Ran the Buffalo 50K on Antelope Island. Drove up the day before and slept at the starting line in the back of the van. It was fun watching the 100 mile racers coming through the aid station before I went to bed. Actually got some decent sleep for the night before a race.
Wasn't sure how my legs would hold up over the distance. Started out conservative and took it really easy on any uphills. I had a drop bag at the Elephant Head aid station and would switch out my bottles as I came through. Seemed to work out pretty well. Came throught the half way point feeling fairly well but knowing I had another loop to finish. I think I came into the half way aid station around 2:36ish. Started the second loop again very conservative and easy on the uphills. My last 50K I cramped up badly the last miles so I tried to make sure I was getting enough fluids.
After the last aid station my legs were still in ok shape so I tried to push the pace. It was fun to get a good push the last few miles into the finish getting quite a few passes along the way.
I still have to work on my endurance and hill running so I can have the confidence/faith to run harder at the beginning/middle of a race. All said and done I got beat by a 54 year old woman who finished right before me. She was able to run well on the uphills and I would catch her on the flats. She was amazing to watch running the hills and I made sure to tell her she ran the hills like a machine. I can run hills ok but didn't want to blow my legs up at the end. Just need more experience I guess... Note to self... learn to run hills efficently.
Overall I am pleased with my race and learned a lot. It was great seeing old friends and making some new ones. I miss the running community now I am living in the sticks. I will probably sign up for a 50 miler most likely Bryce this June.
Splits for my records:9:26,10:55,9:22,8:17,8:03,1:33,7:17.10:56,11:58,10:11,10:13,7:45,10:24,8:18,8:52,8:12,12:55,12:04,10:34,9:38,9:23,13:54,8:51,13:09,14:30,12:29,11:23,9:31,11:20,8:16,8:13,7:36,8:00,8:00
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