My first timed event and my first ultra attempt. Original goal was 50K. But as I trained, I got stressed thinking about the 50K so the goal became: stick it out for 8 hours, have fun, and really try not to be a whiny baby. I thought that, if the Ga weather wasn't too hot, a marathon was doable, a 50K was a good possibility, and, if everything went perfectly, 33 to 35 miles was my high-end goal.

Before the race began, we met our lap counters. I had the BEST; Jill called out my name every time and made me feel like a rock star. I loved having my own cheering section.

At 3 hours, I was feeling great. I had about 15 to 16 miles and felt 50K was reachable. But soon afterwards my right foot was so tender and my left knee was killing me. At 4 hours, we switched directions. Oh wow, how can a change in direction of the same flippin’ .42 miles throw me off so much? And also, now I see a distinct camber on the dam on the inside portion. So I start hitting the outside portion for pretty much the whole loop.

Hour 4 was rough for me. I’m sore. The rain has stopped so I decide to change socks and shoes. Well crap, I thought I had the socks and shoes under some of the plastic bags but the new socks might be wetter the original socks.

About hour 5:20, I still felt off and began thinking about the salsa that I brought. Three chips with salsa on all of them and a sip of my almost-flat Dr Pepper. Well something happened here. I started running and vowed to continue running thru the song on my mp3. Three or four loops later, I have my marathon distance (63 loops) and I’m still feeling good. Back for some more salsa and DP (with occasional gels thrown in) and I start out for the 74 loop 50K distance. I repeat this formula for the next hour. Loop 74 at 6:45:xx. Yea!!!!!!!

I’m feeling good (Can’t believe I even said that) so I keep on going. My friends are on target for their 50Ks; one even hurt her foot and is still gutting it out for her final 7 loops. Wow, people amaze me! I can’t believe that I get to be around people that tough and strong.

Before the race, we were told there will be no partial laps. I completed my last lap at 7:57. 85 loops which comes out to 35.96 miles.


The weather was perfect, the course was perfect, my mental state and my physical state were good (At least for the first 3.5 hours and then hours 5.5 - 8), and all of the stars aligned perfectly. I’ve had bad days and this wasn’t one of them. I made good decisions – maybe not perfect – but definitely not bad.

Since the day turned out so well, I wouldn't have changed much. I'm sure I could have made better decisions and I was off on hydration near the end. But the only real change I would make is to take a rain tarp next time.

Pizza, stretches, and pack up my gear