That's what I told my crew at the mile 13 aid station.
And long it was!
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I returned from Africa July 6th, which allowed only 5-6 days of recovery before the SR50. I was congested, sunburned, dehydrated, had blisters on my toes from the sand and had stepped on a sea urchin in Zanzibar. Yikes- not the best situation a week out from a 50 miler!
I tried my best to use my situation not as an excuse but instead as an extra challenge, so to say. My cough got a little better, sunburn healed, and no telling how many gallons of water I drank the week between returning and my race!
Headed to Leadvile on Saturday, I knew I was not at 100%. If I had to put a number on it, I'd say I was feeling 85% recovered/rested. I decided to not worry about time, and to solely finish. I would have loved to come into this on my A game, but I tried to make the most out of how I was feeling at the time.
Race started promptly at 6am, and the first few miles were fun. I felt good and prepared for the 48 more miles to come.
The first climb was tough- and it shouldn't have been. This is where I knew the rest of the climbs where going to be brutal!
Soon I reached the road and really enjoyed the downhill. I made up some time here, though I was thinking "This is going to be one heck of a hill on the way back…" during my whole run down.
I was really glad to see the Printer Boy aid station at the 13.5 mile. My sister, Ashley, and running partner, Chad, were both there as my crew. I never knew I needed so much assistance only 13 miles into a race! While I ate and drank, Chad reapplied band aids and moleskin to my feet, and Ashley refilled my water. I was in and out in about 4 minutes. Before taking off again, I told them 'Hey guys- I know I'm not on my A game, but I'm going to finish. It's just going to be one long race…"
Nothing too exciting happened between mile 13.5 and 25- besides eat, drink, run…
Since this was an out-and-back race, runners had to pass each other once they turned around at the half way point. It was neat seeing all of the elite and faster runners passing by on my way to the halfway point- I couldn't help but smile as I was in trail runner heaven. I was surrounded by hundreds of other trail runners in the mountains of Leadville, and we all had the same goal in mind- to run 50 miles. I think the others noticed as I got a lot of "Keep on smiling!" and "Love the smile!"
Again I met Ashley and Chad at Stumptown (halfway aid station, mile 25), and again Chad reapplied band aids to my blisters to my toes, and Ashley refilled my water and pack. I was feeling great at this point- a lot better than I had at the beginning of the race. I feel as if I get stronger the further into the race I get (Well… up to about mile 35… as I found out later this race).
The climb out of stumptown was brutal, like I anticipated. It was like a death march almost. You wanted to go faster but couldn't. I thought "Well, might as well zone out, grind out, and get out." Reaching the top of that climb felt more successful than summiting Mt. Elbert it seemed!
Continued on through miles 28-35 without much mishap. Feet still felt ok and stomach was still handling calories.
I was typical mid-race grumpy at mile 35 aid station. I met my crew again but didn't need much. I chatted mileage and time with them, while borrowing some lady's bugspray I asked for rather rudely. Oops.
I honestly don't know how or what kept me motivated mile 36-50. Every single step hurt whether it was walking or running. There were no 'breaks' from it. The trail never ended it seemed, which of course is a given traveling 50miles on your own feet. I've never had to block out so many negative thoughts before- My mind was throwing all kinds of negativity at me in those last few miles. I kept focusing on one foot ahead of the other and you'll get there.
At last people start slowly showing up on the side of the trail, and the sound of the announcer got closer. I had ran out of water about mile 47, and was feeling it. I texted Chad and Ashley (yes, mid race!) to let them know I was getting closer and almost there. With the AMAZING crew that I had, as soon as they heard I was out of water, Chad ran some up to me for the last mile or so. Talk about going the extra mile!
Came up and over the hill, and finally felt the red carpet underneath my feet they had placed right before the finish line. No exuberant finish for me, and thats ok Just a small smile and a few high-fives. I feel like I need to actually earn the cheers and exhilarating finish- next race!
My 'goal' was sub-12 hr, but I was just happy to finish. Happy to know I could do it, and happy to know I can go 50 miles.
I of course have more goals and times I want to accomplish, so no settling down for me! Now its time to play and enjoy the mountains for a little bit before starting towards my next race..
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