Sunday, February 14, 2010

My First Ultramarathon

Holiday Lake 50k++ February 13, 2010 near Appomattox, VA - Per the website it was 33.26 miles long, my Garmin clocked it at 32.5 miles, 7 hours 5 min 32 seconds.

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!?

7 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. sounds like a good time! congrats on your first ultra!! eat up :)

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  3. Woo! Congrats! 50K is outstanding and in the snow.

    I 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.

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  4. Ooh, I'm excited to hear that you'll be doing Little Rock! You should come to the 50 States Club Meeting on Saturday afternoon.

    Also, 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.

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  5. Next time you should definitely just come to the meeting - it's a pretty inclusive group and all are welcome! :)

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  6. Congratulations 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!

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