Pistol Ultra 2018 Race Report – The 100 Miler That Became a 100k

In June, 2017, I registered for the 2018 Pistol Ultra 100 mile race to be held March 17/18, 2018. The training cycle started in mid-September at 40 miles per week, peaking at 80 miles per week in late February.  All went well, and this training cycle went much better than my previous training cycle for the 2015 Umstead 100 mile race. I was less fatigued and had fewer aches and pains. Unlike the previous training cycle, I was on the optimal medication and dosage for my hypothyroidism – Nature Throid, 1.5 grain dosage per day. Energy was good and I felt confident that my second 100 miler would be better than my first.

Not only did I feel strong, but my running improved. I lost 12 pounds during this training cycle and improved running efficiency. Due to my hatred of cold weather running, I joined Youfit gym to get some treadmill miles. While at Youfit, I purchased a few personal training sessions in hopes of integrating strength training into my overall fitness plan and ultra training. I began training with Andre, who not only helped with strength and balance exercises, but he also identified form issues that needed to be corrected (toe striking, stride, arm swing). I made these corrections and found that my running became faster and less fatiguing. I worked with Roger Kitchen of Power Mental Performance on mental skills coaching, as well as targeted exercises to help glute and leg strength.

All went well during the training cycle, and I enjoyed some successes in shorter races with faster speeds and age group awards.  No injuries, no significant aches and pains, immune system behaved pretty well. So what could possibly go wrong?

About 12 days before the Pistol Ultra 100 mile race day, I started noticing insomnia, night sweats, and irritability. A couple of days later, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure and difficulty breathing started, along with fatigue. And then the most horrendous case of acid reflux ever kept me awake until 3:00 a.m. one morning. Pain spread from upper GI area to all over my chest and under my arms. Eight days pre-race, I googled hyperthyroidism and saw a list of pretty much all my symptoms.  I called the pharmacy and asked if my body could be metabolizing my thyroid medication differently due to the 12 pound weight loss and the pharmacist said that was possible. Then she checked my records and asked, “How much medication are you taking?” I responded, “One and a half pills per day of the one grain medication, as I have for nearly two years.” She then informed me that the February 21 refill called in by my doctor had been filled at a the 1.5 grain strength in one pill, which I did not realize. So for 2 ½ weeks, I was taking 1.5 times the amount of Nature Throid compared to the normal dose that worked for me. PSA – always check the medicine bottle when leaving the pharmacy!  If I had done this, I would have known to only take one pill, instead of one and a half.

I immediately started back on the correct dosage of the Nature Throid the next morning, one week from race day, hoping and praying for the best. Unfortunately, that did not happen and the day before the race, I felt horrible and decided to drop. My awesome crew/pacer team, Jennifer Bell and Cheryl Webster, along with good friends Millie Spearing and Robin Giles encouraged me to go to the race site and give it a try, to avoid any regrets. Also, I had gotten thyroid levels and blood pressure checked the day before at the doctor’s office and was given the green light based on those numbers. So Cheryl and I made the trip to Alcoa TN, while Jennifer and Robin were already up there – Jennifer to volunteer and Robin to run her first 100 miler.

I woke up feeling horrible on race morning with searing pain in the chest/upper GI area. At the start, I didn’t think it would be possible to get through the first 10-mile loop. But somehow, the pain eased down to just a slight discomfort as those first miles went by. I ran the first loop with another Huntsville running buddy Young Su Hoy and had a fun first 10 miles.

During the next 35 miles, I felt great!  It was one big endorphin rush! The race volunteers were amazing and all runners were very encouraging! The course is beautiful and we had great weather, although a bit warm in the afternoon. During this time, I enjoyed a 50k PR of 5 hours and 42 minutes and nearly had a 50 mile PR at 10 hours, 2 minutes. No leg pain or fatigue until mile 45-ish, so I slowed down slightly at that time. I saw Robin and Young Su during these miles, and they both looked strong, so Team Huntsville was rocking it at this point!

The 50-60 mile loop was rough. The upper GI/chest pain went from uncomfortable to excruciating. I was unable to eat and became nauseous, despite taking Zofran for nausea. Drinking became uncomfortable. And then a lightning storm hit in the middle of this loop with nowhere to take cover. After a mile of dodging lightning, I took cover in a porta potty. By the time I got back to the start/finish area at the school, I was soaked from heavy rain, scared from the lightning and still in severe pain. I asked the race director Will Jorgenson about dropping to the 100k distance and finishing just 2 more miles. At this point, I was accepting of a 100k finish – my first. Will cautioned me that a drop to 100k was possible, but that I would not receive an award other than a finisher’s hat. He encouraged me to take some time to rest and to consult with the on-site physician. Will is an ultra runner and knows all about post-race regrets and wanted to make sure I had exhausted all options before dropping from the 100 mile distance (much appreciated!). The physician recommended doubling my low dosage of Zofran, which helped slightly. Around that time, the lightning, rain, thunder and hail started, so I took the advice of Will and the physician and rested in hopes of improvement. Cheryl brought in a mattress so that I could nap inside the school.

After a nap for about an hour, I changed into warmer dry clothes and Cheryl and I headed back out for miles 60 – 70. It was a walk/run and the pain got stirred up again. I don’t remember much about these miles, but don’t think I got much nutrition in. By mile 70 at the start/finish area, I asked to drop and was once again encouraged by race volunteers and crew to keep going. There was still plenty of time to get in 30 more miles, even if I walked.

Cheryl and I headed back out, and I did pretty well for about 3 miles. But around mile 74-ish, I began to have near-fainting spells and my legs would collapse. I ended up on the pavement a couple of times. By mile 75, Cheryl and I had to seek help at the awesome Woody’s aid station 4.5 miles into this loop. I can’t say enough nice things about the volunteers at this aid station!  They helped me sit and then lie down with warm blankets. They got me to eat some French toast and drink some more. They even helped me get back and forth to the nearby porta potty when my legs would not support me to walk there. But as hard as we all tried, we could not get the situation turned around. One of these amazing volunteers drove Cheryl back to her truck so that she could pick me up. I think they helped load me into her truck (don’t remember). They also gave Cheryl instructions on turning in my bib so that I could drop from the 100 mile distance down to the 100k distance. After we got back to the school, the doctor came out to the truck to check on me.

So my journey ended at mile 75 with a lot of disappointment, but absolutely no regrets. Preliminary results show a strong 100k finish right at 13 hours, including the 1 hour nap while waiting out the storm and the symptoms.

Many thanks to Jennifer, Cheryl and the Pistol Ultra team for making it possible to push as hard as possible to get those 75 miles!  And also thanks and congratulations to Robin and Young Su who provided encouragement while crushing their own 100 milers!  Ultra running is truly a team effort.

Although this was not the finish I wanted, the race itself was amazing!  The entire process was like a well-oiled machine from start to finish, and the runners could not have asked for better support from the race officials and volunteers. The Pistol Ultra team was there to support us and to do everything in their power to help us reach our respective successes. The aid station volunteers could not have pampered us more with food, drink, refilled bottles and ice. And everyone was so encouraging!  The Pistol Ultra race is definitely on my calendar for 2019!

 

 

100 Mile Race Finish!

100 MILE RACE REPORT 03/28/15 – 03/29/15

My journey into extreme ultra marathoning began in April, 2014 during the awesome We Run Huntsville annual post-race picnic at the Oak Barrel Half Marathon. Because we are such a hard-core group, the luncheon conversation quickly turned to 100 mile races. I was vicariously enjoying the experiences of my fearless 100-mile finisher heroes David Holliday, Suzanne Erickson and Stacey Cantrell when two hardcore ultra runners, Marty and Carol Eaton spoke up and said, “We would like to crew someone at the Umstead 100 mile race next year.” Being the running idiot that I am, I raised my hand and said, “Ooh-ooh, I’ll do it!”

Training and Logistics

Official training for the Umstead 100 started in early October 2014, with a base of 40 miles per week. I followed the Ultra Ladies 100 Mile Event Training Schedule after getting good results in 2013 from the Ultra Ladies 50 Mile Event Training Schedule. I made some minor modifications, and included a marathon, three 50ks (Grand Slam) and a 50-mile race in the training plan. I gradually progressed from 40 miles per week to 80 miles per week. The toughest part mentally was during the 65 – 70 mile weeks when I was already tired and knew I still had to build mileage. When I got to 75 miles per week, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The camaraderie and support of the awesome Huntsville running community, the participation in the Grand Slam, and the support and encouragement from Marty and Carol and also from fellow Umstead registrant and super-fast ultra runner Benj Lance really helped the training seem less like work and more like an adventure. I even convinced several runners to a meet for a chilly overnight run! Thanks, Lindsey, Colleen, Michelle, Sonny, Sam, Megan, Emily, Olivia and Susan! And Gregg Gelmis shot some amazing photos of that run! Overnight runs and back-to-back long runs are an important part of 100 mile training that helps simulate race day. I also did several long runs at Wheeler Refuge to simulate the running surface as closely as possible.

I met with and emailed Marty and Carol throughout the training cycle to work out the logistics. By the time we left for North Carolina, we had a well-orchestrated plan, complete with spreadsheets taped to my supply bin predicting what I anticipated needing at each aid station. I felt prepared and ready to conquer 100 miles. My 50 mile race at Delano Park (3 weeks before Umstead) went really well and resulted in a 35-minute PR. The only challenges I faced were hip pain from the 50-mile race and pain on the bottom of both feet. During a chiropractic tune-up with Dr. Olson, we decided that the benefits of changing shoe model less than two weeks from race day outweighed the risks. The foot pain wasn’t getting any better and the Brooks Transcend shoe that had worked remarkably well in the past wasn’t working with this level of mileage. I bought a new pair of Hokas (Bondi) at Fleet Feet and feet immediately felt better. I did my best to break them in before race day.

The Race

The Umstead course is a 12.5 mile loop run 8 times, with a 30-hour time limit. There are fully stocked aid stations at the beginning and middle of each loop (Aid Stations #1 and #2), with water stations and food boxes in between the fully stocked stations. And fully stocked is an understatement! These stations had any kind of food, drink, medical help, and logistical help we could possibly need. They even had menus to announce which food items were available at any given time!

                     

Prior to race day, I had attempted to calculate my estimated finish time, using an online ultra calculator. Problem is, I used my 50 mile finish time at Delano and selected the same terrain and elevation (rolling hills) for Umstead and Delano. Umstead turned out to be much hillier than expected and a much harder course than Delano. Based on the erroneous calculation, I thought I could finish Umstead in 24 hours. And it gets worse! Prior to race day, I emailed this nifty calculator to Benj so that he could estimate his finish time, too!

To finish close to goal time, I used the calculator on the Umstead site to determine split times for each loop, allowing the second half to be 1.3 times longer. I taped my goal split times to one of my supply bins. Marty and Carol studied the list of what I thought I would need at each aid station so that I could grab what I need and get right back out and not lose precious minutes. They were waiting for me at each aid station with what I needed in hand and ready to get any kind of food (grits and cheese worked really well) or drink I needed from the aid station. I carried pain and nausea meds with me, along with NUUN drops, S-Caps and Honey Stinger chews. For the first 3 loops (mile 1 – 37.5), we were like a well-oiled machine and I was several minutes ahead of my goal split times towards that 24-hour (actually 23 hour, 56 minute) finish.

I slowed down significantly during the fourth loop (mile 37.5 – mile 50) and realized something wasn’t right. The hills seemed hillier, my back got sore, my feet got blistered and I really started to struggle. About halfway into that loop, I figured out my calculation mistake and realized that comparing Delano’s elevation to Umstead’s was like apples and oranges. I settled into a realistic pace and accepted that the sub-24 wasn’t realistic. During that loop, I saw Benj, who was running with his awesome pacer Megan Nobriga and told him what had happened. He said he had used the same erroneous calculation and I felt terrible when I realized he used that goofy calculator I had emailed him!

At the end of 4 loops (mile 50), Carol helped me change socks, treat blisters and also treat back pain with Biofreeze. I was tired and grumpy and needed food and coffee. Because the temperature was starting to drop and the forecast called for sub-freezing temperatures, Carol loaned me her windbreaker layer on top of my 2 base layers and a heavy layer. It really helped, initially. Carol retrieved part of a hamburger from the aid station and prepared the best cup of coffee ever! She also gave me a baggie with M&Ms and I was good to go! I saw Megan as I headed back out and she gave me a badly-needed pep talk.

The fifth loop was happier and less grumpy. As I was happily running on a downhill, another runner looked at me and said, “Well, look at you, all piss and vinegar!” All went well for nearly seven miles until the blisters became very painful and I realized I needed additional blister treatment. Marty and Carol met me at Aid Station #2 where we requested the help of one of the two awesome Umstead Blister Whisperers. She carefully treated my blisters, put padding on them and bandaged them, while Marty and Carol retrieved my handheld light from my drop bag, another pair of socks, and got soup and coffee for me. Although I was disappointed in the time that the blisters from new Hokas cost me, I was grateful for the cushioning they provided for the bottoms of my feet. I never could have finished the race without that cushioning. Turns out, the benefit outweighed the risks, blisters and all.

Umstead, We Have a Problem

When I met Marty and Carol at the beginning of loop 6 (mile 62.5) with much happier feet, the temperature had dropped even more. I added an extra heavy layer, and ate some warm soup. Marty and Carol had arranged a volunteer pacer for me for loop 6. My pacer, Suzanne and I headed out into the darkness with our lights. She was very nice and reassuring and ready to do whatever I needed – walk when I needed to, run when I could do so. After a couple of miles, I developed nausea that was not even responding to prescription nausea medication. Suzanne patiently slowed down to walk with me when the nausea made running too difficult. When we got to Aid Station #2, she encouraged me to try to eat something. I drank some ginger ale and managed to get some chicken broth down. The nausea calmed slightly and next two miles were a little better. Then I became disoriented, started staggering, felt lightheaded, had blurred vision and slurred speech, while shivering uncontrollably. We tried running to see if that would help us warm up. That made it worse, because the movement was creating a breeze. Suzanne got a mylar blanket out and put around me. She had to keep propping me up and began to get concerned. By mile 73, she asked if I wanted her to call for help. I knew it would be the end of the race, but I knew I could not continue with the symptoms I had at that time. I considered it, but realized we would need to ride back to Aid Station #1 in an open ATV, which would be even colder!

Suzanne propped me up while I hobbled through the rest of the loop. We passed Benj towards the end up the loop. He saw me shivering and said in a very fatigued voice, “Go get warmed up by the fire.” He was heading out for his last loop at that time and had also struggled with the cold temperature. I later found out he finished the race in 23:15:26. Way to go Benj!

At Aid Station #1, I asked Suzanne to help me into the lodge and over to the fire. I knew I could not continue the race, unless the situation dramatically turned around. When we got to the back of the lodge near the fire, the Red Cross volunteers helped me onto a cot and put warm blankets over me. I was still shivering, weak, lightheaded, etc. Marty and Carol brought me potato soup and looked at each other helplessly. Suzanne congratulated me on finishing 75 miles before she headed back out to pace another runner. We both thought that was the end of my race. One of Red Cross volunteers insisted that I change into dry layers. Marty and Carol started rounding up any dry layer that we had between the three of us. They brought over the layers, including a hat and heavier gloves, and encouraged me to sit up and get out from under the blanket. I thought, “They actually think I’m going back out there?!” I changed into dry layers, but continued to stay under the blanket and shiver. Marty and Carol continued to look at each other helplessly while engaging in a sidebar conversation, trying to figure out what to do next. Marty came over, smiled sympathetically and said, “You are 3 hours ahead of where I was at this race at mile 75, two years ago. You can finish this.” I said, “I want to finish this, but I don’t know if my body will allow it.” I continued to shiver under the blanket. Then Carol came over and said, “If you don’t at least try to finish, I’m concerned that you will look back with regret.” She advised me to at least try the next loop, and said, “You can always stop, if you can’t do it.” I told them I couldn’t go back out by myself. That’s when they gave me the plan for loop 7: We would shoot for a 4-hour loop, walking all of it. Marty would walk the first half with me and Carol would walk the second half. I agreed and they advised me to gradually get outside, in stages. First, I sat up. Then we moved to the middle of the room, then near the door and then outside.

Once Marty and I started walking, I realized I felt much better! We walked and talked and he reminded me to drink from my water bottle every mile and gave me a Fig Newton if I complied:) Carol met us at Aid Station #2 with more soup and she and I walked the rest of the loop, finishing just under 4 hours. The shivering, disorientation, slurred speech, staggering – all of it had stopped. I had 5 layers on at this point.

At the beginning of the final loop (87.5 miles), Marty introduced me to Dan, my pacer for the final loop. He was also very nice and paced me for a fast walk for the first half of the loop. Despite the sunrise, I started shivering, staggering, getting disoriented, etc. again at mile 93. Dan patiently slowed and stopped when needed and propped me up when necessary. I told him, “I know what to do about this!” We got to the aid station less than two miles later, where I met Marty and Carol, ate more soup, sat in front of a heater for a few minutes, and went back out, feeling much better after warming up. I told Dan I would like to run as many of the downhills as possible on the way back. I wanted that finisher buckle! During that last loop, after the sun came up, we saw fellow runners, some of them propped up by pacers. We all cheered each other on and congratulated each other. We also saw local runners who realized we were finishing the Umstead 100. They could not have been nicer or more encouraging! At mile 97, one runner said, “You’re still running! How?” Another said, “Congratulations! Nobody can ever take this away from you!”

Carol met us and ran with Dan and me for the last ¼ mile. It felt great to be able to run down that final hill and run/walk the final uphill. I crossed the finish line in 28 hours, 26 minutes and 27 seconds, and was thrilled! It was slower than my original, miscalculated goal finish time, but for a first 100 mile race at the age of 53 with 5 ½ years of running experience, I’ll take it!

A 100 mile race is very different from a marathon, 50k or 50-mile race. Rather than an individual effort, it is more of a team effort. I could not have made through this race without the amazing support of Marty and Carol who anticipated my needs even before I did. But most importantly, they encouraged me to finish the race at mile 75 when I didn’t even think it was possible. They had more faith in me than I had in myself. Months earlier, I had given them permission to do whatever necessary to make sure I cross the finish line: Yell at me, kick my butt, drag me kicking and screaming:) But they knew just what to say and how to say it during the most crucial time of the race. Marty and Carol have my eternal gratitude for helping me complete a 100-mile race that would have ended at mile 75 without their encouragement.

At the finish line with Dan, Carol and Marty

I had heard great things about the runner support provided by the Umstead team, but their support far surpassed my wildest expectations. I would not have physically or emotionally survived the 6th and 8th loops without my wonderful Umstead pacers Suzanne and Dan. I would not have even made it to loop 6 without the Blister Whisperer! And there is no way I could have survived the drop in body temperature without the Red Cross volunteers at mile 75. As an Organizational Development Specialist, I study and work with high-performance teams. I have seen some amazing teamwork and performance on the job, but I am absolutely in awe of the Umstead team! 2015 was the first year for the race after beloved long-time Race Director Blake Norwood passed away last year. Rhonda Hampton took the helm as the new Race Director, and once again, everything flowed beautifully before, during and after the Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run, a powerful tribute to Blake Norwood’s legacy. Every detail was carefully planned and covered, from the food and hydration available at the aid stations to the ample supply of porta potties to the pacers and medical personnel. I can’t imagine and more well-executed event conducted by a nicer and more supportive group of people. Thank you for helping me realize my dream of completing a 100 mile race. Great job, Team Umstead!

Finish line photo with Race Director Rhonda Hampton

One Marathon and Seven Ultras Later…..

I can’t believe it has taken so long to get back to blogging!  Sheesh…this run/work/life balance is tricky!  Since the previous post, I have completed another marathon, five 50k races and two 50-mile races, setting stage age records in both of the 50-milers.  And I finally broke a 2:00 half-marathon in November, 2014!

This past year has been a bit rough on the run/work/life balance because I developed hypothyroidism. Talk about tired!  When I was feeling my very worst, I did what any reasonable running idiot would do – I registered for a 100-mile race:)  The registration opened and closed in 12 minutes in September 2014 for the for the Umstead 100 mile race that is happening THIS WEEK!

Fortunately, I got the thyroid issues resolved just in time to start the 26-week training program for the Umstead 100.  In early October, I started with 40 miles per week and gradually increased to 80 miles per week, before the three week taper.   I think the training for Umstead has paid off, but I will find out for sure this weekend:)  Stay tuned….

Rocket City Marathon 2013

Yesterday, I finished my 11th marathon!  It wasn’t the PR I hoped for, but not every race can be a PR.  Yesterday’s finish time was 4:29:29, my second fastest finish time and second sub-4:30 marathon.   Considering the nausea I had for the last 16 miles, IT band pain that caused limping the last 6 miles and completion of two ultras last month (50 mile and 50k), I was pleased with yesterday’s finish time under the circumstances.  As usual, the Rocket City Marathon was awesome!  Great support from the race directors and officials, volunteers and community! 

My First Official 50 Mile Race!

 Nashville Ultra 50-Mile Race Report

Race Date 11/02/13

For my first 50-mile race, I chose the Nashville Ultra Marathon, a course that is 90% paved, with just a few miles on grassy, non-technical trails.  Although many ultra-runners prefer to run on trails to protect the joints, I find it easier to run on pavement.  As a toe striker and a total klutz, if there is a root or rock to trip on, I will find it.🙂

 My previous attempt at a 50-mile race resulted in 49 miles in 11:45:20 in February 2012.  I’m not only a klutz, but I can’t count!  The race was one-mile loops, and I had made the bad decision to stop my Garmin watch and forgot to start it.  The Nashville Ultra was my shot at redemption.  My A goal was to finish the 50 miles in 12 hours, B goal was to finish in under 11 hours, and C goal was to finish in under 10 hours, minutes.

 I began training for the Nashville Ultra in July, gradually building up to a 28 mile run on Saturday and a 12 mile run on Sunday (2 weekends) before tapering down.  As all ultra-runners know, logistics are just as important as the training.  I studied the race’s Web site to determine that the aid stations would be about 6 miles apart. The site also mentioned that drop bags could be labeled and left at the start, to be transported to the designated aid stations. I carefully prepared 4 drop bags (we passed most aid stations twice) with crackers, pb&js, honey stinger chews, band-aids, anti-nausea tablets, pain relievers, band-aids, S!Caps, NUUN drops, etc.

 I traveled to Nashville with local running prodigy Daniel Clements.  This was Daniel’s fourth race after he had been running seriously for about a year.  He is on some kind of insane running fast track!  Daniel’s mom Donna and his sister Anna offered support for both of us and we went over our plan the night before the race while carbo loading.  Because Daniel and I opted for the 5:00 a.m. start instead of the 7:00 a.m. start, we knew we would not have aid at mile 5 and 11, because the aid station at this location didn’t open until 7:00 a.m.  But Ugly Styrofoam Cooler (see photo below) came to the rescue!  Donna and Anna graciously agreed to meet us at aid station #1 with Ugly Styrofoam Cooler filled with water and Gatorade. 

 

About 30 runners opted for the 5:00 a.m. start at the Stones River Greenway at the Wave Country pool.  As you can see from the photo, we all look like coal minersJ  The first part of the race was on a paved trail without lights, so headlamps or flashlights were required for all runners. Prior to the race start, we placed our drop bags in the appropriate bins, used the porta potty one last time and chatted with other runners.  We were given our final instructions:  Follow the white arrows and signs to stay on the course, check in at all aid stations and at check-in points.  And then, we were off!

 The first 16 miles – and 8 mile out and back – went by quickly because it was in the dark.  I also met two very nice runners, Kim and Susan, and we visited during this time, which made the miles go by more quickly.  There were some rolling hills during this section and it was nice to get them finished early.  Prior to the turnaround point, Daniel zoomed past us and was in the lead by a wide margin.  I refilled my water bottle at mile 5 and 11 and was very grateful to Donna and Anna for bringing Ugly Styrofoam Cooler!  The aid helped a number of runners who needed refills before aid station #1 opened.  I was proud of Ugly Styrofoam Cooler for providing a valuable community service.🙂

Mile 16 brought us to the start line, where we had the opportunity to visit the porta potty, re-hydrate, refuel and get supplies from drop bags.  I felt surprisingly good at this point and focused on keeping a steady pace for the next 6 miles.  We continued on the paved trail across the Cumberland River and into the Shelby Bottoms Greenway, part of which was on a grassy trail.  I began to think of segments of 5 – 6 miles (between aid stations) instead of 50 miles (way too daunting!)  The variety and beauty of scenery along the course really helped break up monotony.

 At mile 22 we reached aid station #2 inside Shelby Park. I made a quick stop for water, retrieved some NUUN drops, honey stinger chews, and half of a pb&j from my drop bag, and took an S!Cap and shed my outer layer to finish the race in shorts and a tank.  The weather was absolutely perfect!  Starting temperature was about 45 degrees, with a high in the low 60s.   My energy level was still pretty good and leg muscles were in good shape.  We circled around the park and because it was such a small race, the runners really started spreading out.  At this point, it wasn’t unusual to run 2 -3 miles without seeing another runner.    I had some concerns about getting lost, so I really watched for the white arrows and signs!

The course took us out of the park and towards downtown on Davidson street.  We ran in the bike lane until we saw LP field while crossing the Cumberland River on the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.  Nice walk break uphill on the bridge and a nice view!  I refilled water at aid station #3 at the foot of the bridge, around mile 25.  At the end of the bridge, we were to cross two streets towards Riverfront Park. This is where I got briefly lost, but quickly realized something wasn’t right, so I backtracked and waited for another runner and followed him.  My 50 mile race was actually a 50.3 mile race.🙂

 We ran through Riverfront Park and then followed the Downtown Connector Trail to the  paved greenway trail. I was started to need short occasional walk breaks, but felt still felt pretty good.  We took the greenway to the Bicentennial Mall (pretty park with sidewalks) and circled the mall/park back to the Downtown Connector Greenway.  While in the park, my toe managed to catch a section of sidewalk that was elevated an inch or so and I had a crash landing.  Although my forearm, hand and both legs were dripping blood, I didn’t really feel any pain, but needed more water and a porta potty.  I passed a race volunteer who offered tried to call someone to bring first aid and I said, “No, I can’t wait that long!  I have a time goal I’m trying to beat!”  (And I really needed to get to water and a porta potty)  About a half mile later, I passed another volunteer and had the same discussion.  By that time, I was in desperate need of a porta potty and water.  The volunteer gave me a bottle of water (thank you, thank you!)  and said the next porta potty was within two miles.  Along the way, I passed Daniel who was still way ahead and getting ready for his second loop around the Bicentennial Mall.  He proudly said, “I just threw up,” and I proudly held up my bloody arm and said, “I just fell,” and we both high-fived each other, bragged about being hardcore and kept running.

Finally, mile 30 and aid station #4 – what a beautiful sight!  I visited the porta potty, got my wounds cleaned up, refilled the water/NUUN drops, got another half of a pb&J and met back up with Susan, who took a picture of my half-cleaned wounds (see photo below).  Susan and I ran together for the next 6 miles on the MetroCenter Levee Greenway.  This section got rough, because we saw runners who had started two hours later and were passing us.  We didn’t know if they were running the 50k and had a shorter turnaround or if they were running the 50 mile race and were way faster than we were.  Susan and I took a short walk break every mile because we were started to fatigue.  My tummy was getting queasy and I had IT band pain that was causing me to limp.  I stopped to stretch it out and fortunately, was fine for the rest of the race.  Susan couldn’t wait to get back to aid station #4 at mile 36 for her Coke Zero and Doritos!  I wanted a regular, fattening Coke to settle my stomach.  Once again, we were glad to see aid station #4.  After a brief stop, we headed back out towards Bicentennial Mall for a second loop and to retrace our steps back to the start. 

 

In Bicentennial Mall, I was pleased to see that the area that caused me to trip had been spray painted and marked with cones so that other runners wouldn’t trip and fall.  The nice weather turned rainy, but the temperature stayed just right for a long race.  By mile 39, Susan and I had started running different paces and had gotten away from each other.  At mile 40, I was soggy and grumpy and made a quick stop for light fuel (crackers, honey stinger chews) and hydration/NUUN drops/S!Caps  at aid station #3.  Then it was time to get back in the bike lane on Davidson Street.  Due to fatigue, I started having trouble finding the arrows on the way back to Shelby Park and spent a mile hoping I was going in the right direction.  And lo and behold, I saw a volunteer at a runner check-in point – whew!  He said, “You’re making great time!” I ‘fessed up and told him I had started at 5:00 a.m. for the 50 mile race and he said, “You’re still doing very well.”  I responded, “For someone with an AARP card, I’m not doing too bad.”🙂  

At mile 44, in Shelby Park, I made my last aid station stop for crackers and more water and a final porta potty stop.  I think it was a mile or two until the grassy section of trail, but don’t remember due to the fatigue.  At mile 45, my legs really started to ache.  At mile 46, I saw a beautiful deer on the grassy trail, so that helped.  Around mile 47, I stopped to shake what I thought was a rock in my shoe, but it was a large blister.  I then met a nice couple and visited with them during a walk break for about half a mile. I then picked up the pace and walk/ran the last couple of miles.  Four runners passed me on the paved trail and that inspired me to pick it up a little bit, but I was pretty much spent.  Especially when I saw the hill at mile 49!  The other runners continued running up the hill (don’t know how they did it!), but I had to walk most of it.  And then…there it was!  The finish line just ahead at the top of the hill!  I decided no matter how much it hurt, I was not going to be seen walking into the finish line.  I started running towards the top of the hill and kept it going as the volunteers and other runners cheered me through the finish line (see photo below).  My official finish time was 10:28:11 and I could not have been happier to exceed my most ambitious time goal! 

After crossing the finish line, my phone battery was dead and I couldn’t call Donna, Anna and Daniel for a ride back to the hotel.  I was in the process of borrowing a race volunteer’s phone, when I saw them in the parking lot. They had come to cheer me to the finish, but I was faster than expected.🙂  Daniel had finished the race in under 8 hours – super fast by any standard, but especially for a first ultra!

 

The Nashville Ultra was a great first official 50 mile race experience.  I really like the variety of scenery along the course and plan to run this race again next year.  The event was well-organized and the officials and volunteers were supportive, proactive and just plain awesome!

Running is My Life

I decided to change my healthy living blog to a running blog to better reflect my life’s passion.  At one time, I was completely debilitated and even needed a wheelchair at times for mobility.  After I was blessed with the correct diagnosis and treatment, I fell in love with running 4 1/2 years ago at age 47.  I prefer endurance over speed and really enjoy ultra marathons.  My PRs for the following race distances are listed below:

5k – 25:51

10k – 55:29

15k: 1:23:50

10 Mile: 1:35:05

Half- Marathon:  2:01:59

Full Marathon:  4:22:49

50k:  6:53:43

50 Mile:  10:28:11

Coming soon – my race report for the 11/02/13 Nashville Ultra 50 mile race!