I took a few months off of running due to a nagging injury... Also, moving to Savannah I was swamped with lack of time and finding a job etc... I decided that I would have to save Leadville Trail 100 for next year, and shoot for a 50k to keep my mind preoccupied.
Armadillo Broil 50k is Richmond Hill GA first Ultra taking place at JF Gregory Park. 3.1 mile loop, mostly paved "trail" and about a mile dirt trail, flat as can be expected for running in the Savannah area. Shade for most of the trail minus the start/finish area. Weather that day was high 80* with a heat index of 112* due to the humidity. Parts of the trail were muggier than others. Race was very well organized, there was a 25k option and 50k option. Great race for runners looking for a long training run for upcoming fall marathons and also great ultra for anyone looking to run their first 50k, my advice, run in the heat to get use to the humidity and also practice nutrition during your long runs, find what works for you, you don't want to be at mile 20 and be in the bathroom....
So starting to run 5 weeks ago, and barely getting any miles in during the weekdays and only 3 "long" runs within this time frame was not much training leading up to this 50k, also, most of my runs (minus the long distance) were done on the TM before work. So leading into this race I knew I was NOT race ready, I didn't have the training in, but I was strong, I've been focusing on strength training, I know I still had some speed in me, but the endurance would be my tackle. My mission was to get this 50k in and then continue training for what's next.
Race Strategy... Haha. What?!
Nutrition- TRIFUEL www.brlsports.com
Gear- Altra Running (Impulse) www.altrarunning.com
My strategy was to run the first 20 miles at a comfortable pace (7:45-7:50) and then just keep moving along doing what I can for the next 11 miles.
Well I didn't do that. I ran the first 18 miles at a sub 7:20 pace, I felt good and went with it. Do I think I started out too fast? No, I think I started out great if I was running a 50k in weather that did not have a heat index of 112. But anyways...
I fueled off TRIFUEL, wild berry. Well I ran out of TRIFUEL after 15 miles, I didnt want to waste time making more so I switched to water, I also made the mistake of pouring most of my water on me, and I didn't want to stop at aid stations to waste time.... (I'm an idiot).
Anyways... That being said mile 18-27.9 was not good, I turned my GPS around bc I was getting mad seeing my pace drop from 7:20 to 8:30s. I took a few quick walking breaks, stretched, also pet a few dogs, also had to pour more water on me every chance I could get. I felt myself starting to overheat. I wasn't too scared knowing I only had one more loop to go (5k). I started to feel light headed, but feet were still moving. I was just about to lap the leading male (Jay Sweet) he ran along side of me for the rest of my last lap, talking to me, keeping me going.
Finished 1st overall, 4:07:05. Happy with my finish considering lack of training that went into this race. It's also been 5 months since I have raced, so being part of this event sparked that inner motivation in me, I love watching other running, whether it's their first or 50th ultra, knowing how much time and work they put into their training, knowing in their head they are saying "what the $*<&!!" As I am in my own head.
Congratulations to Lara Zoeller on coming in 2 overall, Us Altra Ladies definitely made them boys sad. Also, congratulations to Sara Maltby for winning the 25k for the ladies. Also, congratulations to everyone who showed up there that day in that heat and ran lap after lap with smiles on their faces.
Thank you Dan Hernandez for another great event in Low Country.
What's next.
Buffalo Run 50k
Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon
Every time you ran past me I said to myself, "how the f&@* is she still going?!" Way to go.
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