Greetings to all. Thanks for all the postings and race reports. Fun to put some faces and names together, lucky2B. And a chance to view some of the beautiful Kentucky landscapes.
I completed my first ever 50K distance this Saturday. Whispering Pines Trail Run in Tyler State Park (Tyler Tx). Lots of large trees provided sufficient protection from the sun for the entire race, but the humidity and lack of wind made it difficult for many. I had done a full marathon training cycle this spring and tapered for 2 weeks preceding the race, so I was ready for the distance and had no problems with heat/humidity. But tripping over roots, rocks, etc and falling flat on my face multiple times - I wasn't quite prepared for that.
My goal was to complete the 10 mile loops in around 2 hours. First loop was 1:55 with 4 almost falls. Second loop was 2:20 with four falls (one which literally knocked the wind out of me). Third was 2:00 with only 2 almost falls. So final time was 6:15.
Legs and hips feel fine - just really sore where I hit the ground and scruffed myself up. It was a small field, so I won the 50+ female--- helps to be old and a girl!
My husband did not fare so well. He had such terrible leg cramps that he literally found himself forced to lay down on the trail. Fortunately he did not try to finish. This is the 3rd time now that he has had severe leg cramping in long distance events. He seems to be very attuned to his hydration and always prepares well for events, so I am not sure why this keeps happening to him. He is 52, 165 lbs, 5'9". He has participated in high levels of activity since junior high (tennis, cycling, running), and trains adequately for his events. Any poster(s) advice/guidance/experience here?
Needless to say, I think long distance trail runs are off my schedule for awhile. I'll take a week or two off to relax from running hard and then start training for my fall marathon and (hopefully) a new PR in the half.
Next marathon....NYC, November 2013! I'm in! Very excited!