- June 21, 2014- San Juan Solstice 50 Mile, 64th Place, 12:30:31
I
hung back for the first few miles of that race where I finally got
excited at all of the creek crossings and began to race past folks.
Stupidly, I kept about a 180 heart rate on that first big climb over
treeline and back to the first 15.7 mile major aid station. I remember
the painful descent and getting passed by many and already hurting and
almost crying at the aid station already when I saw my dad. I felt awful
and knew the day would be a battle. About a mile out from the aid
station, I noticed my back was very wet and through much walking, I
realized my water bladder had a leak. What was I to do? I had no way to
get more water for a long time and a big monster of a climb (biggest of
the day). I had to carry the bladder upside down to keep as much water
as possible. This was a huge morale killer and I got passed by many on
the way up to the Carson aid station. From there, I dropped the bladder
and tried to continue up over the divide for 9 hard miles with only a 16
oz hand bottle and 16 oz disposable water bottle. Those resources went
quickly (like before the climb was over) and I slowed to a crawl trying
to preserve myself until I could get more water. I thought I was
seriously doomed when at the very top of the climb, I found a full 24 oz
bottle that someone ahead not coming back had dropped. A miracle! This
carried me in to the next aid where I began to get moving again. Coming
in the final major aid station with 10 miles and one climb to go, I was
right at about 10 hours and hoping to break 12 still for the run. I
pretty much spanked the climb and was on track still where I lost it on
the descent. I could not run down and it hurt. I was having to walk
everything. Even the last couple miles into town I had to trade off
between running and walking. Hard ass 50 miler off the couch. Go me. I
was puking all night and just felt nasty from that one. I was happy to have my dad there as number 1 cheerleader as well as my wife and son for that last aid station and finish.
