VB50k

Ran the race for the second year in a row. Last year I was super speedy and ran it in 2:09- the 25k. This time I was running double that on way less mileage. Good times.

I had gotten a letter in the mail in May promising a super amazing gift I registered before June first, and as my love language is things I didn't pay for even if it is junk, like a sucker I signed up. At the time of the sign up I do believe I was planning on a 50 miler and was feeling quite invincible. Then I had that bike accident. Then the summer became a roasting pan, and I have more excesses if you want.

So I went into this race with a long run at around 22k. Lots of bike mileage this summer, but nothing replaces time on your feet running so basically my plan was to wing it. I figured I am pretty strong mentally, and it is trail so really, I am young and why not?

My goals were simple, run a reasonable pace- not to fast but not too slow on the first of the 25k loop, and try to survive the second.
The first loop was great, met some people to talk to, listened to conversation around me, and just enjoyed being out on the trail. Remembered sections but do not recall that it was mostly made up single track so that was a bonus. First loop in 2:37.

Second loop was ran mostly on my own. I put on my ipod and basically bargained with myself. Run one song get to walk for a bit, that progressed to run two songs, and so on.
Around the 35k mark, I got a Tylenol from one of the aid station ladies. Around 40k the rain started, it was responsibly warm out so it was kind of refreshing. My hip which is always sore was sore, and as well my feet. I had worn brand new shoes for the occasion! Although it seems to me that I only get sore feet when I wear road shoes on trail. Trail shoes feel fine on trail. Road shoes feel fine on road. Interesting.  The finish line is on a hill, and it took all the strength I had left to make it up that hill without walking.

All in all a good, really pretty trail. Great race. Fed well post. Got kinda a crappy massage. Most races near large urban centres offer massage post via students taking massage therapy. I have had actually good luck post race with massage, that day not so much.
Oh my finish time was 5:50- which is sup 6hours so all good to me!