Chuckanut 50K -5:41This race was all about me! I know that sounds selfish to some and not to others. I've been training hard and really wanted to reach out of the box!
Ronda & I had on our Lululemon attire. Some people thought we just bought matching outfits but that was not the case. We are sporting "Lululemon Racing" clothes. Many people were very confused as I would run into the aidstation.....I could see puzzled faces, thinking....didn't I just see her?? It doesn't help when you have the same hair color & same size.
I really wanted to focus on: 1.) Not being nervous before the race 2.) Run my own race.
The morning was cold 32 degrees to be exact. I was sporting my Lululemon tank & colorful shorts & gloves. It was amazing how I warmed up @ about 1/2 mile into the race. My heartrate was higher than normal, my nerves were kicking in a little. I kept reminding myself to run my own race. I didn't have a pace chart, I was running by effort; Although, I was aware of my time to the first aidstation & hoped to make it on the return trip in at least the same time.
Out of AS#1 - I ran through, hoping to refill my water at the next AS. I started the first climb of the day. It went well and I felt strong. I tried to run as much as I could. A nice downhill into
AS #2 - A congested build up of people pushed me to go on to the next AS for water, luckily I had 2 water bottles.
Out of AS#2 - I began the ascent up the road...on and on and on. I ran strong and worked on my power hiking skills! Then the "trail from H-e- double toothpicks". I had fun with this section, technical trails is the fun part of running trail! Some straight stretches to top off until the last AS before Chinscraper.
AS#4 - at the bottom of Chinscraper...I began my climb. My legs were on fire and I had plenty of company, some people had to stop and stretch....I kept moving. Nearing the top I saw Glen Tachiyama & Matt Hart. I finally crested the summit, looked at my watch and realized that if I made it down the hill in 30 min., I'd have 1 hour to get to the finish and I'd be ahead of my predicted time. I took a potty break, and then headed downhill!! I ran fast & I ran strong, passing a handful of people along the way.
AS#5 - I passed right through the AS & headed for the finish. My legs enjoyed the switch in the incline for about 1 min. I had some work to do. I stayed focused and ran my race...slowly passing more & more people along the way! I was only passed by 2 people in the last 6 miles.
As I ran into the finish I became happier and happier. I was so thankful for God's strength and that I too was strong and that anything was possible!
My fastest 50k! Up next.....Peterson's Ridge Rumble 60K.
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