The HUFF 50K Trail Run - Run

Started out at the back of the pack and just took it easy because I wasn't sure how my body would handle the distance. Felt amazingly great the first loop - no issues whatsoever. Drank well, ate well, felt strong. Most miles were in the 10 min-11 min range and that'd not happened on the trails before so I was dreaming of a PR. The trail conditions were better than expected. This race is notorious for the awful mud and/or water but there was none of that the first loop. The second loop became a bit slip/slidey as the weather warmed into the 40s and the snow melted which made some muddy spots. Had to slow down a bit. I realized after the first aid station that I was getting really tired and low on energy. I know I was eating and drinking enough so I can only attribute that to dealing with the sickness earlier in the week. Started walking more but it was a beautiful sunny day so I didn't get into the dark place that I've gotten at other 50Ks. Just kept going forward. The arthritis/bunion in my right toe started to burn terribly. This happens about every long run - have tried cooling gel but that hasn't helped. I sat down at two different places and removed my sock and shoe and put snow on it for awhile which relieved the burning and allowed me to start running again. At one point I lost focus and went sprawling on my side in the mud - darn! Luckily didn't hurt anything. As slow as I was going I still knew I should get a PR which made me happy. I finished the last miles relatively strong setting a PR by exactly 50 minutes. (Don't be too impressed - most folks PR'd due to the best trail conditions in the last few years). First loop time - 2:48:07, Second loop time - 3:32:53. Not a great race execution - ugly, in fact, but it got done.

Not much. I wish I'd not gotten sick beforehand but the day gave me what it gave me. I was thankful for the warmer weather and the trail conditions and running with new friends and old.

Sat in a corner of the tent nursing hot soup and a hot chocolate. Used the changing tent to get into warm, dry clothes which felt great. Watched the results scroll through on a screen then took off for home where I spent some wonderful time in the hot tub. :)


Weakened body due to sickness, arthritis burning on my toe; muddy and slippery footing during the second loop.


Although this is a highly popular race I find it to be unorganized. Packet pickup was Friday night or only half an hour before race start on Saturday which created long lines for pickup and insane lines for the port-o-pots which resulted in a delayed start. This has happened at each of the previous 3 years that I've done the event and I find it stupid that they don't make a change. It seems it's just accepted that they'll not start on time. The manned aid stations are wonderful - great volunteers and good food selection although the only fruit they had this year was bananas. I was thankful I'd brought my own oranges as I crave them on long runs. One A/S had pickles which I tried and actually really liked - the crunch and saltiness. Have to remember that for the future. The unmanned A/S ran out of water after the first loop which has also always been the case and they never check it. Otherwise, an overall average race at a beautiful state park but they're the only race in this area at this time of year so it'll always be well-attended.