50k

[Andrea]

I used to do a lot of trail running, but then cut way back when I started bike racing. Recently, I decided I wanted to go for both, so about a month ago, I started running again.

Soon after, I got the crazy idea to run in the Ouachita Trail 50k. I figured if I could get up to at least a 15 mile training run during a month of training, that my extensive cycling base (and innate tenacity) would get me through the rest of it.

So yesterday was the race. My strategy was to walk uphill, run downhill, and jog the flat spots. It's tough to make yourself walk up the first hill when your legs are fresh, and everyone is passing you, but I did it anyway. I also wanted to make sure I got enough calories. "Real" food is usually desirable, but I didn't have enough time in training to get totally comfortable with solid food/running, so I got all of my calories from an assortment of gel/some heed in my hydration pack. Electrolytes came from powerbar gels, a couple of elete electrolyte tabs, and a cup of pickle juice somewhere along the way.

I honestly had no intentions of "competing" at this race. I had a bit of burnout from bike racing, and this 50k was more "therapy" for me than anything else. However, I ended up finishing in 6 hours and 15 minutes, getting 2nd place for the women and 8th overall out of 80 finishers.

Of course, today I can hardly walk, but I'm pretty stoked that I actually did it- and did it well

[kacie tri-ing]

Congrats!!!!!! What a great report!

I am sure you are thrilled with completing it, and with those amazing results!

[papaver]

congrats!

[alpinerabbit]

WOW. what an achievement. must have been the pickle juice, I swear.

[Andrea]

Thanks, everyone!

...and pickle juice is awesomely salty- this race was the first one where I didn't have calf cramps near the end of the race

[Grog]

Wow, that's great! Congrats Andrea!!!

[michelem]

CONGRATS to you!!!

[OakLeaf]

Wow! Way to go Andrea!

[Skierchickie]

That is incredible, Andrea! You must be a natural, to pull that off after one month back into running. I'm pretty jealous. After reading your post, I had to wait around for DH to read it to him. He thought it was awesome, too.

[jesvetmed]

I'm jealous at the base of fitness you must have, and completely in awe!
Congratulations. Pickle juice.. genius! Although choking it down while running long distances makes me a little queazy to think about!

Are you planning to keep up the running again?
I could see triathlons in your future... or are they in your past, too?!

[Andrea]

Thanks again, gals!

The pickle juice was actually pretty yummy after downing so many sweet gel packs- I poured about 1/3 a small Styrofoam cup of it, then added about as much cold water.

As for future plans, I am aiming for any type of super-endurance type stuff- adventure racing, 24 hour MTB races, and possibly a 100 mile run in October. No triathlons, though. I hate swimming. Not that I'm bad at it... I just can't stand to do it! I wouldn't train for it if you paid me

[kacie tri-ing]

How are you feeling this week? Which 100 mile runs are you considering??

[Andrea]

My quads are still trashed, so I've only managed one short bike ride yesterday, which was painful, but bearable. Other than the insane muscle soreness, I am past ready to get back to training, so I'm a bit frustrated!

I want to run the Arkansas Traveler 100 in October. I've worked an aid station there for the past 3 years, paced someone for a 17 mile stretch once, and have run a couple of other sections on my own, so I am pretty familiar with the course.

[Red Rock]

Andrea: I just wanted to say Congrats on your race! I know I am very late here coming in and saying this. I appreciate how you thought out your attack on the course. There really isn't anything that we can not do, if we put our minds to it.

In the meantime, may you heal quickly and with the least amount of pain.

Red Rock

[kacie tri-ing]

Man, do I understand! I am still waiting for my hip to be feeling good from 2.5 weeks ago! AH! Happy recovery!