This was actually a 24 hour ultra. I could only stay for 12. Next year, I hope I get to stay and play with the big kids all night long.
I ran 20 for my marathon training plan, another 6.2 to make it a marathon, and then another 4 just to say I'd run 30. I took some walking breaks after that. Kept track of my miles & those paces on the garmin. So I know my total running was 40.26. The other 11.32 miles were the ones I walked.
After the 30 and a quick break to refuel and use the bathroom, I walked a couple of miles & then tried running. It was hard!! I didn't realize it was possible to run 13 minute miles. But I certainly managed. A new PR for me :-) Took a couple more breaks & had to walk to the car/bathroom a couple times too. Those miles aren't included- and I had to park up the hill.
Fun things about the run:
- Every 1.57 miles, you're back at the snack/refreshment/re-fuel table. It's easier when you know there's a break ahead.
- there was a blind runner with his guide there kicking up the dirt for a long, long time. So impressive.
- All ages, all sizes. Even one pregnant lady (she ran a couple hours).
- MR wasn't able to come, but really wanted to be there. So I brought a cut out of his face (life size) and put it on a paint stirrer stick. I clipped it to my lawn chair so he got to watch all the runners go by through the day. I even took him on a victory loop around mile 34. Someone said, "you brought your pacer with you!"
- The great snacks they had for us. lots to drink from ginger-ale & coke to gatorade. Then there were chips, m&m's, gummy bears, BK double cheeseburgers (which are great fuel after 30 miles, by the way), pizza, and (drum roll please).... ice cream cake!!!
- The route. It was a trail loop that went around a lilly-pad filled lake. Lots of trees, which was good since it was in the 90's, mostly packed dirt, but enough sand to make you appreciate when it wasn't sandy. A few hills, but not too many. And when you'd run past the starting point, you'd call out your # to the volunteers who would put a tally mark next to your number. I believe the race coordinator said they were doing it "old school."
- This is the largest 24 hour ultra in the US. So anyone who wants to come next year, I'll be happy to be your host!
- Watching the sunrise over the water in the east, and then watching it set over the water in the west. How lucky can one girl be?
I'll tell you, lucky enough that I made it 12 hours, got to run & walk for 50 miles, and found a KFC on the way home to treat myself to some extra crispy fried chicken. Because if I've ever deserved some fried chicken, it was then.
Pix of MR & I on our loop together:
splits for running. (ran till 30.26 then ran a mile, walked a while after that).
miles 1-10: 10:11, 9:31, 9:51, 10:08, 9:49, 10:11, 9:46, 9:40, 9:57, 9:43
miles 11-20: 9:26, 9:40, 9:45, 9:37, 10:03, 9:34, 9:52, 9:51, 9:50, 10:01
miles 21-26.23: 10:00, 9:58, 10:23, 10:23, 10:26, 9:59, 8.45 (last .23 miles)
miles 26.23-30.23: 10:26, 10:37, 10:26, 10:26
miles 30.23-40.23: 12.35, 12:10, 10.38, 12:03, 11:15, 11:09, 11:14, 11:18, 10:48, 10:30
over all avg pace was 10:19 (for running).
My marathon training plan will be put on hold for a few days until I can figure out how to walk again without every muscle in my body screaming at me!!!! | 