This is Crazy. I'll Be Running a 50 Mile Trail Race.

Ever since I completed my first 50K, I've dreamt about running a 50 mile trail race. With five 50Ks under my feet,

1. Cowtown 2011 (Road 5:27)
2. Palo Duro 2011 (Trail 5:49)
3. Rockledge Rumble 2013 (Trail 6:35)
4. Cowtown 2014 (Road 5:28)
5. Cowtown (Virtual) 2015 (Road 5:43)

I feel like it's time to tackle a longer distance. I finally got the courage to register for one. December of this year, I'll be toeing the line of the Brazos Bend 50 mile Trail Race aka Brazos Bend 100. Bucket list, here I come!

FIFTY FREAKING MILES is crazy. I know. Trust me, I KNOW. Don't ask me what time I think I will complete the distance because I have no idea. I know the course is flat, so that's fantastic! Not that I'm going for speed or anything, I want to finish before it gets dark!

The race is months away, but I'm doing a marathon training schedule during this "I have no races on my calendar" season, in order to keep a healthy fitness level and running base - which should help to ease me into the 50 mile training. I'm using the Nike+ Coach app. I'm on week four. I'm having to adjust my long runs because this training program has them on Fridays, but for the most part, I'm keeping up with my weekly mileage and doing my best to hit those long runs, even if it means delaying them until Sunday.




The Nike+ app doesn't have a training program for anything longer than a marathon. I'm looking for a well rounded 50 mile training program. There are several out there. A lot of them have back to back weekend long runs. I'm booked filming weddings in October, so training that month is going to be interesting. Stay tune! I will be updating the blog often about my long runs, fuel and the highs and lows of training - over the next few months.

I Discovered a New Running Spot

This morning, I headed out for a long run. Sometimes, I'm not sure where to run. This morning I didn't have a plan, especially, since I'm not training for a race. This morning, I decided (as I was running away from my neighborhood), I wanted to be surrounded by trees, so I ran towards the Trinity Trails. The Trinity Trails looks like this…

For years, when I've ran the Trinity Trails, I've passed a dirt path and wondered about it. Where does it go? Is it a short trail? Is it a runner friendly trail? Is it even a trail or just a little path? Since I didn't have a distance or a time goal for the day, I decided what the hell….I'm going to check it out. Look what I discovered! Some of the areas were overgrown, so I avoided those trails, but from what I could tell, in general, it's a nice little area. If you are looking for miles of trails, I don't think this is it, but if you are looking for a beautiful view of Ft. Worth and a nice dirt loop with a few uphills, this is the spot!

I finally got some dirt on my new shoes!

2013 Rockledge Rumble 50K Trail Race Report

Distance: 31.46
Duration: 6:35:22
Average Pace per Mile : 12:34
Age Group: I placed 2nd!
Gender Placement: 6th female finisher
Overall Finish: 37th place out of ???? I'm really not sure how many runners were out there. The website has not been updated with official results. I took a photo of a monitor at the finish line.
 
Weather: It was around 45 degrees at the start. It warmed up to about 70 at the finish.
10-15 mph wind, but since I was on the trail (thick trees), it wasn't an issue.

Let's talk about the race!
The weather was great! But I made a mistake, at the very beginning of the race. Don't ask me why, but I was wearing a pullover. It only took me 2 miles to feel warmed up and I was ready to get rid of my sweater.

By mile 10, I ended up taking the sweater off and bunching it up into a ball and carrying it. I had my handheld water in my right hand and the sweater ball in my left. ANNOYING! It was my favorite lululemon pullover, but if it was any other one, I probably would've just tossed it in the bushes. I eventually got rid of my extra baggage when I got to mile 22, the "pit stop", where I had a bag of clothes, extra shoes, socks, and petroleum jelly. Once I got to that area, I rested for about 1 minute. I didn't need to change shoes/clothes/sock, nothing. I took it just in case. About 10 feet away from the bag areas was a fluid and aid station. Ultra races have the best food. Think 10 year old slumber party (snacks)….gummy bears, animal crackers, soda, pretzels, M&M's, etc.
My fuel of choice for ultras or at least this one---- chips and PBJ sandwiches. I also drank some heed. It's an electrolyte drink similar to Gatorade. It's not my favorite, but I drank it, I didn't consume any GU's. That's a first for me. I really hate GU's, they weigh my stomach down.
 
What else? What else? The trail itself was not easy or hard. The trail was somewhere in the middle. Now, the distance was hard, but the trail was not, if that makes any sense. There were so many tree roots and rolling baby hills. I spent 95% of the race, looking at the ground because I did not want to trip. I stumbled at least 10 times, but never fell down.

This is where the trail ended. After running 31 miles, I had to run up a flight of steep stairs. Ouch and Ouch.

I enjoyed running Rockledge Rumble and I would love to run it next year! Now, that I'm familiar with the trail -- spending six hours out there makes me feel that way :)
I feel like if I race it next year, I would do a few things differently.
1. I would start off a lot slower. I said I was planning on running slowly, but I raced the first 13 miles of the race. I started passing runners on the trail 2 miles in, that was a mistake on my part. Miles 14 - 21 were not my favorite. I needed to conserve my energy. By some miracle, around mile 22, I started to get my second wind. I felt great and pretty much ran strong to the finish, from that point forward. I took walk breaks and that helped.
2. Next time, when figuring out my goal time, I will account for stopping at aid stations.  

I'm happy that I finished the race and most importantly had a great time. It's not everyday I get to run on trails, so when I do, it's a real treat! Today, I'm feeling a bit sore. Tomorrow, I might go for a slow run or I might cross train. I love ultras and I can't believe I've only ran three of them. I'm registered to run Cowtown 50K, in Feb. so that will be my next BIG race.

Cedar Ridge 36 KM (22 miles) Trail Race

Distance: 36 KM (22 miles)
Duration: 4:45:59
Weather: Start Time was 73 degrees. With the breeze, it felt a little chilly.
Unofficial Results:
I talked to the race director and he said there were 60 runners registered for the 36 KM race. I'm still waiting for the official results to be posted online, but according to the print out (at the race), I placed 24th overall and 7th place out of females. I'm anxious to see if I placed in my age group!!!!

I started the race with straight hair and this is how it looked, when I finished.

This is my new trail buddy, Robin. I met her at EnduraLAB.

OK. OK. Let me tell you about the trail.
IT WAS TOUGH!!!! Words alone can't describe how difficult it was, so I took photos to illustrate my point. The majority of the time, I had my eyes down. I tripped over tree roots and rocks, but never fell on my face, so that's good! The race started before sunrise at 5:30 am so, everyone wore headlamps. By the time I completed my first loop, I didn't need it, anymore. The course was almost entirely shaded, with trees -- which I loved. I was concerned with all the rain we got, days leading up to the race, that the trail would be muddy, but it was not. If anything, it helped to soften the soil. Some areas of the trail were really bouncy.

Imagine hills -- steep hills like this, Imagine running up something like this say times 20.
There were times, when I had to completely stop, put my hands on my knees and my head between my legs to catch my breath. Yes, the thought of quitting crossed my mind. But since I wasn't injured, I didn't see any good reason why I should quit. I started the run, I needed to finish it.

Before I ran, I had a goal of running an 11 minute pace or if the course was "tough," maybe I would run 11:30. LOL!!!!!! I had no idea what was in store for me. Now, I know. Just to give you an idea how different this run was for me compared to road running here's an example.
I ran the Dallas Marathon (26.2 miles a road race) in 4 hours 15 minutes versus this 22 mile trail race at 4 hours 45 minutes.

Now, I know how technical this trail is.

At least the weather was nice. I can't imagine having to run in 90 degree weather. I'm thankful for the cool front.

I'm always pleased when I get a sock line.

This is what I had for breakfast before heading off to the race. Spinach, sweet potatoes and ground turkey. Today, I feel sore. I might go for a walk, later just to loosen up. The girls are in Abilene with the grandparents, so I think Trey and I are going to get out and do some fun things.

I have a confession to make

I missed church on Sunday, to run.

But seeing this landscape was praise and worship to my senses. How great is our God? 
I missed trail running. Nowadays, when I go for a long run, I stay close to home and by that, I mean I circle the neighborhood. I needed this trail run! 

I ran a little over 10 miles at a moderate pace. I over-dressed BIG TIME and hated my long sleeve pullover, especially at mile 5. You know it's hotter than hades, if an 8 month post-partum momma would rather run in a sports bra than a long sleeve sweater. And I did.

Runners tan line in February is possible -- only in Texas.

Super Bowl: 
Last night, Trey and I hosted a super bowl party. We had four couples and a lot of kiddos at our house. I counted heads and there was a total of 18 warm bodies. Who cares about the game...What was your favorite commercial???l Hands down, I loved Clydesdales Horse. I had to fight back tears, I'm not even joking!

I need more of this in my life

 TRAIL RUNNING!

That's the stick I used to ward off pesky spider webs. When other people see me on the trail, they either understand why I carry a stick or they think I'm crazy. People, it's not a weapon, it's protection!

This past weekend, I woke up early -- all excited to run, but I had to wait for the sun. Trail running in the dark, would freak me out. Trey was onboard for being on daddy duty, in case the girls woke up, while I was gone. Chey is super easy in the mornings. Give her cartoons, milk, and dry cereal and she's your best friend. Dakota on the other hand, requires more of a hands on approach. I had saved a bottle of BM for her, in case she woke up while I was gone.

About the trail....
I've missed it and I can't wait to get out there again. I ran 8 slow miles. It was drizzling and it was cool. I kept thinking, the flood gates were going to open, but that was not the case.

This trail run, was my first long run since having baby Dakota, 12 weeks ago.

A Mess of a Trail

It's been weeks, no MONTHS, since I've ran the trail. Yesterday, we had the most amazing weather -- 60 degrees and sunny. I was craving to run on dirt, so I headed to the trail and this is what greeted me, at the trailhead.....

NOOOOOO! The trail was a muddy, swampy, mess. In every direction, this is what I saw. So, I turned around and headed back to beat the road. I got three miles in, but it wasn't as scenic as I had hoped.

           

This morning Chey and I went grocery shopping. We had SAMs Club all to ourselves. I love taking advantage of the early shopping hours. We were in there two hours before the store opened to the public. That's how we do it. VIP.

I finally purchased a box of diapers for Dakota for 40 bucks! They are newborn, so she will blow thru this load. Ha! How soon can we start potty-training? 

After our shopping trip we headed to the gym. I seem to be making a habit of running 8 miles every Monday. Not a terrible habit, if you ask me. I've been doing that for the last three weeks. Cheyenne joined me for a light .6 mile cool down jog on the indoor track. My goal was to wear her out. Walking would've been fine, but she wanted to "run." 

Here is my training from last week. I think I had three elliptical workouts. The numbers here reflect running. The time reflects elliptical duration. 

The rest of the day, I played with Cheyenne. We played school, colored, and baked using her Dora Kitchen. When Chey took her nap, I tried to complete my freelance project, but it looks like I still have a few more hours to go. Next weekend, I WILL finish it!

2011 Palo Duro 50K Official Race Photos

Here are my race proofs. The grin on my face reminds me of Cheyenne. Today, I'm feeling good. I feel like I could do some light cardio or lift weights, but I won't. I'm going to take advantage of this mandatory rest.
 
I guess the vacation is over? Today, was my first day back at work, since October 11th. I was fine. I just picked up right where I left off. I'm in the middle of editing some footage. I got a new HD camera, so I had to do some research today on the best way to compress the AVCHD files. Fun stuff! But really, I enjoyed it. :)

I still feel like I'm on that trail running, race high. It feels so good.

Fellow runners: Have you ever bought race photos? I haven't, but I might this time.

Now I can't help but wonder, how long would it take me to run a 50 miler?

Part 3: Palo Duro 50K Trail Race 2011

Distance: 31 miles

Duration: 5:50:43
Average Pace Per Mile: 11:15

Weather: At the beginning of the race it was around 47 degrees with a wind gust at 6 mph. By the time I finished the race, temps were creeping into the mid 80s. 

How does this compare to the Cowtown Ultra 50K -- I ran in February? Well, I ran that road race in 5:27:24 (10:33 pace). HUGE difference! Trail running is so different from road racing. It's in a league of its own. I can't even compare the two races. Sure it's the same distance, but it's different --- no, different isn't even the word --- IT'S HARDER.

Ultra Marathon Eve: 

We ate at Texas Roadhouse: I had a sirlon steak, a sweet potato, broccoli, carrots, and a few rolls. Before calling it a night, I laid out all my running gear. I crawled into bed around 9 pm and slept alright. No race nightmares for me.

Race Morning:

My alarm and Trey's back-up alarm went off at 4:00 am sharp. Before I knew it, I was bathing myself in petroleum jelly. I put the jelly in chaffing prone areas and I even bathed my feet. I ran for almost 6 hours and did not have any chaffing on my body or blisters on my feet. Shortly after that, we drove to Ihop for breakfast. Ihop was Trey's idea. I had to eat something and I knew Ihop was a better option than say McDonald's (I guess). I fueled with 2 eggs, 2 turkey bacon strips, two pieces of toast, and fruit. I also ate what was left of Cheyenne's egg breakfast. I was full, but not stuffed.

We arrived at Palo Duro an hour before the race. Like most marathoners, I was stressing about using the bathroom. Emptying the tank, if you will....My body cooperated and I ran the entire trail race and did not have to use the bathroom. YAY!!!!

6:30 am - It was so dark in the canyon. There were a few lights around the start area, but a lot of runners had headlamps. About 15 minutes before the race, Sherri found me, I don't know how she saw me, since it was so dark. I was ecstatic to see a familiar face! She was camping with her family and woke up early to see me off at the start. That was so nice of her! We chatted and it helped distract me and kept my mind off the fact that I was about to be running for hours. 

Race Details: 

It was 7 am and I was running my first trail race. I could barely see the ground beneath me. The headlamp that I had was not bright enough, so I ran close to runners who had bright lights. The first mile I knew something was wrong. I felt like I was going way to slow, but my effort was 100%. I was using RunKeeper an iPhone app and I heard the first audio cue: One Mile in 11:07. WHAT?! And that's when I hit The Wall. Yes, most people hit the wall at mile 18 of a marathon, I hit the wall at mile one. ONE! At that point my whole race plan changed. It had to. 

 

Why I changed the plan: 

The Palo Duro trail is more advanced than I anticipated. It was hilly, rocky, sandy, and technical than the trail I trained on. I was basically running up and down hills for over 5 hours. The hills were not long and gradual, they were short and steep. I'll take short and steep any day, over long and gradual, BUT it was still draining. It zapped the energy out of me. Even though, I never maintained a 10:30 pace, like I was hoping -- I held on and moved forward. I felt strong for a good portion of the race. 

It's not a trail race until someone goes off course and gets lost: 

After I completed my first 6 mile loop, I slowed down for a moment to hi to Cheyenne and Trey. I then picked up the pace and I started running and accidentally ran off course. Volunteers started shouting at me, "The trail is over here! Come back!" Oops! 

If the bones ain't showin', keep goin': 

One of my fears was falling down and hurting myself. At mile 6.25, I started thinking -- I hope I don't get lost again. Race volunteers marked the trail with bright orange survey ribbon. The ribbon was on trees and bushes, it was placed every 100 yards. It had been a while since I last saw orange, so I started scanning the area and that's when I tripped and fell down. It only took me a moment to see, I was not bleeding and I wasn't in any pain. I got up, shook of the dirt, and kept going. After that I tripped at least four or five times, but only fell down once.

Thought Process:
If I can run the marathon distance, I can finish the ultra. This is hard. It hurts. My back. My lower back. Any moment now, I will get my second wind. This is REALLY hard. Crap, I got a pebble in my shoe! This view is gorgeous! I don't want to wish this race away, I trained too long and too hard to wish it to be over. I wish this person behind me would stop chasing me and just pass me already. That guy almost spit on me. What is this my third or fourth wind? This is great! Kick it home to the finish line. 

Who needs all those spectators when you have the best aid stations? 
I've read about it, heard about it, but this was my first time to experience ultra trail aid stations. Everyone says, they  have the best aid stations. Palo Duro, lived up to the hype. They were well stocked. 
Water, gatorade, snickers, M&Ms, potatoes, chips, pretzels, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, graham crackers and more. Here is a picture of one table. The flies were flocking near the food, so voluenteers kept the food covered. It's funny, most of the stuff, runners should avoid during training is the food that is served during the race. Potato chips, potatoes and snickers worked for me. M&Ms not so much. 

The volunteers were the best! Seriously! Every time I would roll through, they were so helpful. What can I get you? Here while you eat, I'll fill your water bottle. Here's another gatorade. Let me put some ice in your bottle. What can I do for you? What can I get you? I overheard a palo duro veteran warn another runner about the aid stations. She said they are like magnets, once you stop, you don't want to leave. You have to be careful, just grab what you need and then keep moving. She's right.  I felt at home when I stopped and refueled. I'm sure I could've saved more time, if I would've just grabbed stuff faster and sprinted off. I asked Trey, if runners lingered around the aid station and he said they did. 


The course
At first, I thought the loop course was going to be boring, but I loved how Trey and Cheyenne could see me multiple times during the race. I think I saw them four times.

As I sprinted to the finish line, I heard Sherri and her family cheering for me.

Trey was waiting right at the finish line to congratulate me and to take pictures. He spectated for 6 hours. He's amazing! It was Trey's idea for me to take my sunglasses. The race would have been miserable if I didn't have anything to protect my eyes. Good idea, Trey!


This guy asked me, "Did you just finish the 50K?" I answered, "Yes." He asked, "Then why are you still running?" I don't know.

The finish line banner.

The flags represented

I think my Lulu socks are permanently stained red.
The 20K was the only chip time race. The 50K and 50 miler was timed, but we didn't have chips. I'm still waiting on the offical times to be posted. Waiting. Waiting.
After the race, there was hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone. Unlike the two marathons I've ran, I was actually hungry after this one. I ate and drank lots of water.
So, after I ran 31 miles I had to climb this hill, to exit the canyon. Ouch.

Can you believe this is Texas?

I'll take trail race traffic and parking any day over road racing. This race was so organized. So, who is running it with me next year? 20K, 50K, or 50 miler? Let's do it. Maybe we can even go camping out there.

Cheyenne made a friend. This is Sherri's niece.

Right after the race Trey said, "Maybe next year, I'll walk the 20K, so I can see the canyon." What?! Umm, that would be awesome. You can do it Trey!
 
Similar Posts about Palo Duro Trail Race 2011: 

Part 1: Palo Duro 50K Trail Race 2011

Part 2: Palo Duro 50K Trail Race 2011