We started out the morning with a short drive in from Charlotte. When we arrived it was still dark and quite chilly. A large bonfire marked the location of the race headquarters and packet pick-up. We made a beeline for the tables and got our swag-bags. They were chock-full of goodies! The highlights of the swag being a gender-specific tech tee, a pint glass, and 2 magazines. Quite a sweet score for a very reasonable entry fee.
Back at the car, we stashed our bags and got down to the business of getting ready. We jammed to Jack Johnson as we applied copious amounts of Bodyglide and chatted about our strategies for the day. This was my first really technical trail race and I was nervous. I had already prepared myself to forget about my 50k pr of 4:57 at New River and from what I could already see of the course, this was a smart decision.
Start time approached as we huddled together for final instructions. Drop bags were placed and in no time we were sent off into the woods on our 50k journey. The first 8 miles went by quickly, probably running faster than I should have been, but I was excited and felt pretty good. The course was impeccably marked, so that took the fear of getting lost off my shoulders. The trail was far more technical than any I had run before. Lots of roots, switchbacks, rocks, and hills. I knew
that I would fall on this run. And fall I did. I took lovely spill, I would guess around mile 10, nailing my knee on a root on the way down. But I picked myself up and dusted myself off and plodded onward. As the morning wore on, it got much warmer and I was thankful I had gone with the combo of a tank and skirt instead of something warmer. Columbia's reputation for heat did not disappoint on this January day. I was filling my handheld at most aid stations and remember the unexpected joy of a friendly face when I came into an aid station to cheers of, "Go Nicole!!" It was Kristin Schmitz- her husband William was also running the race. I definitely appreciated her enthusiasm- something I have found to be a hallmark of the ultra experience. People are just *so* nice and full of encouragement.
When we began, we were warned that things got difficult in the last 6 miles. This was a very kind warning. The trail hit a steady incline with lots of technicality for almost 6 miles straight. I have never been so glad as I was when it evened out a bit towards the end- right before the aid station at the half. I knew I wasn't feeling as strong as I had in the past, but remembered the adage, "If you're feeling good during an ultra, don't worry, it won't last," and hoped that the opposite was also true.
At the half, I tanked up on Gatorade and stretched a bit. Posed for a picture with my running buddy- because isn't that what all serious runners do? We weren't going to win. Might as well smile and have some fun. We were both ready to hit the trail and started out running on the second half. About 1/2 a mile into the woods, I experienced my first ever muscle cramp from running. My hamstring seized so tightly, it felt like it could snap my leg in half. I'm pretty sure the sound that I made was a yelp as my running buddy asked if I needed help. I shook my head and said I'd walk it off. Which didn't feel like it was going to work- but it did. The rest of the second half had more than it's fair share of muscle
cramps and a few additional falls. The final fall being most comical as I popped back up immediately and began to curse the root that had tripped me. We were completely slap-happy and laughing like maniacs.
We walked more in the second half and kept, "chipping away at it," because we knew quitting wasn't an option. That's the thing, when you're a roadie on trail, you aren't in your usual element. No amount of road mileage could have prepared me for the challenge of the technicality on this trail. We finished in 6:47. Almost 2 hours slower than my 50k pr. And yet, it still felt like a victory. I didn't quit. I ran as much as I could. I didn't back down. I am so thankful to Dan for putting on such a fabulous and well-supported race. And I totally <3 my bison 50k finisher's pint glass.
