3rd time the 50

So, I was not sure how I would manage to run for more than 8+ hours and complete a 50 miler on Saturday. I was actually excited to give it a try. It gave me an adrenaline rush just getting my gear ready for the race. So at around 5:30am I headed to the race site for a start time of 6:30am.

Like all the times I have towed the starting line for this race, they have a credo to repeated before the start of the race:

"There no place I rather be, then with you here today"

On that note, the traditional start happens: The race director says "GO"

So the 1st part was a 2 mile filler loop, I started in the middle of the pack, and was a little bit overdressed after the 2 miles. So I tried to unzip my sleeves from my jacket while I was running. That is when I had my wardrobe malfunction. I got one sleeve off, but the other one I asked somebody to help me. Then the zipper got stuck, so after a couple of minutes trying to remedy that, I just tucked it in my jacket and took off again. At that point I was at the way back of the race and tried to get to back to my original position. Not sure it was the right thing to do since I still had 45+ miles to go.

The 1st full lap went well, I tried to keep a steady 10 minute pace eventhough my heart rate was a little high. As I saw the marathon and 50k turnaround points go by, I felt they were the smart ones this day. So with the 1st loop and 18 miles done, CRAP, I just did my longest run since IM Wisconsin 7 weeks ago, what was I thinking?

So for the rest of the day, I felt the 2nd loop would be the hardest for me, and decided to take it a little easier if I needed to. I also had the bail out option of completing just two laps and getting credit for a 50k race. Even though it would be more like 34 miles instead of 31.

But I was surprised after completing the second loop that I was still not feeling to bad with all the miles I had just run.

So the 3rd and final loop began, somehow I had a gut feeling this was going to HURT. I started out and the wind gust off the Lakefront seemed to be stronger. A strong headwind, something I was not liking at all. But pushed on I did. I was still doing okay from running from aid station to aid station. The motivation came from the 50k and marathon runners on the course.

But at mile 40, the wheels started to come off a little bit. I had a run in with some big burly man at the porto-pody near the aid station. This guy was 10 feet away from porto-pody and a women was using it and just came out, I proceeded to use it as well. Then he yells at me saying: "I not standing hear for no reason". Okay I was thinking, I can't outrun him, I'm at mile 40, so I could get in a argument and have to kick his ASS. But I was racing, so I let him use it and I went on my way. Okay, the reason it was there in the 1st place was because of the race. C'mon big burly guy, YOU SUCK!!!

Enough of that rant!

So at the final turn I was on my way home, 8 more miles. It seemed forever, I was having a hard time just to run for 5 minutes, so I started to start walking a little more. I was getting mentally exhausted and my legs felt heavy and feet felt swollen. I knew I had a couple of blister growing in there. So I started talking to myself to keep going. C'mon, try one mile or 10 minutes a time, I said to myself. Sometimes that worked and sometimes it didn't.

Then the strong headwind that I just ran through was now a strong tailwind. "C'mon Wind" push me through, I think it actually helped. Or I think at that point I just wanted to finish this race.

6, 5, 4, 3, 2 more miles to go. I just put my head down and tried to play mind games and try to see if I could pass people. Boy, my legs were hurting.

Then the final stretch, no matter what, I always run to the finish line. As I turned the corner I saw and heard the people cheering me at the finish. They were telling me to sprint in. You kidding me, Then I saw I was a minute away from going under 9 hours. So I sprinted in and made it, I think the time was 8:59:5o (10:47 avg pace). I wish I could have done better but I will take it.

I was greeted by my blogger friend BAUN at the finish line. A big congrats for him in completing his 1st 50k this day, and a big THANKS for waiting the 2+ hours to greet me at the finish line. I think he is ULTRA hooked.

Overall, it was a great day for me, honestly I pretty much pulled this 50 miler, in no other way to say it, "BUT OUT OF MY ASS." It was hard, but seeing this guy with some kind of cerebral palsy just shuffling away trying to complete a 50k, pretty much put a lump in my throat when I saw him. I saw him finish, now that's determination. So I have no complaints about my aches and pains (okay maybe a little).

My 3rd 50 miler this year, I think I placed around 35 with 109 people registered. Not sure the number of people who actually finished, dropped out, or opted for just the 50k. But with chili in my tummy after the race, I had a great day and yes I'm DONE, NO more 50 milers for the rest of the year (okay, there is no more races in the area to enter in).

I did see the 1st place runner whiz by me, He shattered the course record with around a 5 hour and 30 minute (6:36 avg pace), 50 miler, is that sick or what?

I saw the juggler guy run the whole 50 miles juggling 3 balls, I think he is going apply for the "Guinness" world record status for his accomplishment.

Mann, I love this ULTRA community.

But right now, I think I need more tylenol to ease the pain!