There's something special about running in the woods, something that allows me to break free from the stresses of everyday life. It's a unique feeling, perhaps it's a primal notion. Last weekend I ran the 20th Bull Run 50 Miler and it was simply spectacular. The course was beautiful, the volunteers and aid stations were great, my company was fun, and my crew couldn't have been finer.
The race started at 6:30 a.m. and it was a crisp morning with temps in the low 40's. It wasn't long before the sun was shining and the miles began to tick away. The course consisted of a few out and backs and lot of ups and downs, I should have taken more time to study the course. I was only a few miles in before I took my one and only fall during the race. Although it wasn't graceful I came away unharmed and with only a little dirt on my hands and shorts.
I wouldn't quite call myself a veteran but I have ran my share of marathons and ultras and often preach the "don't try anything new" pitch to new runners or those who ask for advice. So what did I do? Tried a few new things. I ran in new shoes, wore new shorts, and decided to try something new with my nutrition. I almost always run with some type of sports drink that has electrolyte replacement.
My race strategy was simple. I would run the flats and downhills and walk the hills, take gels on the :45's and salt on the hour. I would make sure that at every aid station I would drink two cups of gatorade and eat some type of offered food. It all worked out well until miles 38-40. After running most of the race with my friend Patrick, who I must say kicked ass on his first 50, I started having trouble with my energy level and trouble eating.
But with the bad comes the good...although I would suffer over the last 10-12 miles of the course I was able to suffer with a great pacer, my girlfriend Kelly. Kelly was great and as a pacer couldn't have been better. She pushed me when I needed it, allowed me to walk when I was feeling rough, found more than a dozen ways to tell me to get my head out of my ass, and all with a smile on her face.
As the finish line became closer I laughed a little to myself and no it wasn't because of trying new things I was left with blistered feet and a chafed ass it was because I find it amazing how through the course of the day and all the swirling emotions and physical demands there was not a moment that I was not convinced that I can run a 100 miler. And as I sit here tonight and stare at a calendar that shows me that Vermont is nearly three months away I am as equally excited, frightened, but yet confident.
Bull Run 50 Miler was the experience I needed in so many ways. I was able to see a friend reach a new goal. I was able to spend countless hours doing what I love. I was able to lose and find myself all in the same day. Bull Run was able to humble and remind me that although I am not great everyone I surround myself with is...and as long as I continue to have great influences in my life there's not one thing that I can't accomplish.
If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.
- Buddhist Saying
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