After completing my first ultra, I dedicated a month to reflecting on the entire experience. It was truly an exhilarating and wild adventure for me!
I want to do 100 miles this year and need some ultra experience to build towards my goal. I started training for the York Marathon and decided to go for 50 miler in the same cycle before taking a break or go for low volume training! I booked for the race which is two weeks after my marathon (which I did my PR). I did a few 20 plus miles on the trail as part of a marathon and 50 miler training.. I was confident going into the race ..
On race day, Vignesh was the solo crew with me and he did a great job. We both reached the spot on time and got the bib .. it was drizzling and I got my race socks wet even before the race started !! Quickly changed the socks and everything set to race.. The course was around a 17 mile loop. First 10 miles were great and I was running at a 10:30- 11.00 minutes mile pace.. had some chat with other runners. Then comes rain, rain, rain.. I completed the first loop comfortably in the rain!!
I was ready for 50 milers even in the rain but I had no experience of what comes next.. with 250 runners on the trail, it’s changed into muddy paddles with water everywhere. The shoes were filled with sand, mud and water. I was feeling my feet getting worse and Vignesh was waiting for me at 24 mile. I changed the socks and cleaned the shoes for the second half of the second loop.. but within 100 feet I did get my socks wet again.. I got two blisters in my left foot big/small toe finger, from there it’s a mental battle whether to continue the race or stop after loop two.. a lot going on in my mind and I pushed it saying you can stop after loop.. the rain stopped and drizzled sometimes.. At the loop end, I checked with race officials that if I stop I will be considered for 50k or DNF.. they said you will get a medal but your status will be DNF not 50K!!
stopped for 30 seconds and said, I didn’t come here for an easy race and if you want to do a 100 miler, you have to experience the pain of racing and the pleasure of finishing the race.. I decided to move forward, one step at a time. I did move slowly and reached 42 mile (Vignesh helped me to get socks and shoes changed) .. I managed to move forward without getting mud into shoes for another 6 miles .. still it’s muddy paths and small ponds everywhere.. I managed to run and finish the race in 10 hour 45 minutes.. I initially thought I could get it done in under 10 hours but things changed in ultra (a lot can change 😊) . I was happy with the experience and was wondering if I was ready to try 100 miles??
I know the answer is always “Yes”. I am doing 100 miles in September (Flat and easy courses) and it’s time to get started with my 12 weeks training.. Week 1 now!!
