Monte Sano 50k 2014-Official Time: 6:53:53
I still can't believe how successful my first 50k/Trail Race went! It was a VERY cold Saturday morning (no rain, thank goodness!). I kept my gloves, earwarmers, and jacket on the entire race...I didn't start feeling warm until mile 20! I sweat like a man, so the cold weather was a Godsend to me!
This was a great first 50k. Because of the continuous loops on the course, you were able to stop at your aid station every 5 miles if you needed it! Here is a picture of a course map: now you see why it's called "Dizzy 50"...you are running in circles! We ran on the green and pink loops that you see!
This race was a good day for me! I had no stomach issues (which is an on and off things for me, but it's gotten MUCH better!), lots of energy (boo you, thyroid!), and the only pain that I experienced was from my new trail shoes...and the problem ended up being that I tied them too tight, so that was an easy fix!
I was fueling when I was supposed to, and I told myself I would walk down Sinks Trail and up Sinks Trail to prevent injury...I don't want to miss out on Rocket City! My first 15 miles felt really great...I had great running company, good conversation, and just felt good in general after refueling at my aid station (I used Strawberry/Banana GU, golden & regular raisins, and peanut butter pretzels!). However, I hit a wall at mile 17. You fellow runners know what I am talking about. After being at the aid station, I became unmotivated and wanted to quit. Confession: I even told myself that I could quit at mile 20 so I could go home early...
But then, I started going through my mental checklist...
1) Are you injured? (no)
2) Do you need more fuel? (no)
3) Is your head hurting? (no)
4) Can you breathe? (yes)
So, I told myself...
QUIT BEING LAZY! YOU ARE OVER HALFWAY FINISHED! YOU ARE NOT QUITTING!
It was so weird at this point of the race...I couldn't see any runners, and I was all alone, which is weird for this kind of race that you just run in a figure 8. I saw Gregg and he took my picture, so that made me feel a little better! HAHA! It was nice to see a human! And shortly after that point, I saw another runner that was completing her first 50k too. She seemed happy, comfortable, and bubbly...and it was just the kind of person that I needed to talk to at that point in the race! Jenny kept me company and motivated around mile 20 to mile 26. It kept my mind off the fact that I had completed 20+ trail miles. Thank you, Jenny!
But yes, it was a successful finish! My blood sugar dropped at about mile 29, so I felt a little loopy crossing the finish line! The Coca-Cola and water helped with that after I crossed the finish line! I am so thankful that David drove me to the race and picked me up...he's awesome like that! :) And he took some finish line pictures!
Overall thoughts of the race: like I already mentioned, it was a great/challenging location for a first 50k. The volunteers were awesome, and I love how you could bring your own aid and set up your own "station"! I love that it's a local race, and I loved the bible verses that were on the trees, and I loved the Christian music that I heard almost every time I was at the aid station! I'm thankful for the ability to run, and I am thankful for how successful this race turned out for me! I felt like a million bucks after the race, and some of the runners went out for dinner that evening to share stories and just to chat! It was yummy and fun! :)
MY TRIP/FALL COUNT: I did not fall ONCE during the race! I tripped three times and I was able to catch myself. I was so proud! However, I did trip and fall on the way to my car while walking on pavement...LOL! Oh, goodness:-P Saturday was awesome!
But, the next day, this happened....
Sunday was pretty horrible! Even with stretching and yoga twice on Saturday after the race, I woke up in SO MUCH PAIN. Everything was hurting..legs, arms, chest, back...it was crazy! Of course I tried to stay on my feet most of the day, stretched, and drank plenty of water (and took some Aleve,which I was taking Aleve starting on Thursday to help with this soreness!). I even did my yoga routine even though I really didn't want to. On Monday, I woke up fine, and I didn't walk funny at all at work! :-P
Once again, I am thankful for how this race turned out. I give credit to a great training plan (Thanks, Runners' World!) and the strength/patience to get through it! I am thankful for cross training. I thank God for my health and the ability to run. I am thankful for awesome running buddies and their continuous company, and I am thankful for my sweet husband that puts up with my running schedule! :) He has never been negative about it, and he always will ask me when I walk in the door, "How was your run?". :) :) :)
It's funny to be typing this after running ten miles today was a struggle. I felt nauseous, congested, and just yucky. My plan called for three hours of running, but it took all I had to do two hours. I plan on relaxing, drinking plenty of water, and getting some more vitamin C today! I can't believe the Rocket City Marathon is three weeks away! It's going to be a GREAT long run with friends with 26.2 medals and celebration to follow! I hope everyone has a great week and a happy thanksgiving! :) :)
-Holly
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