the stumpjump 50k

I don't really consider myself a runner, but rather someone who runs. I've done it for a few years, and run in a few marathons, half-marathons, and a handful of shorter ones. Yet, I decided a few months ago I wanted to try my hand at an ultra-marathon. By definition, an ultra is anything that is longer than a marathon (26.2 miles). Typically they are 50k, 100k, 50miles, and 100 miles. The StumpJump 50k, based here in Chattavegas, was the goal. With it being so close, it was nice to get out there for weekly runs on the actual course. I figured I needed that mental edge to get me thru the miles (31 to be exact, with 2200' of elevation gain). see the map here

Race morning was cool, crisp & invigorating. The start was at Nolan Elementary, the start of our weekly training runs. The first 4 miles were on wide trails and forest service roads that allowed runners to spread out a bit. At Mushroom Rock, the trail took a steep turn down to the bottom of the gorge, where we would cross North Suck Creek. The trail was tight and rocky in places, with cliff-like drop offs to the side. I slowed a bit here to ensure that my ankles made it down in one piece. After crossing the swinging bridge (a bigger task than it sounds when 6 other runners are trying to quickly cross it too. I thought I was going to bounce off at times.) At the other side, a steep climb awaited me (a nice opportunity for a solid hike up to stretch the legs), a nice run along the ridge, and another run down to Suck Creek Road.

Next up was a nice undulating run to Indian Rockhouse. We were now in the Prentice Cooper WMA and had stunning views of the Tennessee River winding below. After a quick refuel at the aid station (which was thoroughly stocked), it was off for the only section of the race I wasn't very familiar with: the Mullens Cove/Rock Garden Loop (it had been over a year since I ran this, whereas I've been on the other sections almost weekly for the last 3 months). The first 5 miles were rather normal and I was feeling great. Then we hit the infamous Rock Garden: a section of ankle-twisting boulders to shake things up a bit. The goal was to make it to the other side in one piece so that I'd have a chance at seeing the finish line. I hung out with a woman named Jill on this section, who was a 3-time finisher of the Leadville 100. We exchanged stories of running and adventure racing and soon enough we completed the loop and were back at the Rockhouse... wahooo, 10 miles to go!

I was energized once again, knowing that I was actually going to make it. And, if things kept going well, my time wasn't going to be too bad either. This last section was essentially the same as the first and already etched in my memory. I sped up where I could and took the rocky sections easy. Once past Mushroom Rock, I settled into a faster pace, easily passing at least 6-8 people. As I came out of the woods and turned up the drive to the school, it was cool to see everyone hanging out at the finish line cheering. I crossed the finish line at 6:22:53, crushing my main goal of 7hrs & my secret goal of 6:45. I was the 11th female (out of 29), and 75th overall (out of 159).

Thinking back about the race... it went really well and I felt great. Strangely great. My pace was comfortable the entire time and my energy levels always high. My goal was to stay consistent and to run my race, trying not to get caught up with everyone else around me. Somehow this actually happened, resulting in one of the best runs I've had. Hopefully this isn't an anomoly, and that my body and mind were just in the right place, together. And hopefully I can make this combo happen again. (like, for the upcoming Mt Mitchell Challenge - hey, what's 9 more miles?! :)

Recovery is going well too. No injuries and just 2 blisters from the race (in unusual spots too). I do have the normal post-race tightness in my legs (particularly my hamstrings), but no actual pain (unlike last year's Atlanta half marathon... yikes!)