This past weekend I ran in the Tulsa Running Club Post Oak Lodge 50k (31 miles). A 50k is the entry level distance for ultras and since Houston was only 5 weeks behind me, I figured no time like the present to kick one out. This 50k was run completely on trails just north of Tulsa and I loved it.
The main difference between a 50k and a marathon was my approach to the race. In a marathon I always have a "goal" time in mind and the physical aspect of the run is much more certain. For this race, I just wanted to finish (mental) and come out injury free (physical). Thankfully I was able to accomplish both. These 4 pictures were stolen from the course website, and give you a great idea of what it was like to run.
Here are some random takeaways from the race.
Check elevation chart before you run. I envisioned "Oklahoma; Native American Lands; Plains; Flat". What I got was an Extension of SW Missouri Hills.
Open mouth; insert foot: As you enter the Post Oak Lodge driveway a couple signs greet you that say "Hill From Hell". I turn to my mom and say, "that hill does not scare me, I have been running in Farmington".
Hill From Hell > Farmington
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| Conquered (twice) |
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| The Hill From Hell |
When running a trail race be constantly aware of directional signage.
Road races = never alone. 50k trail race = 25k racing alone.
Road races = water and Gatorade aid stations. 50k trail race = bacon and beer
Oklahoma drills for oil everywhere; including right next to their trails.
Tweet a pic of your race medal to @runitfast they post it online and give you some twitter love in return.
Let your mom know if you plan on changing shirts mid-race. This info makes it easier for her to spot you at the end. I started in a lime green long sleeve with an orange shirt underneath, but finished in the Shamrock shirt. She noticed just in time to take these two photos. Both of them were easy to take as I was in survivor shuffle mode. Afterwards she was impressed with my "salty face".Mud on the legs, just to prove I ran a trail race. After 5:19:08, McDonalds is a must. Coldest ice bath ever!
Back home with my baby girls! Someone is looking very 23 weeks!
Braid Paisley that night to cap it all off! (no, we were not that close)
Congrats man! What an awesome accomplishment. As usual, it is always fun seeing you both when you come to Springtown
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I would love to run an ultra sometime, but I need to run my marathon first!
ReplyDeleteThanks Justin. Good to see you too. Looking forward to Go! and in the distance Chicago.
ReplyDeleteJamie: After your marathon, just think it's only 5 more miles! The key is to just stay active and try to pick one a few weeks after your marathon so you still have the endurance. The best part is you won't run the whole thing so in some ways it's mentally easier than a marathon at some points.