Race report: 2018 Tunnel Hill 100 drop down to 50M.
Spent a very cold spleepless night in the tent at the Vienna campground. Race start at 7a couldn't come soon enough.
Lots of prerace bathroon stops. Noticeably still feelin the right hammy tightness. Really bundled up in the 25 degree weather. Carrying one handheld 12oz. which turns out to be plenty, and plenty of gels and snacks stuffed in pockets. Went out at very comfortable pace with a big crowd. 8:45-9:30 pace is the plan and seems to be the right pace. Kept it really light and chatty for almost entire first out and back 26.4 miles. Catch Dad and Amy going the other way at about 5 miles left and snap a picture.
Feeling good rolling into the Vienna home base with about 5 gals following close behind me. grab some food and re-fill the handheld. Noticeably, the enitre group of girls is in and out of the aid station much quicker.
Set back out after the stop and notice the tightness starting to show up when stopping and starting back up. make it out through about 30 miles and really hit a rough patch. slam a caffeine gel and walk a bit. get it going a little bit from 32-35, and then hit another patch. Oh boy... proceed to wlak jog for next 15 miles to get out to Tunnel and the turn around, and then sinmialr all the way back for agonizing 3 more hours. Difficult to force a running motion as I come in to the Vienna home base again. Give it a couple of minutes, and watch Zack Bitter come through the 76 mile going the other way, and call it a day. Tunnel Hill is nice and gives buckles for drop downs from the 100 who finish at least 50 miles. 50 miles - 8:39 moving time.
Last attempt at 100miles. Done and made peace with not completing 100 miles.
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