Since my last post, it's been business as usual. I decided to participate in a FA (Fat Ass), specifically the 7th Annual Falls Lake FA. I set out to get a long, single-track trail run with the goal of getting in a marathon -- my longest run since 2008. It was a cold, cloudy morning with light rain and very muddy trails from previous rain. At the same time, I decided to try a whole new nutrition plan. Previously, I used a Hammer gel every 20 minutes with some water. Occasionally I would use a Hammer Perpetuem with water. This time I decided to try out Tailwind. One pack per 20oz bottle, trying to consume one bottle per hour. I also supplemented with Hammer gel every 30 minutes or an occasional Stinger wafer. Let me tell you what, I felt amazing.
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| Just before start, I'm center blue. |
I stayed a tad behind with a friend of mine as we made our way through the, at times, ankle-deep mud and calf-high water. Hopping over rocks and negotiating rooted hills, we made it to the marathon turnaround. My buddy tweaked his hip a bit and decided he was going to turn around. I evaluated myself and decided I felt too good to stop now, so I continued on to the 50k turnaround at 15.5 miles in "what's 2 miles, right?!"
Making my way through the woods with a pack of four, including myself, we hit 15.5 miles. Two of the pack were continuing on to the 40 mile turnaround while myself and another decided to turn around. I evaluated again and thought I could probably do 40, I didn't want to push it since I had a long way to get back and I was already charting new mileage. We started our trek back at a comfortable pace, only stopping at the donated aid stations (three in total). After awhile my newly befriended ultra runner decided to break off in search of a bathroom, leaving my in my lonesome.
It never really bothered me to run by myself. I've spent most of the last five years training by myself. Having an extended amount of time to reflect on one's self and other various life events has always been relaxing. I usually don't listen to anything -- just me and my thoughts. The only time it starts to get somewhat weird is when it's dark out or when I've been out for hours. While the sun was still up during my FA run, having been running for 4+ hours and at the time, by myself, things started to get a little weird. Much like when it's dark, I start to see things that aren't always there; my mind conjuring up whatever it can in an attempt to identify my unfocused surroundings. "Is that a person? Is that a deer? Was I already here? Did someone call my name?" Nothing life-altering and it's not like I was out there for 10+ hour 50 mile run - just something I started to notice as I attempted to auto-pilot my way back.
About 4.5 hours in and about 10 miles away from the finish is when I started to not want to eat anymore. I was drinking the Tailwind but I was out of gels and needed to continue eating wafers. However, just the thought of it was disgusting. On top of that, I was on the caffeinated Raspberry Buzz flavored Tailwind that I was absolutely not a fan of. So while I was baby-sipping the Tailwind, I was breaking off pieces of the wafer trying to eat them without gagging. I ended up getting a mouth full of water, then taking a bite - mixing it in my mouth and swallowing. I was able to eat half of one but didn't eat anymore for the last 6 miles or so. I was terribly off schedule for nutrition and my body was depleted.
After a few uninspired miles I made it to the finish. Despite being energy depleted, my muscles felt better than anticipated. Looking down and seeing 30 miles on my Garmin was surreal. My feet were wet during the entire run, my hands were freezing, and the tips of two of my toes were hurting every time I went down a hill but man was it fun. It's not much more than a marathon, but it sure was a hell of a lot harder. My post long run meal is usually a Sofritas Chipotle burrito but my stomach still didn't want anything. I downed some tomato soup, Coke, and a grilled cheese. Overall it was a great experience and I was happy to basically run the same course as my 50k race in March. My confidence in the distance was boosted and now I'm sure I can do it. I was on my feet most of that night and most of the next day, including a one mile recovery run and a seven mile run two days after that. I learned a few lessons along the way as well (carry some extra socks/s) that will help me on race day.
Time: 5:24
Avg Pace: 10:25
Distance: 50k
Nutrition:
20oz bottle of Tailwind mixture every hour.
1 Hammer Gel every 30 minutes - Substitute wafer (half per half hour) as needed to mix it up.
Sip from second water source after every gel and Tailwind drink.
Random unmanned aid station cookie.
-AaronMFJ
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