Start line selfie
We’re done. We’re totally done.
The Bel Monte 50K trail race was hard and fun and beautiful and, oh yeah, really hard. It took me 9 hours 14 minutes which was longer than I’d estimated. Looking back, there are a couple of places I might have picked it up but I don’t know what that would have done on the backend. I am so happy with how the whole thing went—gorgeous weather and really no issues other than the distance. Not one of my worries about being too hot or cold, falling, bears, eye-poking sticks, etc materialized.
Things I’d guessed right and wrong.
I had far fewer issues than I planned for. Of all of the stuff I my pack and drop-bag, I only ended up changing out my socks and putting more body glide on my feet. I didn’t need the extra shirt, jacket, gels, headlamp, or portable phone charger.
My main issue was that I had no idea where I was mileage-wise most of the time. I was using my fitbit which flaked (or I flaked) and was paused for the first 5 miles. I wasn't expecting it to be accurate on that kind of up and down terrain—but I figured it’d be better than nothing. It wasn't really. Anyone who knows my “math in my head skills” would understand this was a challenge for me. Looking at the number, I’d need to add 5, then subtract a guestimated amount for how far off it was. As I said, I was baffled most of the race.
There was this one random “robin” sign in the middle of course- there were no other ones like it. I don’t know who it was intended for or why this was the key word but I took it as a little sign of encouragement.
I was right I’d be alone most of it—but that was only on the way back. The way out was really fun because I was in a pack of similarly paced people all chatting. I kept up with two friends most of the way out. We’d talk a bit, then they’d continue their very light, friendly conversation. A couldn’t hear them well but it was so nice to have the sound of very casual, not-stressed conversation.
And why I couldn’t hear well? Well, my pack has a pouch for water or Gatorade. If I don’t push out the air at the top, it sloshes. Loudly. On top of that, at the last minute, I threw in a pack of Trader Joe’s gingermints thinking that might help settle my stomach if things got weird. That thinking wasn’t wrong—I just didn’t need to bring the entire tin. I sounded like a one-man band running down the trail. As I’d approach someone from the back, they’d pause turn and ask, “WHAT do you have in there?” Then, I’d have to explain. Again and again.
All the food worked out great. I had the most delicious Twinkie I’ve ever had, then later a tangerine which was AMAZING. I opened some Doritos to get me up a long set of switchbacks on the way home. The bag only lasted one switchback and I realized I can't huff and puff and chew at the same time.
Brian did awesome. I’d forgotten until he reminded me that on an out and back course we’d see each other at some point. I’m always happy to see him but that was a pretty extra happy moment.
Onto the playlist… this seriously was a highlight. I didn’t start it until the turnaround. I loved that many of the songs were new to me. I also loved that there was such an eclectic mix.
#212 and #213 done and so happy!
This morning, my legs are crazy sore. I can’t remember another time being quite this incapacitated. It was so worth it. The experience was everything I hoped for and more. I don’t yet know if I’d do another. Brian and I will surely take on another “project” like this.
Oh, and that’s the other thing… Lynda and Marc (Brian’s mom and brother) made this possible by staying with the kids. We got 2 nights in a hotel, the race, and some much-needed time on the couch with Panera, a couple of beers, and 2 John Mulvaney specials on Netflix.
If you’re ultra—or even just trail running-curious, let’s talk!