I signed up for this 50k in Louisville, KY about a month ago with intentions of treating it as a good long training run as part of spring marathon training. I "relearned" the difference in road and trail running today and realized how bad of an idea this was. About 35 degrees at the start with a very muddy and hilly course. Well marked and organized trails, but very difficult and technical for a primarily road running training base. I went out very conservatively, fully intending to complete the entire 31+ miles to come. Taking the climbing very easy and staying controlled on the descents. I felt fine for about 10 miles. At this point, I feel great cardiovascular wise (the changes in heart rate for hill climbing, and then back to a faster pace for downhill and flat spots), but I start to get that old familiar feeling creep in to my left knee, that quickly spreads to my hamstring and calf. I remember this from the previous 2 years - by the 3rd marathon in 3 months time (fall marathons) I start to feel this in the legs, and have learned how long this takes to recover from. At this point in what is supposed to be Spring marathon training, this is not a desired feeling :( Fortunately, the race is a 3-leg, out-and-back race with the second leg turn around having a bail-out point to switch to the 15 miler, for 50k ers. I gladly accept this invitation, and turn it into a 15 mile, 2:20 trail run. I at least finish strong over the 2.5 miles remaining at this point and come in 15th place in the 15 miler. I grab some of the really good food they have at the finish line (chili and soft home made choc. chip cookies), drink some of their coffee, and call it a day. Maybe next time, LLTH Ultra - I was not "Lovin the Hills" today! :) Score -- Ultra Marathon: 1 - Joe: 0
| 