Per Garmin: TT: 6:14:23 AP: 12:05 Elevation: 3188 feet (mile 30 was a 9:02)
I needed a "gut check" to see if my body could handle running the ultra distance. I signed up a few weeks ago quietly to give it a shot.
The weather was beautiful all day! Miles 1-15 involved most of the climbing the course. I was familiar with the climbs for miles 1-7. But there was a new beast that climbed miles 13-15. It had a false summit and I was DYING when I got to the top of mile 15. Thankfully, there was an aid station there and I had the most divine Coke (side note...the previous aid station was at mile 5.5. Too long between aid stations).
The next several miles included several sharp rocky downhills. I also struggled through these. I am a VERY cautious downhill runner. Physically, my hip flexors and ITB were bugging. Mentally, I know my weaknesses are the ups and sharp downs. I kept leap frogging with a young couple. Just as I was about to catch them, they would take off. It was never ending.
After the mile 20 aid station, I caught a second wind. My aches and pains sub-sided (compliments of some Advil) and I was able to pick up the pace. A lot. I really started to pass people (including the young couple--finally!!!!!). The more people I passed, the faster I got. And my spirits were brightened.
I took a short wrong turn right at the finish. After my mistake, we still had a mile to go. It kinda burst my bubble. There is a very small hill that takes FOREVER and seems so huge. The hill is only .2 miles long , but I HATE it.
I feel really happy about my race--especially the last 10 miles. I need to work on my uphill climbing (I think I will always be a cautious downhill runner). I didn't run with anyone during this race and it was a bit lonely. I had a great playlist though. My feet are very sore and my ITB is still slightly bugging.
It's good to be done.
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