Post Avalon 50 mile Race

It's the day after the race and I feel really good. I couldn't be more pleased with how the day went and even more happy that I came in under 9hrs.
    With the race starting at 5am I thought I would be freezing cold until the sun came up but the weather was perfect. Nice cool temps starting out and heading into a 1600' climb helped to keep me warm. It was an awesome view getting to the top of the first climb and looking back down the trail seeing a long line of runners headlamps zigzagging back down the mountain.

Bottles in the air. (sweet action shot courtesy of my wife)

A great race

Sprinting into the finish

At the start ready to run

My GPS almost made it the whole 50

    The first 13 miles went by really fast, I was making sure to pace myself and not go out to fast. I walked the steep hills and looking at my splits stayed under 13min/mil on all of those portions. The aid stations were fully stocked and all the volunteers were awesome and really helpful. I stayed on top of my hydration/nutrition needs utilizing salt caps, GU gels, Cytomax and water, with the combination I didn't experience any cramping and felt good. The only mistake I did make was drinking a Mango fruit drink at around mile 40 which left my stomach in knots and had me dry heaving for 3 miles. It slowed me down a bit but thankfully it didn't last that long and sipping on water definitely helped. The last few miles were on steep downhill roads and I just let my legs go and flew down. With my GPS dying at 44 miles I didn't know if I was going to make it under 9 so I just ran as hard as I could and hoped for the best. Coming into Avalon and seeing the race clock knowing that I was going to finish under 9 hours I was overwhelmed and chucked my water bottles in the air and almost didn't cross through the actual finish tape they had up.  My time was 8hrs and 49 min I finished about 37th overall and had an awesome day.  Next up Rocky Road Endurance 100 mile run in February.

Avalon 50 mile Run. Game Time

Getting my gear ready for the Avalon 50 mile run this Saturday, I am super excited and ready to run. My last 50 mile run I did well and was happy with my performance, I ran a 9:47. The Avalon course is a little elevation gain (7600') than Dick Colllins firetrails so Im going to put forth my best effort and try to come in under 9 hrs. Going into this run I have learned a little bit more about what I need to do during the run in order to feel good and maintain a steady pace. I stopped by Sierra Running Company today and got plenty of GU gels some Cytomax and of course a license plate frame, which is absolutely necessary for a successful run. I will post more pics and my results after the run.

San Joaquin River Trail Run

This route starts at the end of Sky Harbor Rd at Millerton Lake. It takes you straight up and over a hill and back down along the lake edge. It winds around the lake for 11 miles to the turn around, complete with an outhouse and wonderful views. An out and back trip takes you 22 miles with over 4000' of gain. Bring lots of water.