Old Pueblo 50 Mile Endurance Run - Run

Finally- I earned my belt buckle. Unlike last year, the weather was PERFECT. Cool at the start, upper 30's, and dark, and there were enough high clouds to keep most of the Arizona solar furnace at bay. It stayed in the low 60's with a nice breeze.

Bottom line is the race went smoothly. No real issues. Sure, after 30 miles or so, things begin to get tough. And the course isn't exactly friendly, with so much of it being really rocky and steep, it was great to finally get to the last 7 miles of the race on the AZ Trail. A nice section of single track where I was finally able to run. Granted, after the 43 previous miles, it wasn't exactly flying, but I held a nice 10min/mi pace or so (I think), and finished strong. I hurt a lot more after a hard run marathon than this 50.

My shoes stayed comfortable, although their lack of padding took its tool. Unfortunately, since I did a round of antibiotics last week for my leg injury, my stomach wasn't its normal 'cast iron' self. I couldn't eat much of anything after mile 33. So, instead, I drank as much electrolyte drink as I could stomach. (and I peed 12 times during the race :) But I stayed hydrated and kept up on my salt intake.

It was a long day on a rugged trail. On one hand, it seems like just a stoopid thing to do. on the other hand, it went well. Final time 10:48:23. 35th place. 5th in age group.

I think the 50Km distance is far more palatable.

https://www.strava.com/activities/264592553

put on some warm, dry clothes from my drop bag. had a veggie burger