Patapsco 50K

19 weeks pregnant, still running.... strong?? No idea but I wanted to get one more 50k at least and the weather was picturesque... so out I went to a race I was, other than coming off a great season where 30 miles was just a good weekend run, severely unprepared for. I was now training on flats, running slow, eating way more sugars than I care to admit (never had cravings for such garbage before :/) , and of course my longest run had been 13 miles since my last 35 mile run only 6 weeks prior.

I went anyway and decided I would take it easy, do my best, whatever that meant, and handle it... because I knew it'd be hard for me to not be out in front pushing myself for a good time. And sneak preview... it was SO hard.

Race morning I got to the lot early, dark, quite chilly and very dewy out. I was so glad I'd brought extra socks to change into between check in and the Start.

I am someone who struggles with Raynaud's and generally warms up slow, especially on long runs, but I've also, more often than not been at risk for over heating because I dress to be able to start without being totally uncomfortable. I've learned since that I need to stay warm as long as possible and then start frozen. So I did this and shivering, stiff and painfully cold at that start we finally got moving. I did not feel good. Unlike my memory of GA Jewel 6 weeks prior, where I started and felt really good, my legs were heavy, I felt slow, cold and tired.

I tried to ignore how crappy I felt and push up in front like I do, like I always have done, but as I went on, this was just really not working. I didn't have it, I wasn't "warming up" to the run. I felt the same, heavy, slow and now my bladder was already telling me I need to stop. Around 4 miles in, I must have let 15 people pass, which was so hard for me.  I finally "broke the seal" and then I just felt worse. I had to stop to pee 4 times in the first hour, and I wasn't drinking much because I was cold, and frustrated. I kept on reminding myself of my WHY.

"I am out here to be outside, to be in the woods, to be around other runners"

This was what I held on to. I don't know how I even did it. The 9 mile water crossing was more like 4.5 miles in, I was already wet, but I despite remembering how much frustration I had, I was having a blast out there. I was just happy to keep moving. By mile 12 my hips and pelvic stuff ached, my pace was sad, but one foot in front of the next. I kept it going.

At the 18mile AS I was feeling okay with how things were going, I thought we were at 22+ miles, so when I heard this AS was the 18 mile marker I had to swallow a large lump of frustration... yet again. I was committed to completing. I knew the next AS would be passing through the start and I prayed it was still miles out. Nope, it was mile 20!! I had 11 more miles?!?! I trudged on, trying to move faster but it was like my muscles could go no faster and I had to appreciate what they were doing as it was. So I went back to settling in and just committing to the ride. The course went on and on. More and more people running passed. It was just so different, looking at my watch, knowing usually I would be finished by now but still have an hour to go.  Thank God it was the most beautiful day and it had warmed up to a gorgeous low 60s sunny colorful day.

Finally, I was within a few miles, getting there, struggling, but moving. I wish I could be more positive,  but it really was hard the whole time. The very last downhill, I knew I was done, I was on my way to sitting on my butt with my family..... so close, and then *FWAP* I tripped and fell landing on my hands and rolling onto my side on the very gravelly path. I laid there in pain for a solid 40 seconds, much longer than seemed necessary but I'd gone all day without a fall and now less than a quarter mile from the finish on all rocks... ugh my mind was done, but my body was able to get back up and jog and then run through the Finish Line with my son. I'd done it, and my milestone pod said 35 miles again!!

Georgia Jewel 35 mile run- 13 weeks pregnant

GJ 35 miler

I'm very late to writing a race report but I hadn't made up my mind about doing it, since it was not nearly what my year was meant to result in, whatever that really means. For anyone reading that doesn't know, I am pregnant, now 18 weeks along. I spent most of 2017 focusing my training on kicking Georgia Jewel 100 mile course's booty. I worked hard, I raced often but not too often, I won my key races and was on point to make my goals, until late June when I started feeling really crappy. I took some time, I tried to recover, but when I started to ramp back up, well I just felt, wrong. A couple other signs popped up in training and I despite a negative pregnancy test the weekend before my 12hr race, I was in fact pregnant. What to do, now into July, 7 full months of a great season and I would not be running a 100 miler. Despite the joys of finally being on track with my family plans and loooong term running goals, I spent a lot of time being totally bummed and sad that I was again going to be "out" of the ultra community. Unlike my last pregnancy though, this time, at least so far no sharp stabbing pelvic pain when I run!! Wooohooo… so I have opted for the adventurous runner Mom route of staying not only active but active in the ultrarunning community and for now, "racing"- running, jogging, walking in the woods with awesome ppl. So when I successfully made it through Running with the Horses marathon in WY, I thought hmmm, maybe I can still make a 50K.

Heading to GJ to volunteer with my husband was a no brainer. We'd already committed to the trip, to my running family down there and I wasn't going to bail because I couldn't do my Big Goal. I set my mind on the 17miler but the closer we got the more I felt 35 was a doable adventure. It would be challenging, but not too hard at all, it was still a safe choice. So with a week to spare I let the RDs, Jenny and Franklin Baker know that I was committing to the 35 miler.

We got in Friday afternoon and Jenny put us right to work. I had some pretty good nausea that had me laid up in her air conditioned camper for a bit but when I came out race check in was in full swing and we hustled to clean up our act and be able to answer the runner's question and get everyone ready to run in the morning. It was so much fun getting to see all the runners with their different goals and excitement that I absolutely fell in love with the previous year. I had one moment that evening when the pain of jealousy for those doing the 100 miler struck me, but I kept it together. It was the first time I realized I would actually emotionally have a tough time volunteering for the race, not only because I couldn't run This one day, but because my life was changing…again, after my last baby and hiatus from 100s I just wanted 1, I DNF'd here at GJ last year and came back to, I just wanted 1 single 100miler before baby #2, but God had different plans and the kicker is that I would not/ will not be attempting another 100 miler for at least an entire year!! I know, I have the rest of my life… I do, logic vs emotion, that day, being there… well it hurt.

After check-in I realized I needed to get ready, 35miles in 90+ degrees and pregnant meant I needed to be super duper smart. I got my pack ready and headed for bed. I would be waking up at 3:45 to do final check in and watch the 100 mile runners take off. 

Morning came and I somehow naturally woke up at 3:40, so I made my way to the check in tent and no time Franklin, Jenny and other support "staff" were up. We had some coffee and got the 100 milers set and they were off. Tough moment #2 passed quickly as their headlights bounced away.

I prepped and ate some breakfast and we were off in the creeper van to the race start. The trip was just long enough to get me really nauseated but luckily I didn't get sick or loose my breakfast calories. We made it to the race start a little late and so both the 50 miler and 35 mile races were delayed a few minutes, but in no time we were off.

I was surprised to feel really good and so I went with it taking off with 3 guys up front. I hadn't trained beyond 18 miles so I knew I could easily run 20 and definitely jog to 28, those last few, well they might be slow and ugly, but as long as I took my time I knew I could make 35. Knowing that, I planned to run what I could as well as I could, get out ahead of the heat and the pack. A couple miles in we came to a unmarked intersection and assumed wrongly to go straight. We hit a fence about half a mile up and turned back re-directing at least 40 other ppl back on course. Somehow a bunch between us and the people who followed us knew to turn right. When we got back we took off down the right path when I realized no one had fixed the problem, so I ran back to intersection again and grabbed a flag and B-lined for where my eyes went looking for a flag the first time around. I planted the flag and began a long slow climb while trying to get back to the 3 guys I was running with. I got back up there and as a pack of 4 we worked our way back to the front, just making it by the first AS at Johns mountain.

The AS was a good memory from last year so I took my time, almost forgetting it was a race, I turned toward the course and saw 2 women who had already gone passed and were trotting down the trail. I LOVE downhill so I went with it since I knew this section was primarily descending winding trail down the mountain. I got out ahead and felt great. I took one fall and getting up from it I remember that I need to be a little more careful that THAT… so I slowed down a bit, watching my footing with more caution than usual.

I rolled on through the next AS at the bottom of Johns mountain feeling very good and totally happy with my position. I was eating plenty, drinking well. The next thing I remember was crossing the road to the AS remembering this next section of the course had some killer uphill.

As I kept going, it sure did, climb, climb , climb. It was a long section getting to the next AS. The day was starting to get warmer and my pelvic joints were getting a bit sore. Once we were at the "top" you enter miles of gentle climbs and descents through this I started having trouble with footing. I'd experienced this on my long runs lately too, once my hip flexors were fatigued I really struggled… it was as if the same effort I would normally use to lift and place my feet wasn't enough, so I had to focus each and every step to get my foot where I wanted it, this meant going slow… and when it was really rocky, just plain walking. The heat too, I was so worried about having the "a little too warm" feeling so I kept below that and moved slow enough to stay comfortable.

With about 12 miles to go, I was tired. I was a bit uncomfy, but I was fine, it was just hard to wrap my head around 12 miles at the very slow pace I was going … I'm not accustomed to having to be SO careful…this would feel like FOR-E-V-E-R and it did. I broke into pieces in my mind, using my little fit bit to count a couple miles at time, give myself check points. Finally I came to the Power Lines AS, where my husband was volunteering and where I would be volunteering that night, 3ish miles from the finish. Dave, my husband said to me, "You're first female you know?" I looked at him smiling and said, "I know it… isn't that crazy?!" We hugged and I was off down the trail to the pavement. I was still uneasy having heard some telling rumors about a "crazy 50+% grade hill" and "some runner said they had to go down on their butt" so I was still waiting for whatever was the talk of the town. The last mile was smooth, I thought I was going to make it sub 9 minutes and then you turn the corner with 0.4miles left to the race and there it is, there it stood, the hill lovingly named  "Mount Baker" stood there between you and the finish line. I hiked 20 steps for every 10 second breather I was taking. I was literally laughing out loud. I stopped for photos, the hill, painful as a hill can be, was the ultimate comic relief in an ultra marathon. So, no sub 9… more like a 13min mile, but I made it through the finish 7hr 24 mins and change and I was first female, feeling sore and fatigued but otherwise like I'd successfully taken it very easy. I felt good.

I took a few hours to recover and hang out with friends before we headed back to the power lines AS where we'd be camped out all night. We arrived just as the sun was setting and got settled into the darkness, we had no generator and nothing to make noise for the runners, so we opted for yelling and clapping loudly. We took care of the 50 milers runners and around 10 or 11pm we had ourselves a generator and lights! From here we had couple of the last 50 mile runners toughing it off through cutoff. We then knew we had a couple hours gap before the 100 milers started coming through so we opted for come sleep. By 3am runners were coming through. Sometimes around 7am I had my first big cry about not being out there myself. I had reached up and stretched while looking out at the view and the thought of how I'd be feeling seeing that same thing after 24+hrs of running and 95 miles under my feet just brought me to tears. I wanted to feel that feeling again so badly… it has been so long since I'd seen it, the sunrise after the long darkness that falls over during an ultra, having brought a strange comfort and anxiety of silence, darkness, solitude all broken by the rising sun; a new day, new energy, sounds of life begin again with bugs, birds, cars miles away somewhere…. I deeply, deeply miss that experience.

Around 1230pm we started to clean up the AS, there was one more runner out and it seemed despite being a solid bit past cut off, he was going to finish. Once we got him through and on his way to completing his first 100 mile run we all headed to the Finish Line. We packed up everything, all AS stuff had been returned and sorted, the parking lot was empty, just about everyone had gone. We stayed and with his family and support we brought in the last runner, he had completed the distance. It was an unbelievable moment to watch, truly impressive. I think every female left had a tear or two fall. Soon after we said our good byes and we headed back to Atlanta to go home. Once we hit the highway I had one last heavy heartfelt cry for what wasn't and could not be, it was over, time to move on. I don't know if it was just being emotional and pregnant or sleep deprived or both but that sadness just hung there with me for a few minutes. I felt silly, but raw. Then my husband said, well, why not next year??

Cacapon 12 Hour Challenge : Prepared to Succeed

Race morning I woke up and packed up my tent and headed to Cacapon State Park. I'd been there the evening before to check in and was glad that I'd explored the directions before race morning. I got myself set up next to someone who looked well prepared, but also well practiced. He didn’t have nearly as much crap as I did. He had many more shoes than me. We chatted briefly as got myself ready, applying my body glide, organizing my food, gallon of Spring Electroride, gallon of water and getting my nice dry socks and shoes on. Finally, it was time to start.

The course: Each loop was 5 miles. You begin the loop running up and out of the AS and climb to your first right where the course plateaus briefly before you drop to a stream crossing with a sharp 5 step climb on the other side. Then you continue on mostly flat with mild grade that takes you to some gentle rollers and then you begin to ascend, easy climbing until a sharp left, leading to your next right where you hit a climb of rock steps taking you to the top, 1 mile in, then you plummet down, across a stream and then up again, another good climb which flattens out to a long runnable downhill section with massive mudpits, a stream crossing that resembles a small waterfall, very pretty, and another smaller climb somewhere in there but in no time you come out to the gravel road out and back to the 2.5 mi AS.

From here, you turn back onto the trail and enter the most technical section, gently climbing for half a mile, then very technical progressively steep downhill, mud, water crossing and then more climbing followed by a short disappointing downhill leaving you wanting more before you hit unrunnable thick greasy mud, another water crossing and another good climb (the last before you hit the home stretch). Once this one flattens out you just roll with it, splash through more mud and 2 more water crossings before connecting to the incoming loop and running downhill back to the AS.

Lap 1- I quickly made it to the front, mostly running with Joe, who was shooting for 50 miles for his 50th Birthday. He’s run the race every year! He was running very strong for what seemed like a low ball goal for the pace he was holding. I felt great, no issues, it was nice and cool out. I was thoroughly impressed by the terrain and climbing, it was in fact challenging. I didn't feel like I was pushing myself at all, just treating it like an easy long run.

Lap 2- I was alone already. I tried to just keep moving steady while it was still nice and cool outside. I made sure to eat take in my Fuel 100 bites and start to drink my Spring Electroride religiously.

At the end of this loop I stopped for just a minute, chugged from my gallon bottle of premixed Electroride. Then, I took a Spring long haul gel and grabbed a couple bites of bread to go and took off quick.

Lap 3- I was already feeling the climbs, I was still running to the same points in the climbs as my first loop before hiking and I felt fine, but I knew it'd only get harder.

The mud in the deepest water managed to shove a large dose of sand into my sock, so after this lap, I took the socks off and rinsed and dried my feet, applied powder and made the crazy decision to go sockless in my soaked shoes, since without stopping at my car I probably didn't bring enough socks, but my feet have always been okay and I run a lot of sockless miles. I didn’t retie the laces though, which left them rather loose, (something I wish I'd done but ended up having no real effect) because I saw Joe take off and I wanted the company since we were clearly running the same avg pace. I ate a half of an avocado as I jogged into lap 4.

Lap 4- Pretty soon, Joe let me pass again, and I was on my own again. Still just moving well, I was now starting my hiking further down the climbs and I knew I was losing time, but it was too early I wanted to be able to run, not solely hike, throughout the day. I grabbed sticks when I could to help me climb.

After that lap, I cleaned my feet again and put on dry socks- so nice!! Ate some Lara Bar bites and chugged some more Electroride and I was off again, determined not to waste more time than I needed at “home base”. This time I remembered to grab my “already soaked in ice water” Frogs Togs Cooling hat that I'd forgotten trying to catch Joe last time. I placed that on my head to keep me cool, long before I felt too hot.

Lap 5- I felt like I was really slowing up already, I guess my first low, which seemed too early to me and that ate at my confidence. I decided 50 miles sounded like a pretty good goal, 62 seemed reachable, but I didn't need to run 62 to make my overall goals. I wanted the Female CR, but more than anything I wanted to be able to run well, recovery fast and be prepared for my 100 miler in September. I had to remind myself of the long term goal. Needless to say, the mental weakness and over analysis allowed me to slow down and let go of trying to make this anything amazing. If there were any regrets in my race, it'd be right there.

Lap 6- Refilled quick, took in some Spring Hill Aid for energy and little boost of caffeine.

Headed for 30, it was getting warm, I was feeling the same as Lap 5, like 60 miles seemed a long way off, I wasn’t even half way and although not way low, I was definitely not out of it yet. Reminding myself the low wound pass and soon enough Tyler would be out to pace me as practice for GJ 100 and because who doesn’t want a friend to run with after running the same challenging loop 5,6,7 times. I pushed myself to stay strong, I wanted to finish my 7th lap before he arrived, but I was already well behind my original goals (which were created by my dreamt up idea of the course- as there isn’t much info on it available, so my goals were just off anyways).

Lap 7- I knew I wanted to move well and get back, Tyler would be there after this loop, and I just had to keep on moving strong. The first big climb pushed me down, questioning myself, then the next climb, definitely hiking now.  By the half way AS on this loop I was still feeling mentally weak, but I'd been talking my confidence up, reminding myself of my ability to just enjoy the run and I found a pretty happy place there while I dug my way into the pain cave.

Lap 8- Tyler came!! I was so psyched, it was just great to have company, we talked for most of that first lap together, it felt easy, my time was terrible, I ignored it and my goals, I just needed to keep moving and I would do fine. In hindsight, the time lost chatting was noteable, tacking on 4-6 min per 5 miles. Something to work on for my 100 miler.

Lap 9- new socks/ new shoes again!

There was no question I’d finish 50 miles now, but would I do more? I wasn’t sure, I was tired now and the idea of throwing in the towel early and getting home to my family was sounding pretty awesome.  I didn’t come out to run a 50 mile race though I came out to practice moving for 12 hrs, and I needed to remember why I was there, it wasn't about distance so much as time. I wanted to be motivated and Tyler helped with that a lot.

Lap 10- I tore into my other half of an avocado since the first half felt so good.

I was mentally done, I told myself that this was it, the last full loop I had to do. I could still get the female CR even if I walked just one more mile after that, so I should have been motivated to push hard, but for some reason it wasn’t coming. I dragged on, Tyler trying to convince me to move, but I just didn’t want to. There was still the motivated self in me though, I knew that despite really not wanting to do more, the only thing I wanted was to do more. I kept fighting away the weakness. It's the hardest part of timed loop race… Keeping moving, because there is no finish line… No assigned distance… It's whatever you want it to be. You can come run 5 mi or 50 mi, it makes no difference to anyone out there. You are all on your own separate journey through suffering towards success.

Well, after this one, I asked the RD what he thought. He told me he was pretty sure the second lady was only 20 min out and would totally go for one more loop.

That was all I needed, we stopped quick at home base and I took a pre made bag of sunchips to go.

Lap 11- I hiked as I ate my Sunchips, Tyler reminded that I was just letting the second lady gain on me. Part of me wanted to brush that off but then the thought of all the work I'd done all day coming down to an actual race, well something clicked, I focused on my feet like I was really running a race and maneuvered through the climbs and rocks with ease. The rain started but the trees kept most of it off of us. It made me walk down the rocky descent since it was went now. I was able to mentally stay in the game straight through to mile 55.

I still had 45 min, I wanted to do just a little more, but I knew I didn't want to convince myself to do the climb to the 1 mile out marker, so 0.6 out and back.

Last 1.2 miles- I pushed it on the way out not remembering how much mud was in the first half mile at all, but there was tons. I was tired of fighting for footing and this weighed on my pace. Once we turned around I new I was done after this, so I just took it easy.

After I finished I asked about the second lady and came to find out she stopped at 50 after all. She made my race end well, even having already packed up and headed home. I was grateful.

Regrets: Why didn't I go for another mile or two??? I had 30 min!!!
 

That's all. :)

Anyway, now its time for 2 weeks of down time. My body needs to seriously recoup and then its back to the grind as I prep to crush the new Georgia Jewel 100 course. Haha... well that's how I hope it goes down.... I always say, 

"You never know whats going to happen in a 100 mile race, all you can do is prepare to handle what ever does".

The STUFF

Spring Sports Nutrition:

Electroride is an easy to drink run version of lemonade to me, its refreshing, but not too strong, too sweet or too anything. I didn't get sick of the flavor at  all during my11.5 hrs. At 60kcal per serving it cannot be a lone source a fuel but its a great addition to their gels. 

My favorite: Long Hual- its like a really smooth peanut butter with banana, but lighter in flavor, easy to take, easy to swallow and easy to digest.

Hill Aid-  with a slightly more bitter flavor, but with a boost of caffeine and somewhat of a fruit pouch consistency as opposed to a gel, its yummy and also easy to take. I don't have any issues with the texture thing, but I've heard other runners who aren't a huge fan, to me real food doesn't really turn into a gel- so I'll take my real food please. 

Power Rush- I didn't utilize this one during my run, it's not a go to flavor for me, probably the beet juice, but I probably should have. I've used it on a couple training runs and it really helps to give you a little boost. I'll have to keep working with it though

Recovery: Can't say enough, I'm not usually a chocolate fan, but you can taste the cherry in there and a little nutty flavor and just wow, so yummy- hard to eat this one for fun sometimes

MUIR Energy:

Still loving the Blackberry Thyme Gel, Cashew Lemon Mate; For this race I had one of these babies on the way to the race and ended up having one on the care ride home. These gels are also totally real and they are gels,  gooey and thick, rich in flavor due to the molasses and essential oils. 

They sit in my stomach well and let me have a little more variety to my flavor pallet while I'm out there. 

Nathan VaporHowe 4L vest: Still great, maybe not the most resilient pack, both bottles (not made by Nathan- but still a financial hit for me) broke at the last race and one of the two straps broke as well, I had safety pinned together for this race and held up pretty well. I still absolutely love the texture, weight and fit of this vest.

Topo Athletic: Cannot say enough about these great shoes. They were made for my wide toed runner feet and I love the support they give the back of my foot. The MT2s really dried out fast throughout this run and I was a little nervous when I switched to my Terradventures that they'd hold too much water in, but they also stayed light and comfy, through and through. 

OOFOS: I decided to finally give them a go, I had to get the clogs because I wanted something I could wear to work for 12 hr shifts... I don't feel stylish in clogs, but my feet and more specifically for me, my ankles have had way less pain since I quit walking around in cruddy flip flops and flat unsupportive shoes. Impressive.

Milestone Pod: Hands down the best data collection device available to anyone on the market. I've had some issue with mine, which can happen with anything this fancy, but their team has devoted almost too much time and energy getting my pods back up and running. Best service I've ever experienced with a company. This little foot pod helps you get to know yourself, your running, your shoes, your stride, your recovery, better and now it feeds live data too! It's just such a great tool, I cannot say enough about it!

Not the prettiest data but for a course like this one, it is what it is: 

*note I only was able to get data off my MT2s

The Time in Between

The time between races during a strong season can be impacted by so many factors. It has to be adaptable to life, because we cannot plan for everything. For me, a high strong individual with way too much going on most of the time, it’s really easy to think I can do things, recover for things, like I see other people doing, but I can’t always. Things aren’t simple. My toddler doesn’t always sleep through the night, an argument with my spouse, house problems, dog problems, family stuff… they happen, and you do what you can to avoid them and for me, not to stress out about them but they take your energy, they have an impact on your sleep, your hormones, your wellness.

So between Chattanooga Stage Race and Cacapon 12 hr, I had 3 weeks, one to recover, one to train easy and one to taper.

My biggest concern was my overall leg strength and running form was not 100%, maybe more like 75%. I’ve run a few big races, as an ultrarunner, the most destructive races to my overall recovery and ability are road marathons. I end up running so hard, for that significant distance, and wipes my legs and cardiovascular system in a way that running any distance of ultra marathon, trail runs never do. I never go into a trail run with dreams of holding a steady 7:15 pace. I don’t honestly train correctly to do such a thing.

I train to adapt. I train in the early am, the mid afternoon and/ or the late night. I run in hot, mildly cold (I’m a wimp in the actual cold) and I train to run rolling hills, steep ups and downs, flats, mud, water crossings, technical roots and long burning nutrition. So the concept of a mostly flat road marathon at one steady pounding pace taking in quick sugars, well, I’m never really ready. Part of me wishes I would want to be and join the league of the amazing sub 3hr runners… but every time I run a road marathon it confirms my love for the trail.

My legs were tired and my cardiovascular system felt like crud after Lincoln Marathon in early May. I tried to recovery and I jumped into my only couple weeks to train for my stage race and just a couple little life factors came along to add themselves on and my gait was poor. My Milestone pod data was letting me know it, my leg swing was mid, instead of my usual mostly high, ground contact time increasing, cadence decreasing, and the worst signs: My HR was increasing, my respiration rate was increasing, I was fatigued, sleeping very well- which is odd for me (but luckily a good sign I was not overtrained and my resting HR was steady at an average of 53 bpm- no changes recently). My muscles just felt bad. I also started PT for some chronic issues and as stated in my previous write up I just felt unbalanced.

After Chattannooga Stage Race, the plan was to recovery, run a bit, and taper yet again. I’ve been recovering and tapering for what feels like months! So it has been frustrating, but necessary. I went back and forth about doing the 12 hr run. I wanted to, because it was good timing for the distance/time on feet leading up to my September 100 miler. It’s also a timed loop race, so it’s great mental strength training, heat training, nutrition practice and the course had some technical areas and good climbs. It  was perfect.

On the other hand, if I pushed my body into overtraining, then I could forget about reaching the rest of 2017 goals… a fine line. I was nervous about it, but overall, I felt if I took it easy and really just listened to my body and really focused on doing my nutrition and hydration well, then I would be ok. I made sure I was prepared- something I never really do. I always “wing it”, I guess because it’s exciting but also probably as an excuse so that if things go badly, I can say I didn’t really care that much about this one, I wasn’t really ready for it (Even though in reality it means everything to me). At one point, say, 2012, that’d be acceptable, I was a newbie and naive and I loved that. But now… Now, I study my courses, I train for my courses, I read every blog available to piece together what I can of the unseeable conditions of race day. I plan my “dream” paces and my “I’ve blown up” paces, I know when and what I’m supposed to eat and drink…. So that I will succeed. The piece I miss on Race day- nutrition, I don’t follow my own plan… I go back to my trusty ole’ “I’ll just wing it” and then I struggle. It almost cost me Bull Run Run 50 and it almost cost me at Chattanooga Stage Race too, luckily day 1 was a wake up call, to follow my plans, to take the time and EAT/ Drink and absorb nutrition.

With the looming fear of overtraining, yet again, in my short ultra running career I knew to not play “cool”. I knew I had the chance to run smart, and do well. The CR was not out of reach for me. I really believed I could run 100k on the Cacapon course and that’s what I planned to do presuming I felt well and my body wasn’t crashing.

So, the week of the race arrived and felt ok, not great but well enough. I was going to run my race and was going to be smart about it.

Chattanooga Stage Race: 3 Days, 3 Mountains, (roughly) 60 miles

After a long day of travel and "travel eating" pre-race I really wasn't sure how this weekend would go. My training had been great until I actually trained too hard 3 weekends prior, which had sent me into an unplanned hard 3 week taper and felt generally very poor. The plan had gone from "Do my best" to "Just have fun and make sure you don't overdo" since I was and am still riding the my edge of healthy. I knew I would have no trouble with distance, but was poorly trained for the heat. 

I arrived at my friend Chris' place, in Chattanooga around 9pm, got settled, showered, said hellos and went to sleep. Morning came and I was excited! My energy level was pretty good. I had a PB&J and a cup of coffee for breakfast. I arrived at the start/finish with plenty of time to check in and get settled. I started looking for the people I knew and those I was looking forward to meeting. Turns out we'd parked right next to each other by coincidence. I met Liz Canty, Chris, and Franklin and it made for a pleasant start to the weekend. We enjoyed the usual pre race banter as we got ourselves ready to go.

 Day 1. Raccoon Mountain 

An easy 16.5 ish mile start on mountain biking terrain. We head out and down hill. My ankle that I was worried about was fine on the trail. I felt like I was running very easily, but thought that was a pretty good thing since I hadn't been feeling too hot the weeks leading up. I also had very minimal prep for any heat or humidity. So overly comfortable seemed perfect. 

I was trotting along, losing my breath on the climbs and on the descents and flats trying not bite Liz's heals too much, I was really enjoying the comfy pace we were doing but I knew I really should get out and go. Liz eventually made the suggestion that I move along and at that point I did. I felt good, I  was happy to literally get off her back so she could run her race... And then, me, well, I actually felt very good. I felt like maybe I should have been going a little harder earlier, but in a stage race...who knows? It wasn't long before I was on my own and rarely saw other runners.

I was loving the trail bouncing along just enjoying being out there, working hard mentally to stay focused on my heart, my breathing and my gait. After all, this was day 1 and I couldn't afford to actually race it... So I just ran like a normal training run, took my time enjoying a Muir Energy blackberry thyme gel and was happy my body felt good. 

Miles 9-12 climbed a lot, it took a toll on me and felt hot, a little weary so I began moving gingerly and decided to take in some more calories. I feel enjoyed my Fuel 100 Salty Cocoa bites and I was keeping on, keeping on, but certainly not going very fast at all... And then BOOM! Miles 12-15ish were all downhill, sharp drops into winding looping descents, I was loving it, but was still feeling the overall heat and humidity. Realizing I still hadn't finished my 24 oz of fluid by then and hadn't stopped at any aid stations, I realized too late that that was not the best decision in a stage race. Having already passed the final AS, I made a mental note to do better tomorrow.

 2 hrs 17 min later I finished, first female and saw the smiling face of Jenny Baker, I hadn't seen her since my epic failure at Georgia Jewel 100 the prior year, but we'd stayed in touch and she'd suggested I come out and run this race. She is ALWAYS smiling and kind and I was grateful to have a friend waiting at the end for me.  I had my first cup of Spring Sports Nutrition Electroride and it was like love at first taste. We waited anxiously for Liz to come through the finish. Soon enough Liz was finished and we sauntered over to the ice bath where a couple guys were already chilling. I got in slowly and was really impressed to watch Liz, socks and all just climb in like there weren't actual ice cubes floating around.

Notice how she looks so comfy and I feel like I'm freezing

We enjoyed some post race food and company. I got to meet a bunch of new people and ran into some known faces, like Tyler, my pacer during "our epic failure" at Georgia Jewel, it was nice to catch up and hear about his upcoming awesome adventures. By noon-ish the crowds were clearing and everyone was headed to rest up for day 2.

I went back to my Chris' place in Chattanooga and hung out eating granola and being a bit concerned about my hydration. My lack of smart hydration choices left my tummy knotted up. Something I can easily manage for 2 days, but I'd need to be a lot smarter to make it 3 days in the Tennessee heat. A beer and some very frustrating attempts at origami with Chris' daughter later I was enjoying some fresh made spinach linguini with roasted veggies and my all time favorite running fuel, bread.

I rolled my legs out and went to bed for 10 pm. Wouldn't you know by though, Chris was also having two doggy guests for the weekend and they were not so happy to be on vacation, they cried ALL night long.  I tried many ways to cover my head and ears. At 3 am I finally downloaded a white noise app and Chris had actually just separated the two dogs and we all got some much needed rest.

Day 2. Lookout Mountain

I woke up feeling less tired than I expected to and I didn't feel sore, achy or anything negative. I had some granola with BP& blueberry preserves and a cup of coffee while I finished checking my bottles to make sure they were secure and wouldn't leak all over me. I left for Lookout Mountain, only 15 minutes from where I was staying. I couldn't be more jealous of my Chris for living this close to these trails, mountains and views.  I drove the curvy roads up to Lula lake, where the start and finish would be that day. 

I really did feel good, but I planned to go out easy and get nicely warmed up. On my training B2B2B runs it took me about 5 miles to feel good each day, so assumed this would be the same. Meeting at that start line with Liz, her husband Luke (there supporting), we prepared to run. 

Everyone took off flying, I was mentally, like "OMG, I'm gonna die today" but instead I widened my stride and made sure not lose step with Liz. It ended feeling pretty darn good within the first half mile and I just went with this hard pace, knowing Day 2 would set the score for Day 3. Then as quickly as we started we were all walking up a steep climb, an equalizer, a vertical gain that is literally not runnable. It was fun to watch the entire race field halt to stop and scurry up. Once we peaked we still spent the next couple miles enjoying a low grade climb with some amazing views, followed by a mile of descent leading to single track trail with rolling twisty turns that popped out at the bridge over the creek located at the start/ finish area, which was also the 1st AS.

Myself and the other couple guys I was with ran through and kept going, crossing the road and jumping back onto trail, we headed mostly upwards for what felt like a very long time. I was still holding a strong pace but I was feeling the climb, despite really strong hill training and I could feel the heat. I sucked down my fluids and had a Muir Energy Cashew Lemon- So Good! I felt better in about 10 minutes time and that really helped me ride out feeling challenged in the first half.  Winding through the forest on very runnable surface was mostly pleasant, but I was truly looking forward to the 10.8 mi AS so I could cool off a bit and just stand still for a moment. The AS was conveniently was placed at the top of a power line climb, steep crumbling footing that feels just short of runnable... you know you could run it, probably, maybe...but the loss of energy is never worth the couple of minutes you'd save. So hiking up in the sun I was excited to refill my bottles with water and get some Spring Electroride. I also was ready to have my cooling neck tie do-hicky soaked so I could test it out and hopefully feel cooler despite the rising temperatures.

I ran out of the AS looking forward to some easier miles and was happy to find them. There was little more power line work and the trail seemed like I recognized it long before I did. Mentally, I knew I wasn't as sharp as I'd hoped to be, I kept hoping the miles were ticking by faster than they were. I was anxious to rush through the rest of this run, but I knew I still had to remain calm and collected, not making any stupid energy, nutritional or injurious moves. I enjoyed my beverages and tried Fuel 100 Salty Vanilla and found them to be easy to eat, somewhat fun and interesting flavor. They worked well and kept me going.

Finally, back through the 1st and now last AS. I actually believed it was only about 4 miles to the finish, we just go up and come down I thought. Apparently that's how it used to be, running the first loop backwards, but it was a bit more interesting this year and took all of us by surprise. Randy and Kris added a bit more to the course, making it much closer to the expected 22, coming in about 20.5 miles. 

After pushing myself up the up and nearly running off the edge of that steep ascent from the start of the race, we then were running on some more winding wavy trails that brought us down near the waterfall climbing down steep wet rock face, again slowing the times of every runner. In this section jumping from rock to rock my left shin bounced and slid again a rock edge as my right landed on the next layer down. I stopped long enough to see the damage, a 2 cm chunk of skin was removed as though it'd been shaved off with a razor. Other than the pain from the direct hit in the shin it was tolerable and I kept moving, but it threw me off and about 5 steps later I rolled my right ankle and sat on my butt for a minute analyzing the new pain to see if I was really injured, but I was fine, and also to check my myself- in the mental aspect. I regained my focus and finished the descent only find a set of 2ft wet rock/ wood stairs to climb straight back up.

 I love this kind of stuff, the stuff that tries to break you. It's like the trails are just messing with you, just for fun. After struggling up the stairs we ran some more windy wavy stuff and popped out on the gravel road that leads to the finish. Just before you get there you cross a creek in up to your knees. That felt so good! Wading through there successfully and then getting my legs moving for the final stretch and coming in strong for a 3:13 finish, and successfully held onto 1st place for the women's field. (Not nearly the 2:45 I was looking to hit, but the added 2 miles of slow descent and climb were more fun than finishing early!) 

Again, I found Jenny smiling at the finish. I started put more fluids in while we waiting intently for Liz to come and then headed straight for the creek to wash away the heat and struggle from the run. It was a gorgeous hot sunny day and as we sat we cheered for the runners going across the bridge for the final loop, still out there in the growing heat, still working hard. 

We ate some more food and then I went downtown and went paddle boarding with my Chris and his kids. We didn't go far, which was good since I'd asked him to go out, but as I was driving there was quite certain about, I was sleepy and thought that if I really wanted to run well on Day 3, I should be napping…BUT…Best race ever vs Being a good human.... I'll always choose the latter.  I was glad I did, I got to just sit outside enjoy a beer- mostly to keep the calories going in and enjoy good company. Pretty much a perfect day... only to get better. 

After paddle boarding I showered and drove up to the Baker's amazing place for dinner with some of the people I'd met and few other new faces. We chattered on about life, running and mostly running, my favorite topic. Dinner was full of good veggie fuel for Day 3 and the feeling of being a part of a running family made for a rather amazing spiritual experience. As a suburban Maryland mom runner medical person who trains and runs alone, talks running mostly through social media and cannot wait until my son can crew for me…feeling like I have people to really connect with in my passion for trail running is utterly priceless. A wordy way of saying thank you to the Baker clan and extended runner family for inviting me!

 Day 3. Signal Mountain

 After a much better night's rest I was up and feeling a bit stiff but surprisingly well. My joints, even my annoying left ankle was holding up very well. My stomach felt calm, but very hungry. I repeated breakfast from the day before as it worked pretty well and made my way to the final day start/and finish line. I had plenty of time pre race but wasn't sure how the timeline would play out as far as driving back to Atlanta for my flight out so I'd brought everything with me, so I took some time to repack my wet yucky stuff/ let some of it lay out to dry for the day. I got myself ready only to realize one my Nathan bottles had broken, the straw was falling out, so leaking everywhere. I mentioned it to Liz, wearing the same pack, NATHAN Vapor Howe 4L  but using a bladder with it and I was so lucky she had her soft flasks with her and was willing to let me borrow.

I laced my shoes, got myself prepped and decided for the first time, EVER, to run the race in a sports bra. I honestly don't own enough running gear to race 3 days in a row, as I now know, and it was going be hot and humid again, so why no? I pulled my very stinky NATHAN vest on for the last time and just hoped everyone was as stinky. Couldn't wait to wash everything from the weekend properly at home. 

 At the start line, runners huddled around trying to stretch out the kinks and tight muscles as best we all could and then finally we were off. The first mile was a bit of blur, people didn't seem to go out like they had on day 2 and within a few steps I knew I felt good. I also knew we were about to take a pretty sweet downhill section and I consider technical downhill my greatest strength so I just went for it.

Pulling ahead I was in 4th place overall, I actually worried me, but my pace felt fun, comfy, so I didn't hesitate. We flew down and jogged up, then rolled down hill again to the turn around and climbed right back up. I was keeping up with Franklin, he'd gain a few hundred yards on the accents and I'd catch him on the descents.  After getting back up to mushroom rock the trail was thin but very runnable single track trail that just keeps you rolling right along with it. 

I was very hungry, very early, so I went through my liquid calories and had a Muir Energy Blackberry Thyme again, my favorite thus far. I had no negative feelings by about 10 miles in, even I couldn't believe how well I was feeling. At the next AS I caught up to Franklin who had me go ahead, which was a little stressful in the moment, after all, I knew he could take off whenever he wanted and I didn't want to slow him down, but he insisted. So we jogged and talked career, we then hit mostly boulders and we climbed all over them, keeping our footing and our balance. The company was certainly a treat since I rarely run with anyone in a race after the first couple miles.

In no time, Ry caught up to us and joined our hiking and conversation. We climbed some stairs and made are way up the next AS. From here Ry and I both watched as Franklin bounced down the paved road leaving us in his dust. We both laughed a little, commenting on how fresh his stride looked and how much he'd clearly been holding back in the previous section.

 Ry and I ran, hiked and edged some small cliffs together for the next few miles hitting intermittently very runnable chunks and very technical chunks of trail (the kind that beats up your mind. You think, "yes, I can finally run" followed by "OMG, does this stuff ever end" over and over.)We discussed my love of or increased patience in races due to "collective suffering"... The idea that just about every runner on day 3 would feel that similar mental struggle as they are slowly but surely approaching the end. 

At the next AS, having already eaten my Fuel 100 Salty Ginger, which I think were my favorite, especially being eaten with Spring Nutrition's Electroride which has some ginger in it... Yum!! ... Well anyways I was so hungry again, so I took a couple "licks" of Spring Nutrition gels that had been squeezed out onto small pieces of paper cups. It was delicious, I felt great, hot... But not overheated nonetheless, I let the AS volunteers drown me in cold water anyway, it was awesome and refreshing!

From there, I new we were close, about 4 more miles, so I kicked it up and got back into running pace, now that we'd cleared all the technical stuff. Ry didn't come with me. Within minutes my stomach was telling me I was still hungry! But I was almost done. I finished strong, Flynn came up behind me 500 yards from the end, I tried to go with him but had decided too late that'd it be fun to sprint it out so he took 4th by a few seconds. I still managed first female in 3:19.
 

It was slower than I'd planned by about 4 minutes, I figure in hindsight that was easily lost being more social than usual.... But I wouldn't have changed that. The company, the trail and the weather made Day 3 a blast! Soon enough we were placed on the podium to receive a 6 pack of Chattanooga Brewing Co beer featuring the race.

The day ended with some photos, lots of hugs and best wishes. I wished I could have hung around to watch every last runner complete the day's challenge, but my flight home to see my kid was not going to wait. 

 

On my trip back to Atlanta had the pleasure of visiting Jackie and Jeff Merritt and meeting their poodle Bernie, it was a short visit but it was nice to see Jackie again after a couple years since we've actually been seated in a race together and to be able to wish her luck at WS100 (Which went pretty well for her F7!)

Final notes

Huge thank you to the Randy and Kris Whorton for an amazing event. Thank you to all the volunteers for a very well run event. The courses were well marked and well supported. The trails were everything they were promised to be. The ice baths were a bonus that I really enjoyed!

Thank you to Jenny and Franklin Baker for their kindness, for recommending the race and for your general awesomeness!

Thank you to Liz for keeping me on my toes and your kindness too! Congrats on a kick a$$ race as you just added 60 mi weekend into your training plans (like it was nothing) for your 100k. 

 

Race Fuel:

Muir Energy - natural, delicious, no GI distress
Fuel 100 bites- tasty break from gels, hard not to spill while running

Spring sports nutrition- first time tasting it and I'm in love! No GI issues, but need to try it some more

GQ6 hydration- I love the Re-fuel, always keeps me going and I can add it to anything since it's flavorless 

Tailwind- always a simple choice, yummy and easy to drink without any negative effects for a while, after about 3hrs its not quite enough for me, but some people can go all day!

Gear:

Milestone Pod-  shoe pod, $25, that lets me see my trail distances, cadence, ground contact, stride length and more, its changed the way I run and helped me prevent injury while becoming more effecient

Nathan Vapor Howe 4L- my newest hydration gear and the only one that hasn't caused severe chafing or shoulder cramping. Bottles not so great, they both broke that weekend, less than 2 mo old.... But the vest itself is Amazing!!

Topo MT2- light weight, beyond comfy, my favorite shoes!

Topo Terradventure - slightly more substantial trail shoe, better for muddy trails / slick rocks and a little more support for gravelly running surfaces. My other favorite shoe :)

Balega socks- nice thin light summer pair did the trick and supported my feet the first 2 days, moved up to a more cushioned pair for day 3- perfect socks, no hot spots, no blisters

BRR50

Friday:
Headed out with my husband and my 2 yr old who was very ready for nap time in the back seat. I was pretty nervous. I hadn't run a 50 mile in over 3 years, my husband with my 2 yr old and his Mom and Dad were all coming to the race. This was so exciting, I almost never have family support for my runs, and it's been a challenge working my running into my son's life and routine.

We made it to VA in enough time to drop my son off with Grandma and Granddad at the hotel for a swim and my husband and I hurried to Hemlock Regional Park to check-in​. I got to catch up with Quatro for the first time in a long time and lots of other smiling runner faces making checking in as fun as ever. 

We were pushing on dinner time and I hate eating late before a race. But... Traffic!!! So, sadly, I was car sick by the time we got back to the hotel, managed some bread and chicken and went to bed ASAP.

That night, my head just kept on throbbing and my nausea was terrible. I got sick and took my stash of 400mg Motrin I'd brought to have out on the course (just in case)and crawled back into bed wondering if I'd even be able to start the race.

Saturday!!
I woke up feeling just fine, no headache, hungry and just a little tired. I worried a bit about losing some of last night's calories but figured I'd be alright. We headed out for the race. It was pretty chilly but set up to be a beautiful day. Once my husband dropped me off I walked to the bag drop and proceeded to remove my warm layers. I opened my "hot hands", got my gloves on, my watch on and I had everything else I should need on me. I was carrying 2 x Bobo bar, 1x health warrior bar, 3 gu, my gq6 intra workout energy and my water bottle was filled with double concentrate gq6 flooid. I Felt good, ready. 

Lining up at the start, I listened intently to instructions, my carefree nature of thinking I'd just follow others​ has caused many little mishaps but not today. Today I was going to break 8hrs. That was the goal, that's what I'd worked for. 

We all did the little loop around the lot and then took off down the trail, I felt cold and realized I'd forgotten my inhaler. My chest was tight and the taste of metal filled my mouth, a common sensation for me when it's under 40 degrees and I forget to use the inhaler. I worried that this along with not having as much caffeine as usual would hurt my efforts but I pushed on getting through the warm up stage and things seemed fine.

I tried to count the climbs as some blogs described this 16 mile section of the course as easy and presumably mostly flat and others described it as quad crushing. I felt it was closer to the latter. There were 4, maybe 5 solid hills in the 7.2 miles out that came with some great downhill but certainly doing the job and letting you push too hard too early if you weren't careful.

Today, there was lots of mud too, not too bad as I bounced along the outer edges of the trail, but I took note that the way back might look quite different after 250 other people go running through it.  The rocky sections were as promised short but very rocky. You can bounce a bit but the risk of injury so early slows you down to a bouncy hike through these sections, again watching for slick rocks from the mud.

Three water crossings with the concrete cylinders, also as I'd read, deeper than it sounded like they'd been other years. By about 5 miles my shoes were damp, somewhere in that area of time I managed to slip on some mud and landed on my butt. It was somewhat comical but no one was around to see it. My entire left glove was coated in thick mud, as was my right butt cheek of my shorts. I immediately started running again as I tried to scrape off the larger chunks.

At the Aid Station (AS) at Centerville Rd. I actually stopped to remove the mud chunks and then ran right back out to get the last 1 mile out and back of the detoured course. This section was sloppy, wet, slick mud. I found myself dodging the center and sticking with the edges or totally going off the trail to keep my balance, especially once you had people going both directions.

Back at the Centerville AS I got stuck behind runners walking up the steps, I really didn't want to be a jerk though so I waited but looked for little openings and got back out of there without much time wasted. The run back to Hemlock I knew I should be eating something, but my stomach already felt off. I hadn't started to drink yet, so I took small sips, I wasn't feeling thirsty but the calories in my drink were already needed. I couldn't stop/ slow yet though, I felt like I was moving so well. I counted the climbs and ran everything, because I'd trained to do just that.

Back at hemlock, I knew I was digging a hole. My stomach was upset. I handed off my gloves, and although it was still chilly I gave my compression sleeves to the volunteer too as I knew it'd be heating up soon enough. She was so kind, saved me from going to my bag.  I just made sure to take some food out of my belt before I started running again.

Seeing the clock 2:34, I was going slower than I'd hoped and that section was 2 ish miles shorter this year, due to course changes from all the rain. Feeling I was moving well but my time was but showing it, well,  I began to emotionally bonk...Already!!

I'd not done my pre race right, I wasn't eating enough, now what I was eating wasn't settling, I was too slow already. I was already giving myself all the excuses I'd need to explain why I'd failed.

I came with one real goal though, to build "grit". I used to have it, but as a Mom I really let it go (You can't be destroyed when you get home, you need to be ready to play and well, be Mom). I wanted that, "push through anything feeling back." The goal was time, but in an ultra there's always things that make time irrelevant... What really mattered to me was that I didn't quit on myself. That I didn't give in to the excuses. So what if your stomach hurts, you can run, you can walk, you can crawl.... You surely can finish.

So, onward I struggled. Each aid station was an epic waste of time. Something I'm usually great at is moving through ASs quickly but I stood there as early as mile 20 just staring at the assortment trying to imagine any of it not making me more nauseated. I ate 2 bites of sweet potatoes​ and a cup of coke and headed back out. 

My legs were still working great, the mental struggle continued but because my legs were strong and I could use my gait metrics to focus on staying light and keeping my cadence up, I was able to keep pushing. Another runner and I kept pushing off each other, he was a great motivator for me just trying to keep him in sight.

The next AS, I had 3 Fritos, more Coke and again wasted a couple minutes. I moved on quickly and got myself excited to see my son at mile 28ish. I was desperatly in need of the emotional lift in seeing him, so much so that I tripped and fell coming into the AS. I was so focused on looking for my kiddo that I wasn't even phased, I got up and made it to the tables where I must have looked absurd searching for my little man, but nothing, they- my family, weren't there (also commonly happens in ultras as it's tough to guesstimate timing). I had 2 potatoes, and the volunteers helped shove me right back out onto the trail, my eyes still searching frantically, but then I was off. Eleven miles and he'd be there when I got back I told myself. You never let a little bit of bad timing take you down.
I was still moving well, just feeling tired and well, like I was hurting for calories, because I was. When I arrived at the Do Loop, the AS ladies told me not to worry that I couldn't figure out what to eat, but I expressed my concerns that I really wasn't taking in enough to keep pushing, they suggested watermelon and it wasn't too repulsive to my tummy so I grabbed a slice and headed into the loop.
The do loop was gorgeous, other than the blue bells, this was the best part of the course. I was really trying to enjoy the roller coaster that the second mile of the loop brings you through, featuring 3 or 4 really steep ups and downs just long enough up and down to make it fun, but the downhills were killing my stomach. I could feel it bobbing inside me. 

Back at the AS on the way out, the volunteers convinced me to take 5. They got me some noodles, some ginger mints and plenty of fluids. I left that AS feeling revived.
Within a mile I felt I was improving. Within​ 30 min, I felt better than I had since Mile 12 or so. To feel better around 36 miles seemed bizarre but exciting. I really wasn't sure if I should go with it or take it easy. I decided to stay in the middle, I wasn't flying, but I was moving at a strong pace, I guessed holding around 9 min miles on the flat sections. I maintained all the way back to Fountainhead AS and there was my family! A sign cheering me on with my in-laws holding it up and my two boys, husband and son waiting for me. I must have kissed that little boy 50 times and carried him with me to the table. 

My husband asked me how I felt and although I was doing great for 37 miles in, I needed to keep eating and despite feeling no nausea, I was still not interested in anything. I ate 2 olives, kissed my 2 yr old son about 25 more times and said (not knowing how this would go, preparing myself for heartbreak if it went poorly) "Mommy has to go run some more, but she'll see in a little while"... And this kid, without any hesitation, replied, "Okay Mom, have, good run." Best feeling, to know he was happy! And I was off!!

The next chunk of miles went by almost too easily, I could have sworn there was more downhill on the way out that I was sure I  should have been climbing up but the miles just passed. The heat was on now I could feel my body temp as the day's temperature peaked.
At the Marina AS, once I climbed the steps I was feeling a little tired, some tightness in my left hip and piriformis and I was hoping not to waste much time here, but alas the stomach game. After wasting another 3 min staring at the table a volunteer suggested grape leaves, I hesitated and decided to go for it. Yum, one of my favorites, first time in a race and went pretty okay, I felt the same but no worse and I'd got done calories in, Score!!

About 5 more miles and at about half a mile past the AS the mile markers started, as promised. I really enjoyed this section, I felt very well for being at the end of the race, there were bluebells everywhere the trail was surprisingly flat, the sun was shining, so many people out and about. Then as quickly or as slowly as 4 ish miles go at the end of a run, I saw mile 11 marker, starting to head up a pretty good sized hill I asked a few people how far the finish was and they said definitely less than a mile, so I figured it was still a good ways out, I hiked some of the climb and started to jog slowly, as I curved around the top I was amazed to find that I was only about a quarter mile from the finish! I did my best to pick it up and got to have the perfect Mom finish, picking up my son and running through the finish line with him for a 7:47 finish, first female, eleventh overall.

We enjoyed the goodies from the post race picnic and we took turns running around with my son who I was so happy was 1. Tolerating the day much better than expected and 2. Enjoying the woods, finally!! I was so grateful to run Bull Run this year and even more so to have my family present.
I was proud to have reached my goals, from the silent ones you keep to yourself to the goal of just running my own race and running well. 

I am eternally grateful to the volunteers and now have some new ideas for nutrition to test in training before my next races. Always more to learn and more ways to better prepare your body and your mind for the challenges of ultra running.