I had originally planned to end the winter season after Jackalope Jam. After it went well there, I felt I still had a bit of running left in me before a break. Then I noticed a race that would coincide with Spring Break - The Green Ultra at the Millican Reserve in College Station. It was only $80 and a little over an hour away. Most importantly, the class I teach on Saturdays at UHD would not be held, so I could run it.
I chose the 50 miler with an eye to next season. Three weeks earlier, I had run 100k at Jackalope and when it was over it felt manageable - even though it was farther (by far!) than I had run in years. I wanted to solidify that feeling that 50 miles to 100k is manageable. That way, I could go into next season, with the goal race being the Arkansas Traveller 100, mentally prepared - at least as much as possible.
The Course
I had no idea what to expect from this course. It turned out to be muddy, twisty bike trails. I had done little trail running this season: training on the roads, two road marathons, and Jackalope Jam, which was on a smooth, one-mile out-and-back trail. So the terrain was a factor.
Because of the muddy conditions, the race organizers change the course to a short out-and-back followed by three 25k loops.
The Race
There is always slight nervousness running a race for the first time, for me especially about getting lost. The course was well-marked thankfully.
I chugged along at an even pace, slowed of course by the mud. I hit a low at the end of the second loop, about 50k in. After running most of the way to that point, I walked the last section of the loop, saving up for a final push.
Turning on my music and setting my GPS watch (which only has about 4 hours battery life), I came back to life. I played the game of make it through one song, make it another mile. 3 miles clicked off quickly. I began struggling a bit, but ran to mile 5 of the loop (40 miles in) before a mile or so walk break. Then I ran to mile 11 of the loop (about 46 miles in). I took another mile walk break then ran in the last three (with a couple short walks thrown in). Another race done.
Along the Course
Approaching the finish
I ran most of the race - always a benchmark for me for a good performance. I've slowed a bit now that I've hit my forties; in my 30s, this might have taken 11 hours and change instead of the 12:22. But that's just fine. I'm still alive and running.
I think I accomplished my goal quite well - 50 miles was tough but not mental agony. Now I can look at the Traveller and say ok, take it easy to 50 or 100k, then take it from there.
This was a good season. I finished all my races. I had fun. I didn't over race.
Now it is time to rest up - then start it up again at Muleshoe Bend in July.
