Highlights
- The trail was snow covered, it was also snowing at the start of the race
- Some snow was hard (dirt road section), some snow was powdery (ahem, near the powerlines) and like running through sand (but consolidated and harder mid day with the sun out)
- I was worried about making the cutoff at 4hrs15min, I went through at 3hr33min
- I was worried about bonking as I wasn't eating much and had done a long run of 6 miles (stupid but allowed me time off to heal from achilles tendonitis).
- I ran with yaktrak I had won from iRunFar for the first half and they worked great!
- I was 1 of 2 people that raced in a Portland Marathon finisher Tshirt (mine 2008, his 2000)
- I didn't take any pictures, but the trails were postcard perfect covered in snow
- One guy was running in a plaid kilt complete with matching sash (I didn't see him after the turnaround but I am sure he finished)
- Loved running with my Garmin Forerunner, still learning how to use it
- I got matching blisters on my middle toes, lateral aspect at the tip (and nowhere else, weird)
- Coffee in the morning is my friend, but not mid-race
- Pretzels and pringles are good race foods (I had cravings for ramen at times)
- Got a little snow sunburn on my face, but was wearing a hat (forgot sunglasses in the car)
- I met several great folks, all with the same crazy addiction to running
- Always a hoot to see David Horton talk, how does he have energy to run after talking so enthusiastically!?
Wow congratulations on your first 50K++! And on doing it sub-8! It sounds like it was a good choice to leave your long run at 6 miles.
ReplyDeletesounds like a good time! congrats on your first ultra!! eat up :)
ReplyDeleteWoo! Congrats! 50K is outstanding and in the snow.
ReplyDeleteI always want coffee or hot chocolate after a long run in the cold. I hate being cold. I feel like I'm cold to the bones all day.
I love my Garmin. His name is Fred. Not sure what I'd do with out him.
congrats!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I'm excited to hear that you'll be doing Little Rock! You should come to the 50 States Club Meeting on Saturday afternoon.
ReplyDeleteAlso, congrats on the 50K! I did my first in November and was SO proud of myself... can't imagine doing it in the conditions you had though.
Next time you should definitely just come to the meeting - it's a pretty inclusive group and all are welcome! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first ultra! I found you on Tall Moms 1000+++ Challenge and saw you are in Charlottesville, VA. We are looking at houses in the Culpeper/Ruckersville area! AND I just did my first ultra on Saturday. The Greeway Trail 50k. It was awesome! I am so jealous that you are doing the HAT! I can't get in. It is full. I look forward to following your adventures!
ReplyDelete