This weekend was one to remember. My first 50 mile distance trail race in the bag and what an amazing (seriously!) experience it was.
From the course and views, to the spectacular muddy mess and blowing my expectations away… I couldn’t have asked for a better day.
Rain stopped early morning so we could see the moon and skies clearing right before the 5am start.
The trail of headlamps weaving up Bobcat… Picture doesn’t do justice to the beauty of it.
Descending down into Muir Beach, about mile 17-18.
Climbing out of Stinson beach to the top of Cardiac Hill. The conditions of the trails and the waterfalls roaring from all the rain we had was very difficult. This climb was brutal and a mental game that put me in a dark place.
But at the top was mile 36 aid station and then a long few miles of down hill single track slugging through the mud that lifted my spirits and made me feel like a kid splashing through the muck!
Another climb out of Muir Beach at mile 41/42 played more mind games with me, but by then I KNEW I was going to finish 50 miles so I might as well leave EVERYTHING I had out there.
Bring on the pain train!
And a final push downhill for 2 miles logging in a sub 8min and 8xx min mile to cross the finish line in 9:58:30. Under the 10 hour goal that was my ULTIMATE best case scenario!
Great friends out there and rocking my BayBirds Racing singlet for the day.
After getting myself home, a long hot shower and placing a take out order of burritos and chips/ salsa I sat on my living room floor with my daughter and ate these straight from the box.
Feeling good, riding the endorphin high still and can’t wait to get a massage tonight!
Also taking a couple weeks off of running though still staying active with cycling, yoga, strength and core. And working on my training plan for Boston in April!! 2015 will also include a half marathon in February for a speed check-in. Ready to get my speed on and to the track in the first part of 2015!
How’s everyone’s week?
Anyone else race over the weekend?
Who else is in their ‘off-season’?
See Sarah Run SF 
Congrats on finishing your first 50 mile race in sub-10! Looks like some great scenery on the course – the views, the creek and lots of ferns!
Thank you for the kudos! Finally feeling like I can walk up/ down stairs normally today 🙂 The beauty of the course made it all worth it!
Great post! I know it’s very late but congratulations!