Yeah – today's 50k trail run was successful. I went into the run with the intention to keep a clear head and to be a 'soul' runner; left my watch at home, focused on other things to keep myself unconcerned about 'beating' the other runners -- to simply enjoy the experience of being out on trail.
0k-7k: The run began near the cement ship at Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. The fog was hanging low out over the Pacific Ocean at this early hour...but it was clear up on the beach where we were. There was a large mix of runners, many doing the 14k, 24k, and 36k...and a much smaller number doing the 50k. Pre-race instructions informed us that the course for the 50k had been modified. We began the journey heading up through Aptos/Capitola and into Nisene Marks State Park on Aptos Creek Road. We cruised around various trails and eventually made our way to the first of five aid stations. This is where I was able to refill my water bottle and move on. On long runs I only drink water in my bottle and carry a flask or two with a thick paste high in calories that I use for food (Carbo Pro and Perpetuem) -- and I also take 2 electrolyte capsules after each aid station.
7k-17k: At this point we were on really beautiful single-track trail. I was able to chat with some other runners that were doing the 50k..and continued on. We kept climbing...and climbing...and climbing...and eventually started our way downhill back to the aid station. Then, I heard a bunch of people yelling. At first I thought that the runners ahead of my were just getting themselves psyched...then I started to get concerned thinking that someone fell and got hurt...and then it hit me -- at first, it felt like a million little cold pricks on my flesh. I realized that I was running into/through a dark cloud...actually, a swarm of bees, and they were going to town on me, as well as the other runners nearby. They were viscous...and rightfully so. A bunch of runners headed down to the river, I continued on, hoping to eventually get away from the bees. Unfortunately, I had taken my shirt off several miles before I ran into the swarm, so I had bee stings all over my back, chest, legs, ankles, and even my scalp. Easily, over 50 stings. Ahhh...it hurt. This assault from the bees continued for almost a kilometer. Eventually, I was able to break free. A female that was doing the 24k did have an allergic reaction and required medical assistance.
17k-29k: After refilling my water at the aid station I headed back out on trail. At this point I was by myself. I committed the course map to memory and just went with the experience. By this point the mass bee stings that covered my body started to swell. I was concerned because both ankles were swollen from the stings, limiting range of motion, and my waste felt like it on fire. Heck, I felt surges of poison flowing through my body that felt like fire. I didn't see any signs of anaphylactic shock, so I figured I'd just keep drinking water and and continue moving towards my goal. I flowed in and out of a meditative state...difficult as it was with the pain of the poison in my bloodstream. This 12k section seemed to go on forever...and, a breath of fresh air, the aid station!
29k-41k: Not much to say here...again, I was on my own. By this time the swelling had gone away from the bees stings, though the poison continued coursing through my veins and hurt. I did what I could to focus on the beauty of the mountains to pull my attention away from the yucky feeling. Overall, negative thoughts were non-existent. I kept a smile on my face and danced gracefully along the trail. Oh yeah - mental imagery and a positive mental state is key to finish a mountain run of this length.
41k-43k: Again, I got more water and went up a fireroad to complete a short 2k out-and-back section. By this point I had already gone the distance of a "marathon", with a crap-load more elevation gain/loss with crazy hills, dirt, logs, stream crossings, rocks, erosion, bridges, etc...but no more bees :) A 50k mountain run is a very different entity than a marathon ... I definitely prefer the trails :)
43k-50k: I didn't bother refilling at the aid station. I was on the home stretch. I hauled butt down and out of Nisene Marks and back into the Aptos/Capitola by the Sea. Ahhh, civilization - people, smiles ... what were the people driving and walking by thinking ... didn't really matter. Before I knew it I ran into a light wall of fog and continued to the finish line with a smile...and sigh of relief.
Post-event: After the run I consumed my magical elixir of Cera Lyte 90 (oral replacement salts) and Ultragen (carbs/protein). Not the greatest tasting drink...but it goes down well and works magic!
Now, as I sit here typing this up, I still feel the poison in my system...at times, it feels like fire. Psychologically, it makes my mind very agitated...thus why my blog isn't too poetic this time. However, overall, I feel really good. I finished the race, I was in the top group of finishers while staying unconcerned about racing, and my feet are still intact (no blisters and I still have all of my nails!). My muscles also feel good. Uhmm...I'm wondering how sane I am with a 50-miler mountain run in two weekends ;)
Today's run was awesome, and I'm also glad to be home now - lol!
Hope you are having an awesome weekend!
-steve
