So to signify mile age of 50 years - I completed the Iron Horse 50 mile ultra in Florahome Florida.
Having never done any race over the marathon distance - I did not know how I would hold up. Plus I tweaked my calf muscle earlier in the week - so that was a big question mark too.
My friend Brian whom I have paced in a few ultras made the trip up from Tampa to just outside Gainesville. He crewed for me in the first half and then paced /ran with me in most of the second half.
The course was 2 loops of 25 miles mostly in a forest of pine trees and palmetto bushes. There were sections of asphalt of a rails to trails bike path too.
Temps were chilly at the start in the low 40's but unfortunately warmed to close to 80 degrees. First 25 was just under 4 hours and the second half in the heat was over 5 hours.
I took 3rd place overall. Not sure how that happened. They did have a 100k and a 100 mile event which may explain it - as I know there were more than 2 people in front of me. I have to tip my hat to those who go those longer distances However I cannot even fathom the discomfort I would endure at least on this day if I had to go any longer.
This was very hard for me. I did not train much for it and the temps were draining. Following the race I felt terrible.
Glad I completed the race that I set out to do. I have no interest or plans to ever do it again.
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