This month I got to run my first 50K.
It was the Way Too Cool 50k in Cool, CA It is a part of the Montrail UltraCup series (as is Western States 100). Entrance to the race is by lottery. I put my name in for the lottery last December and sure enough I got in. I did not expect that! There were almost 300 people on a waitlist. These were people who had more experience running ultras than me. I guess it truly is a lottery.
From what I heard it is considered one of the most popular 50k's in the country to run (hence the lottery to get in). It is a beautiful course in the Sierra Nevadas which includes Western States trails. The weather was cool in the morning but got up to 59-60 with lots of sun. Ideal conditions for the run!
There was a lot of runoff from the rivers, streams, and creeks in the area. So the course was very muddy. There were also a lot of creek crossings on the course but none them were too deep. The deepest creek I had to cross came up to just below my knees. It all adds to the fun of trail running! I did manage to stop a few times to take pictures of the course with my camera phone.
I started to feel myself slow down around mile 13 but was able to pick the pace and feel renewed again by mile 17. (Thanks to salt, 7 up and PBJ sandwiches.)
I finished the race without setting any course records (darn it!), but I am happy with how I felt during the race and at the finish (no muscle cramps!).
I got to be rewarded at the finish with cupcakes!
Do I want to do it again? Absolutely! Crazy, I know. But I am hoping I actually have running ultras in my blood - at least I hope to have the makings of an endurance athlete (even if I'm not the fastest).
