PCT 50

I ran my first 50 miler last Saturday on the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT 50 travels from just south of Timothy Lake up to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood at 6000ft and then returns to Timothy Lake area. 25 miles each way. About 4000ft of elevation gain on the way up, and about 1500ft for the way back, for 5500ft in elevation gain total. My goal was to take it easy in the beginning, and see how I felt later as this was my longest distance to date. I went out quicker than I wanted, but was able to maintain the pace through the first few aid stations. I was trying to minimize time at the aid stations and so was tracking my splits while at the stations. By the time I reached the ascent of Mt. Hood, I was feeling that my day wasn't going too well. I felt tired, and wasn't looking forward to the return 25 miles. I felt like the day was only going to get longer. But, on the way down Mt. Hood, on the second 3 miles of the overall 6 miles on the mountain, I fell into a good pace and started to feel better, my legs were settling into a rhythm, and I felt a little more energized. At Barlow Pass aid station, 31 miles into the race, I came across Tom Atkins, a friend from Eugene. He had major stomach issues after going out to hard. We worked together over the next 12 miles or so, keeping each other at a good pace. I finally found one that I could maintain and just let the miles flow by. Just before the last aid station, Tommy slipped back and then I left the station as he was entering it. The last 6.1 miles were just tiring. I wasn't having any problems, I was just tired. I kept it up when I could, and walked the hills I couldn't run. Before I realized it, I hit the road for the last short distance to the finish, only to have both hamstrings cramp up. I couldn't stride out and pick up the pace until I entered the finishing chute and chugged the last few feet uphill and to the finish. In at 8:39:44. Good enough for 26th out of 110? Not the placing I was looking for, but there were some fast people out there ahead of me. I'm pleased with my time though. A good first 50 miles.

13 days 'til Waldo 100k!!! Looking forward to it. Legs still seem a little tired, but no major problems... Todd will be up there as well. He beat his last year's time by a 1/2 hour at the PCT. Lewis is off to Leadville the same day. Only 38 more miles then I'll be running!!!

Waldo will be the end of the season for me and probably a hiatus from long distance for a while as we're expecting a 4th member of our little track team to join us around Christmas time. I have the feeling that short runs with the jog stroller will be my gig for awhile. Maybe now that will mean I can spend my longer runs with the Coyotes (whom I have missed all summer long!!). That makes 2 new additions since I've started this blog!