2020 Coyote Run Virtual 50k

The Background

The Coronavirus Pandemic disrupted life around the world.  I had time on my hands and races were cancelled.  Luckily, Trail Racing Over Texas offered virtual options - run at your own place at your own pace.  It was cool... for less than $30 (with a discount code for early sign-up), you get a bib, shirt, and medal, official times.  I signed up for the Brazos Bend 50k and Coyote Run 50k.

I'd run the Coyote Run 50k first.  I had run a marathon and a 50k over the last two weeks, but these were slow efforts, mainly training runs.  This would be another training race so I wasn't worried about overdoing it.

When I dropped off the kids with their mom, James asked to play basketball.  I was happy he wanted to and we played one on one to 11 points.

Then I headed to the George Mitchell Nature Preserve.  The 1.5-mile main loop would be perfect for a virtual run.  I left a 1 gallon jug of Hawaiian Punch on a picnic table as an aid station.  The weather was cool and I knew it would likely rain.

The Race

There were a few families out on the trail, but there was still less risk of infection than going to the grocery store.  I ran alone.

For the first 11 miles, I kept up with a 12-minute pace.  My mind started playing tricks on me at mile 11 and I took a walk break.  This was a chance to work on my power hiking and I was pleased to keep to a 15 or 16-minute pace hiking.  I ran again at mile 13 to the halfway point of 15.5.

I alternated running and walking up the the marathon point, hiking consistently at a 15 or 16-minute pace.

It had started raining, and after marathon I got cold.  I wrapped a towel around me to keep warm as I hiked.  I slowed a bit to 18-minute miles.  Then the last mile I ran it in.

Reflections

I really enjoyed this virtual race.  It felt like a race.  It was inexpensive plus no miles on the car, no hotel needed.  No rushing to get to the start, no people passing me, no worries about getting lost.  Of course, it lacks some of the excitement of a regular race.  I love racing and would not give up those experiences, but virtual racing is pretty cool.

This race was an improvement of 1 hour, 15 minutes from the Green Ultra 50k.  The Green Ultra was a tougher course, but I was still in better shape and moving faster a week later.

I was pleased about my powerhiking pace.  If I run a 36-hour hundred, I need a 21-minute pace, and I was well under that. If I run to 50k, or 50 miles, I could hike the rest.

This was fun!  Next up is Brazos Bend Virtual 50k in two weeks maybe.