Chicago Ultra 50K - RunUltra Marathon

It was tough at the start to maintain the 9-minute miles because I just wanted to go-go-go. I managed to keep the pace under control pretty well and ran with three other people. I didn't really talk to them much because I knew at some point we'd get split up and I couldn't deal with that kind of emotional hurt. At mile 10, the end of the first loop, I stopped in the port-a-potty, which cost me about a minute but it was totally worth it. All was going really well at that point.

The second loop was much of the same, just trying to maintain the 9-minute pace and not speed up because, for the most I was feeling good. I caught and followed some pace booty for awhile, which kept my spirits up and kept me from getting bored. If I can say one thing about ultras, it's that the talent is impressive. But I dye grass.

As I approached the turnaround at mile 20 I saw some BTers (NRG42, RunningJayHawk and Mike (don't know his BT name). I got some water and Gatorade, cookies, some peanuts and a few M&Ms and stretched it out. That boosted my spirits. We all took off along the path and kept moving.

Mike stayed with me for a few miles, and about mile 22 it started to hurt a little. Wound around and got to the turnaround at mile 26, and I stopped for a couple minutes for water and snacks and to stretch it out. Mike and I took off from the stop headed for the finish. The calves and hammies were screaming pretty good, but magically at about mile 27-27.5 everything kind of went numb. Good times.

I just wanted it to be over at about mile 29 so I tried to pick up the pace a little. Mike peeled off with about 0.25 mile to go and I crossed the finish line.

Laps
1: 8:43
2: 8:45
3: 8:57
4: 8:39
5: 9:01
6: 8:52
7: 9:00
8: 9:00
9: 8:46
10: 8:49
11: 10:02
12: 8:59
13: 9:10
14: 8:44
15: 8:52
16: 9:47
17: 8:53
18: 9:03
19: 8:56
20: 9:01
21: 10:27
22: 9:10
23: 8:58
24: 9:08
25: 8:59
26: 11:46
27: 8:56
28: 9:00
29: 8:58
30: 8:43
31: 8:46
Extra 0.18m: 1:38
Total: 4:44:22

Nothing.

I got some water and Gatorade and some food and then decided to lay down for a second. Whoops. I couldn't get up and had to have Cheri and Barb and Mike help me. They helped me to the car since my calves completely locked up. Ouch. Went and got food and took a shower and layed in bed for awhile.


Hmm the fact that it was 31 miles and not 6.


Great race. I have no complaints whatsoever. Good aid stations, lots of nice folks to chat up while running and a flat course. A perfect first ultramarathon. The weather was nearly perfect, if not for the frickin' cold-ass wind coming off the lake. My nuts met my Adam's apple yesterday. I think they didn't like each other because shortly after the race they went their separate ways.

PS: After looking at the official results I finished 38th overall out of 200 or so. I wanted top 25. I guess I need to just run faster!