The Course
It's truly more of a power hike-hike-run-controlled fall that is repeated three (3) more times. There is no shade, unless the clouds are out. It's normally pretty cool to start (40's) and warms up (60's to 70's) as the day progresses. The trails have lots of loose rocks, and some of the climbs/descents are so dusty and steep, I ended up sliding down of my butt when losing traction. Apparently there can be rattlesnakes out, but I don't believe I saw any. I did end up hopping over a snake right near the train tracks at the finish, but from the quick glance I got of its body, it didn't seem fat enough to be a rattler.
Only three (3) aid stations for the race, at 8/15/23 mile markers. A little wind on the ridges at times.
The After Party
This really is what should make you want to do this race. The run is only half the fun.
Fresh made pizza at the finish (vegan and gluten free options). Plenty of soda, juice, lemonade. Pie, cookies, candies, chips. Kegs of beer and bottles of beer. Live music. Shoot the shit with other runners.
My Race Experience
My friend Kelsey was running her first 50K, so I started off with her in the towards the back of the pack. After about 5 miles with her, I told her I had to up my pace a bit and wished her well (She ended up finishing, and that's a major accomplishment, I can't imagine many people making this race their first 50K!).
I was actually able to maintain a pretty steady pace the entire way until the end. I wanted to keep a level head, and was able to offer words of encouragement to pretty much everyone I saw coming into the turnaround, and everyone I saw on the climb up after that. I tried to stay within myself on the climbs and descents and never really had a 'low' spot.
Of note, food didn't really appeal to me after the turnaround. I got to the point at mile 12 where I realized I didn't want to chew anything anymore, which meant that I needed to either a) choke down food, b) drink soda, c) don't eat. I chose to drink soda (knowing I needed calories), and choke down food as I could stomach it. Food intake as follows:
Miles 5-8
Pull of Chocolate Haze Pocketfuel from my softflask.
Miles 8-15
Two PBJ quarters
S!Cap
Cascade Farms Organic Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bar
Pull of Chocolate Haze Pocket Fuel from my softflask.
Miles 15-23
S!Cap
Two PBJ quarters
Two cups of Ginger Ale
Half of Granola Bar
Miles 23-Finish
S!Cap
Three cups of Soda (Mountain Dew, Ginger Ale, Coke)
Pull of Chocolate Haze Pocket Fuel from my softflask.
Also of note, the minimal aid stations didn't bother me, I only drained both my 20oz bottles once. Never peed during the race, but kept a steady level of hydration. I've got to the point in 50K's where I'm able to keep myself hydrated enough during the race, knowing I can take on additional fluids, if needed, at aid stations or at the finish.
Ended up 19th in 6:22:40, which was better than my 2012 experience. That run capped a 80 mile week with 19,000 feet of gain. Body feels injury free...for now. Now a little bit of a taper into Miwok on May 3rd.
In Closing
Props to everyone out there. The community in this sport is filled with so many cool, positive people. Lots of people had great races, regardless of finish time. Thanks to Matt for carpooling us over, and Carl and Kevin on great company. It's a tough course!
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| Glenn takes awesome pics |
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