on paper at least.) The drive over to eastern Washington was easy, we made good time, got settled into our room and turned in early. I was up at 5:45 Saturday morning and left for Umatilla at 6:30: giving me 1 ½ hours to complete a ½ hour drive. Clutching my mapquest directions I zipped on the freeway and was off. Really off, miles and miles off, by the time I realized I missed my exit and was heading for Walla Walla. I was just about to turn around when I saw a sign: Umatilla 35 miles. I decided that was better than back tracking and I still had almost an hour, so I was sure to get there by start time. I finally made it to Umatilla, then couldn’t find the school where the race was held. My directions kept trying to send me to the opposite end of town. Thankfully Umatilla is a small town and we managed to get to the proper location with a few minutes to spare.
At 7:55 we were all asked to line up at the start line. No one was willing to toe-the-line… everyone was hovering back 20 or 30 feet to allow the “fast” runners to take the lead. I was busy chatting with fellow Maniac Jill Hudson and we decided to be brave and move to the front. I think it’s the first time I’ve put my toe on the chalk line for a marathon. After the national anthem and a speech from the town mayor, we were off. The first few miles took us down to the river and across the dam. We then climbed back up the highway, and made a big loop on bike paths, then across the river and back up hill to the start line. Jill and I had been spending most of run chatting and getting to know each other better. She was running her 49th marathon, 12th in 12 weeks and first double. We decided to stick together and use a 10 minute run, 1 minute walk ratio in order to save our legs for Sunday. After we passed the start, the half marathoners peeled off, and Jill and I found ourselves alone out on the prairie. Soon, we were running along the river on a very isolated trail. The footing was loose and sandy. We decided to do our best to run through it, maintaining our run-to-walk ratio. I few times one of us would remark on how glad we were to have each others company on such a long and lonely trail. Every once and awhile we would see other runners, but they were all walking and we would soon over take them. After 5 miles of sand, we emerged out on the highway and ready for the final 9 mile push to the finish. This stretch was windy with lots of long hills but the cool, sunny weather helped keep my spirits up. We were also reeling in other runners, despite our relatively slow pace. Jill and I crossed the finish line together in 4:39:08. TP! Was the announcer and rattled off my running resume as I came into sight, that made me feel great….one of the Main Maniacs actually knew a little about my running history!
The Potato Commission sponsored a baked potato feed for all runners and family, then a brief award ceremony (I was 2nd in the 40-49 age group, 5th overall woman) and we were heading back to Richland. We got back to our hotel in time for a walk along the river front, a stop at packet pick-up and a nice protein-packed dinner. We went to bed early again in anticipation of another 5:45 wake up and day 2 of my autumn double.
It sounded good (on paper at least.) The drive over to eastern Washington was easy, we made good time, got settled into our room and turned in early. I was up at 5:45 Saturday morning and left for Umatilla at 6:30: giving me 1 ½ hours to complete a ½ hour drive. Clutching my mapquest directions I zipped on the freeway and was off. Really off, miles and miles off, by the time I realized I missed my exit and was heading for Walla Walla. I was just about to turn around when I saw a sign: Umatilla 35 miles. I decided that was better than back tracking and I still had almost an hour, so I was sure to get there by start time. I finally made it to Umatilla, then couldn’t find the school where the race was held. My directions kept trying to send me to the opposite end of town. Thankfully Umatilla is a small town and we managed to get to the proper location with a few minutes to spare.
At 7:55 we were all asked to line up at the start line. No one was willing to toe-the-line… everyone was hovering back 20 or 30 feet to allow the “fast” runners to take the lead. I was busy chatting with fellow Maniac Jill Hudson and we decided to be brave and move to the front. I think it’s the first time I’ve put my toe on the chalk line for a marathon. After the national anthem and a speech from the town mayor, we were off. The first few miles took us down to the river and across the dam. We then climbed back up the highway, and made a big loop on bike paths, then across the river and back up hill to the start line. Jill and I had been spending most of run chatting and getting to know each other better. She was running her 49th marathon, 12th in 12 weeks and first double. We decided to stick together and use a 10 minute run, 1 minute walk ratio in order to save our legs for Sunday. After we passed the start, the half marathoners peeled off, and Jill and I found ourselves alone out on the prairie. Soon, we were running along the river on a very isolated trail. The footing was loose and sandy. We decided to do our best to run through it, maintaining our run-to-walk ratio. I few times one of us would remark on how glad we were to have each others company on such a long and lonely trail. Every once and awhile we would see other runners, but they were all walking and we would soon over take them. After 5 miles of sand, we emerged out on the highway and ready for the final 9 mile push to the finish. This stretch was windy with lots of long hills but the cool, sunny weather helped keep my spirits up. We were also reeling in other runners, despite our relatively slow pace. Jill and I crossed the finish line together in 4:39:08. TP! Was the announcer and rattled off my running resume as I came into sight, that made me feel great….one of the Main Maniacs actually knew a little about my running history!
The Potato Commission sponsored a baked potato feed for all runners and family, then a brief award ceremony (I was 2nd in the 40-49 age group, 5th overall woman) and we were heading back to Richland. We got back to our hotel in time for a walk along the river front, a stop at packet pick-up and a nice protein-packed dinner. We went to bed early again in anticipation of another 5:45 wake up and day 2 of my autumn double.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Royal Victoria Marathon
What a great weekend and I'm so glad I didn't miss it. I really enjoyed the conversations with my running friends at before and after the marathon parties. It gave me lots to think about, both running and life in general. Nothing is quite as rewarding as spending time with smart, confident women and our boomer group is full of them (o.k., the guys aren't too shabby either).
I had planned on an easy 4:30 marathon. I haven't been working on anything other than long, slow runs lately and haven't posted a time faster than 4:20 all year. I also hadn't run a marathon since August 17th, which for me is an eternity.
I got to the start with a little time to spare and started scanning the crowds as they lined up. I spotted Le Chat Noire and decided to join her. She asked if I'd be interested in helping her PR, and if possible get close to a 4:15. I decided to give it a shot, but reserved the right to bail out if I felt like it. After we started, we caught up with the 4 hour pace bunny. Both Le Chat and I decided to run with him as long as possible, then use whatever we had left to get us to the finish. The pacer was using a 10 minute run, 1 minute walk strategy. That was easy enough, but he refused to slow down through the aid stations. As a result, we had to dodge over to get water, then sprint to catch up. The run, walk, sprint, run, walk, sprint combo eventually wore me down, but I did manage to make it to the half way point with the pacer. Le Chat pulled away from me when I stopped at a vacant porta-potty and I lost sight of her. I finished in 4:14:23... Le Chat in 4:10ish (I believe that is a 20 min PR for her!) It was my 12th finish of a marathon or ultra marathon this year. The weather was perfect and the course spectacular.
Ric met me at the finish line, we started walking back to our hotel but detoured for a beer and some lunch. I had just enough time to shower before meeting MustangMom and a shuttle to the best Canadian Thanksgiving meal ever.
Mustang Sally and The Scot were perfect hosts, serving us wine and cheese as soon as we walked through the door. We sat down to eat in the formal dining room and the power went off. I though it actually added to the festivities, especially as it got darker and we resorted to eating by candlelight. Ric and I concluded the evening with a 3 mile stroll back to our hotel. Just what I needed to loosen the legs before turning in.
Thanks everyone for a memorable weekend!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
Wow, this marathon is one of a kind. It’s small and informal, run by Maniacs for Maniacs (although others are welcome). The big appeal of this marathon is a 2 mile run through a totally dark tunnel. That combined with the fact that it is on a trail and all downhill made it too appealing to pass up, even though I’d just crashed and burned at Haulin’ Aspen last week.
I decided to take the early start. I’m becoming more fond of early starts for my “easy” marathons. I get done earlier, I get to run with people that I ordinarily would not even see, and I feel no pressure to run a certain speed. I think my switch to early starts (and a more relaxed attitude) is the reason I’ve been able to run so many marathons this year without feeling much fatigue. Anyway, back to the marathon….
I hit the road at 4:00 a.m. It was an exciting drive through rain and lightning. I was happy to see the rain and hoped for cooler temperatures… we had been in the 90’s during the week. I made it to the finish area where we boarded buses for the startline. The rain had stopped by the time we started the race. We ran an easy mile, then hit the tunnel. I was equipped with a headlamp and small hand-held. The footing in the tunnel was amazingly good, though we had to swerve around a few puddles. It was a surreal experience, especially since the rain had turned the tunnel into a steam sauna. It was hot and very damp. At the end of the tunnel we were greeted by a self-serve aid station before continuing down the trail. I felt like running by myself, so I quickened my pace enough to gain sometime on the rest of the pack. Once alone, I turned on my Ipod and enjoyed a nice, gentle trail run through some spectacular scenery and over a hand full of high tressels. Somewhere around mile 16 the trail passed through a mecca for rock climbers. They were everywhere for several miles and added a lot of interest to the run. By mile 18 the heat and constant downhill were taking a toll. I was still having fun, but also amazed at how much I was sweating. I made sure I was taking electrolytes every 5 miles although I wasn’t able to eat much since the heat made my stomach turn sour. I had brought some ginger crews and that seemed to help a bit (plus they taste great). By mile 20 I was slowing down and walking a bit “just because”. Mile 24 found me with a second wind and I was able to push a little harder to the finish. I didn’t stick around the finish area long. I was feeling sticky and dusty and just wanted to get home to a nice shower and clean clothes.
This really was a great marathon and I will definitely add it to my calendar for next year.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon
This has to be the toughest and most enjoyable marathon that I have run. Last year I had a real problem staying upright during the 12 mile single track downhill. I think it was partially due to my inexperience running technical trails and partially to shoes that were a little too big. Since I knew I would be running this course again, I spent a good part of my winter and spring working on my downhill running technique, sometimes in the dark to really sharpen my balance. I also bought smaller shoes.
Sunday morning I was up at 4am getting dressed, eating and rushing off to catch the 5 am shuttle. The shuttle driver managed to get us to the start line in record time and a group of us huddled together trying to stay warm in the sub-40 degree temperatures. The Race Director took pity on us and announced that anyone who wanted start early could: at 6:00. I decided that was better than shivering for the next hour so I made my way to the start line. Unfortunately, things were delayed a bit, but they finally allowed us to start at 6:30. The pack was running nice and easy, taking time to warm up cold muscles. After the first mile we heard shouts from behind. Somehow the pack had gotten off course and we had to double back. Finally we were on course again and starting the 14 mile climb. I was struggling with cold muscles and high altitude, finding myself short of breath within the first few miles. I think it was the early fatigue that was my downfall, literally. Right after mile 5, going uphill, I stumbled on a rock and came crashing down. I landed on lava scree and completely knocked the wind out of myself. It took me a few minutes to get up and access the damage: bleeding from my shoulder, elbow and lower leg. Cuts on both hands and a very sore hip. I walked a bit and actually felt pretty good. I picked up a run and my hip immediately started to collapse. I slowed back to a walk and again felt fine. The next aid station was 3 miles away so I would wait until then to decide what to do. I had to make a choice: I could quit, take the turnoff for the half marathon, or keep going on the full course and walk the whole way if needed. By the time I hit the mile 8 aid station I was alternating ¼ mile walks and ¼ mile runs. This seemed to be working fine. I decided to try my best and finish the full marathon, even if I ended up walking most of the way. I continued to alternate running and walking until mile 10 when the real climbing started. I walked the next 4 miles, keeping the fastest pace I could manage. I think that 4 mile walk did me more good than anything else I could have done. By the time I hit mile 14 and turned onto the most delightful single track imaginable, I was ready to run. I ran well, too. My downhill training really paid off as I floated down the trail, wide stance, arms spread like wings to balance. I didn’t trip once! I did throw in a couple of walk breaks when my hip would suddenly collapse on me, but a few strides of walking was all it took to set things right again. I finished strong with plenty left in the tank (last year I really struggled the last two miles). I quickly found the medics and had them scrub all the dust and rocks out of my wounds, then grabbed a beer and some lunch. My finish time was 5:27, 22 minutes slower than last year but I was happy with my results. I think most people would have dropped out, but instead I pushed through and finished my 30th marathon.
Sunday morning I was up at 4am getting dressed, eating and rushing off to catch the 5 am shuttle. The shuttle driver managed to get us to the start line in record time and a group of us huddled together trying to stay warm in the sub-40 degree temperatures. The Race Director took pity on us and announced that anyone who wanted start early could: at 6:00. I decided that was better than shivering for the next hour so I made my way to the start line. Unfortunately, things were delayed a bit, but they finally allowed us to start at 6:30. The pack was running nice and easy, taking time to warm up cold muscles. After the first mile we heard shouts from behind. Somehow the pack had gotten off course and we had to double back. Finally we were on course again and starting the 14 mile climb. I was struggling with cold muscles and high altitude, finding myself short of breath within the first few miles. I think it was the early fatigue that was my downfall, literally. Right after mile 5, going uphill, I stumbled on a rock and came crashing down. I landed on lava scree and completely knocked the wind out of myself. It took me a few minutes to get up and access the damage: bleeding from my shoulder, elbow and lower leg. Cuts on both hands and a very sore hip. I walked a bit and actually felt pretty good. I picked up a run and my hip immediately started to collapse. I slowed back to a walk and again felt fine. The next aid station was 3 miles away so I would wait until then to decide what to do. I had to make a choice: I could quit, take the turnoff for the half marathon, or keep going on the full course and walk the whole way if needed. By the time I hit the mile 8 aid station I was alternating ¼ mile walks and ¼ mile runs. This seemed to be working fine. I decided to try my best and finish the full marathon, even if I ended up walking most of the way. I continued to alternate running and walking until mile 10 when the real climbing started. I walked the next 4 miles, keeping the fastest pace I could manage. I think that 4 mile walk did me more good than anything else I could have done. By the time I hit mile 14 and turned onto the most delightful single track imaginable, I was ready to run. I ran well, too. My downhill training really paid off as I floated down the trail, wide stance, arms spread like wings to balance. I didn’t trip once! I did throw in a couple of walk breaks when my hip would suddenly collapse on me, but a few strides of walking was all it took to set things right again. I finished strong with plenty left in the tank (last year I really struggled the last two miles). I quickly found the medics and had them scrub all the dust and rocks out of my wounds, then grabbed a beer and some lunch. My finish time was 5:27, 22 minutes slower than last year but I was happy with my results. I think most people would have dropped out, but instead I pushed through and finished my 30th marathon.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Lake Youngs 50k
I wasn’t planning on running a marathon/ultra in July, I intended to take it easy all summer and give my body a good rest. BUT… Lake Youngs is a fun, relaxed course… Ric was playing in a tournament only 8 miles away… and I needed to long run on trails anyway to prepare for Haulin’ Aspen in August. My only reservation was that I didn’t want to spend all day out on the trail and miss Ric’s tournament, so I emailed the race director and asked about an early start. He emailed back saying I could start whenever I wanted: just keep track and let the race officials know my elapsed time when I passed through the aid station. (This is why I love ultras: everyone trusts that you will be honest and self-sufficient.)
I decided to start my run at 5 a.m. Last year I ran 2 hour laps so a 5 a.m. start would get me to the aid station right about the time of the official 7 a.m. start, making it easier for the timing crew and giving me a chance of meeting up with other runners. Race morning came and I was a little nervous when I pulled into the dark parking lot. Thankfully, I noticed a car was already there, and soon another pulled in. I dilly-dallied for a few minutes while I waited for the other runner to start… I had visions of running into a bear or cougar on the pre-dawn trail and thought it best to let another runner go first. I officially hit the trail at 5:15.
The first lap was incredible. I love listening to the forest wake up. Birds start singing. Quietly at first, then louder as their voices warm up. The morning was cool and drizzly, almost perfect weather for running. I covered the first 8 miles easily, but the last 2 seemed to go on for ever. I finally hit the end of the first 10 mile lap (and the aid station) just as the official start was underway. Lap 1 – 1:53. I took a few extra minutes at the aid station before heading out again. The mouth piece on my hydration bladder had started to leak, so I removed it from my pack and replaced it with a water bottle. Not as comfortable, but a least it wasn’t dripping all over my singlet. Once again I headed down the trail, this time electing to run counter-clockwise. I had only run this trail clockwise in the past, but the race director allowed your choice of directions after Lap 1 so I decided to give it a go. To my surprise, counter-clockwise seemed much easier. I completed Lap 2 in 1:50. After a quick bite to eat at the aid station I was out again. This time I chose to run counter-clockwise. I plugged in my ipod and let Madonna and Antonio Banderas (soundtrack from Evita) serenade me through my last lap. My last lap was as nice as my first, this race wasn’t nearly as difficult for me as last year. I finished lap 3 in 1:59. I debated for a few minutes on whether I wanted to stop at 3 laps, or run the 1.5 mile out-and-back to make it an official 50k. I elected to run the extra three miles, so down the trail I went one final time. I covered those 3 miles in exactly 27 minutes. Pretty good, I thought, for the final 3 miles of a 50k and that included one big hill in the last ½ mile. I finished a little before 11:30 a.m., hurried back to the hotel for a quick shower before heading to the ball park for a lazy afternoon. Final time: 6:09:00
I decided to start my run at 5 a.m. Last year I ran 2 hour laps so a 5 a.m. start would get me to the aid station right about the time of the official 7 a.m. start, making it easier for the timing crew and giving me a chance of meeting up with other runners. Race morning came and I was a little nervous when I pulled into the dark parking lot. Thankfully, I noticed a car was already there, and soon another pulled in. I dilly-dallied for a few minutes while I waited for the other runner to start… I had visions of running into a bear or cougar on the pre-dawn trail and thought it best to let another runner go first. I officially hit the trail at 5:15.
The first lap was incredible. I love listening to the forest wake up. Birds start singing. Quietly at first, then louder as their voices warm up. The morning was cool and drizzly, almost perfect weather for running. I covered the first 8 miles easily, but the last 2 seemed to go on for ever. I finally hit the end of the first 10 mile lap (and the aid station) just as the official start was underway. Lap 1 – 1:53. I took a few extra minutes at the aid station before heading out again. The mouth piece on my hydration bladder had started to leak, so I removed it from my pack and replaced it with a water bottle. Not as comfortable, but a least it wasn’t dripping all over my singlet. Once again I headed down the trail, this time electing to run counter-clockwise. I had only run this trail clockwise in the past, but the race director allowed your choice of directions after Lap 1 so I decided to give it a go. To my surprise, counter-clockwise seemed much easier. I completed Lap 2 in 1:50. After a quick bite to eat at the aid station I was out again. This time I chose to run counter-clockwise. I plugged in my ipod and let Madonna and Antonio Banderas (soundtrack from Evita) serenade me through my last lap. My last lap was as nice as my first, this race wasn’t nearly as difficult for me as last year. I finished lap 3 in 1:59. I debated for a few minutes on whether I wanted to stop at 3 laps, or run the 1.5 mile out-and-back to make it an official 50k. I elected to run the extra three miles, so down the trail I went one final time. I covered those 3 miles in exactly 27 minutes. Pretty good, I thought, for the final 3 miles of a 50k and that included one big hill in the last ½ mile. I finished a little before 11:30 a.m., hurried back to the hotel for a quick shower before heading to the ball park for a lazy afternoon. Final time: 6:09:00
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