In a nonchalant manner, Kim counted down "3, 2, 1", and we were off. About 40 people started the race with only 20 finishers. I immediately centered myself about 6 or 7 back from the front. The start of a race is always challenging to get into the "correct" pace. My basic rule for the day was to try and stay below anaerobic threshold, a.k.a. no super heavy breathing or elevated heart rate. I only recall 3 times where I had to really tone it down and walk. Other than that the effort was steady and consistent. The course requires 4 loops of 13.1 miles each. The trails at Yankee Springs are spectacular...with lots of varying scenery. As I came around a corner, a giant turtle was literally taking up the entire trail. Interesting how seeing an animal on the trail sort of wakes you up and energizes you...not sure why. For about 50% of the race I was able to run with a couple of different people which I'm always grateful for.
The entire morning and day was SUPER humid. Bugs were literally flying into me and sticking. The only issues I had during the race was a couple minutes here and there of dizziness, which I have never experienced. I think it had something to do with the humidity and that I was somewhat dehydrated. Fast forward to the last loop, "the farewell tour"! I was in 3rd place but knew another person wasn't too far behind. I started having a pity party and walking a lot more than I had the previous 39 miles....I needed a jolt to get me going. I stopped to try and pee and I saw the guy who was behind me on one of the switchbacks. That was exactly what I needed, I immediately focused and got on track. Sometimes it's motivating to have someone chasing you down.
All in all, I ended up finishing in 3rd place with a time of 9 hours 39 mins 57 seconds. A 40 minute improvement from 2 years ago! There were literally a small handful of people and my Dad with the video camera at the finish. No stadium full of fans or people lined up to cheer, which is fine by me. I run these races to challenge myself both physically and mentally. My mantra during this race was put on the "HARD HAT" and "GO TO WORK", that blue collar mentality. It is as simple as that, to pin your ears back and just get it done. Negative thoughts and feelings have to be set aside. Stay positive and focus on what really matters. Get outside and run!
Gear List
Power Bar Gels
Clif Bars
Injinji Socks
SPI belt
Amphipod 12 oz bottle
UA hat
Nike shorts
Nuun electrolyte tablets
