Bret

Took the day off.

Just 3 miles on the treadmill today.  Busy work schedule, plus I am planning to do a lengthy race on Saturday.

PM - at lunchtime did 3 miles on the treadmill - but something weird happened with my left calf muscle.  It is almost like a muscle spasm or a cramp that I cannot seem to release.   Following the workout I was nearly unable to walk without pain and a limp.  I have had similar issues in the past - called it a "calf heart-attack" - which usually works its way out if I do a walk run thing.  Hoping the spasm releases with massage/foam roller and the stick.

Took the day off.  Left calf muscle has improved substantially but not 100% - Quite sore and it is stiff after being sedentary for a bit.  Seems to loosen up after some walking.  Will test it some tomorrow.

AM - did a little "test" run on the treadmill this morning to see if there are any issues/concerns with the left calf.  Seems ok.  Sort of feels sore and like it could convert to a cramp if I tried to run with signficnant intensity - but for an easy effort it just feels like any normal passing tightness/soreness that happens from time to time.

I am planning to run my first 50 miler on Saturday in Florida.  The test run was for for "go/no go" on the race - and I think I am a go.

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.