Palo Duro Trail Run 50k 10/18/08

Yesterday was undoubtedly one of my best running days that I've ever had. The whole experience was satisfying and fulfilling in so many ways.

We awoke to a 4:45am wake-up call, although the nerves/excitement had actually awoken me a little earlier. We checked the weather and it was approximately 45 degrees, which likely meant that it would be even cooler inside the canyon. I put on my race gear with warm-up clothes on top for pre-race. We met up with Kelly S. and Dawn from our running group in the lobby at 5:15am and carpooled over to the park. The park gates didn't open until 6:00am, but we wanted to get in line early so that we would get a good parking spot. We actually ended up being 2nd in line and had plenty of time in the car to eat breakfast and stay warm until the gates opened. Thankfully, the parking lot where we parked was very near to the start/finish area, so we didn't have to walk too far with all of our belongings.

We checked in for our respective races then found a spot near the drop bag/aid station/trail to set up our chairs and get settled in. At that point my only concern was about staying warm. It was COLD, and I was second guessing whether I should run (at least the first loop) in tights and a pullover. But, then I saw Joe who was wearing shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. I figured he knows best, so I stripped off my warm-up pants and pullover a few minutes before walking over to the start.

K kissed me goodbye and wished me luck then it was go time. After a moment of silence to honor Red, we were sent on our way. I was with Stephanie at the start area, but quickly lost her as I tried to maneuver my way through the crowd to get in a good position on the single-track trail. I was reminded yet again that I really don't like running trail in the dark that much because it's hard to make out the changes in terrain, even with a headlamp. Thankfully, it got light out sooner than I was expecting, although it was probably a good way to start since it kept me from going out too fast.

I was definitely cold for the first few miles, but warmed up before too long. I had heard that the race is pretty flat, so I was surprised by the frequent short up's and down's in the first few miles. It wasn't anything too challenging and I was able to run them while keeping a consistent pace. However, I began to rethink that strategy somewhat after I had been leap-frogging with a couple of other runners who were walking the hills and passing me on the flats. As one of the girls passed me, she said "Don't worry, I'll get out of your way on the hills." Hmmm....

My first loop was a 6-mile loop. Other than being cold and running the first few miles slightly slower in the dark, it was pretty uneventful. I came back through the start/finish area and dropped off my long-sleeve shirt, hat, gloves, and headlamp and made a quick stop at the aid station for nutrition. I was out on my way for the 2nd loop at around 1:15ish.

The second loop would take me farther out into the canyon this time for my first 12.5 mile loop. My hands were quite cold for the first few miles and I was regretting my decision to ditch my gloves, but they definitely warmed up within 3-4 miles into that loop. There were a few guys ahead of me on this loop so it was nice to have someone else within eyesight, while still being able to enjoy the solitude of running by myself. My GI issues reared their ugly head again at around mile 10, just after I had left an aid station with a port-a-potty too. I debated going back, but I didn't want to backtrack. I considered improvising by going slightly off course, but I was afraid of stumbling upon a rattlesnake or getting stuck by a cactus. I had to slow down and pause a couple of times to try to settle it down before I finally hit an aid station with a port-a-potty at mile 15ish. So, I took a somewhat extended stop at this aid station, but it was necessary and I felt so much better for the rest of the race once that was resolved. I was looking forward to coming back through the start-finish area this time because I would see K and the other 20k'ers there for support. I got my Camelback refilled, took in some food, and picked up my hat before setting off on my final loop. I was on my way at 3:50.

I had commented to K that my legs were feeling trashed already because of all the up's and down's, which I totally had not been expecting. I had a bad patch between mile 19-20 shortly after I had embarked on my final loop. The sun was out in full force by this point, so it was really bright (hence the need for the hat) and warming up. My legs were screaming with each uphill and downhill. Mentally, I was calculating (never an easy thing to do while running) how long it would take me to finish if I walked the rest of the way. I would estimate that I walked about .5-.75 miles (maybe closer to .5 miles) during this stretch. But, for maybe the first time ever, I was able to pull myself out of the negative self-talk and get myself motivated and going again. From that point I didn't have any more problems. After this setback, I recalculated a projected finish time and I realized that my "A" goal was still well within reach. That was enough motivation for me! I was running again and I never looked back. Yes, my legs were hurting, but I was still maintaining a respectable pace and passing a few runners here and there. I could not believe that I was still moving that well with each passing mile. I had been anticipating that the last 10-15k was going to be a struggle, but it actually wasn't. Mentally and physically, I was doing well and knew that I would make my goal. What an amazing feeling!

With the finish line in sight, I still had enough to give to kick it in and have a really strong finish, especially once I checked my watch and realized that I could get there by 6:45 if I tried. K was there waiting for me. I had done it. 6:45:53 (by my watch). I was so proud of myself.
Afterwards, I enjoyed a finisher's meal of a hamburger and hot dog while we watched a few of the other 50k'ers in our group come in. Then we went back to the hotel for a couple of hours to shower and rest before going back out at 6pm to see the 50 milers finish. It was really great to see the other Rogues come in. Very moving and inspirational. We went to dinner with a few others from our group to celebrate. I was still too keyed up and sore last night to get a good night's sleep. I still can't quite believe I did it.