There Is Nothing Like Your First Ultra!

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Last fall, after the Bluff Relay, I decided that it was time to challenge myself and push myself to do a longer trail race. Many were talking about a Spring 50K and I found myself interested in the conversation. It was finally decided that Pineland Farms was the race and many Bimblers were going to participate. What a great way to do my first ultra race, in the company of friends! I gave in and registered. There was no turning back once I saw my name on the official list of runners. I was committed.

I spent the winter and spring months training and mentally preparing myself. There were long hours spent running on various trails and roads, many email exchanges filled with encouragement, early rises to accommodate both running and family schedules, eating large amounts of food, caring for various injuries… Somehow we made it through training and race weekend arrived.

[singlepic=6245,280,200,,right]Pineland Farms is in New Gloucester, ME, about four hours from home. Since it was quite a drive, many of us decided to spend the weekend. We rented a house that was two miles from the start/finish line. Upon arrival, I knew immediately that this was a great decision. It was a beautiful old house that had been restored, and was actually on a working farm. It overlooked rolling green pastures lined with pristine white fences. The house had a front porch with rocking chairs to take in the scenery, including the cows!

The drive to the house was along part of the course and gave a sneak peek at what was to come on the race the next day. Lefty greeted us when we arrived. We dropped off our things and headed over to the church for packet pickup. Then back to the house where many of us met for the pre-race pasta potluck dinner. We all shared our excitement, nervousness and anticipation about the upcoming race. With full bellies, we went to bed early, determined to be well rested for the next day.

I had a hard time sleeping. It must have been the anticipation of the race. I have heard that it’s not the sleep you get the night before the race that counts, rather it’s the sleep you get two nights before the race. I was certainly hoping that was true!

The morning had an early start. Some were up before dawn as the 50 mile race started at 6am. The 50K runners got to “sleep in” as we didn’t start until 8am. And those doing the 25K had a 10am start. We all went through our race morning routines… Eating, drinking, wondering what to wear, preparing our water bottles, studying the course map… It was fun to get ready in the company of so many and excitement was in the air.

[singlepic=6214,280,200,,left]We got to the race in plenty of time and met up with the other Bimblers (who were not already running) who were staying in local hotels. The traditional foot star photo was taken. We lined up at the start, listened to the pre-race debriefing and we were off.

I immediately felt the excitement. I was doing this! I was actually running the 50K!

It was a beautiful day for a trail race. Clear blue skies with a predicted high of 73 degrees. There was often a light cool breeze. As we ran along, it seemed to me that the course description was accurate. It had claimed that there were constant rolling hills, open fields and wide non-technical and well groomed trails. That was exactly what we were running. Much of it reminded me of running at Lake Hammonassett. The trails were undulating smaller hills through the tall pine trees providing lots of shade. This was a nice contrast to running in the sun in the open fields of tall green grass where a path had been cut along the perimeter.

[singlepic=6220,280,200,,left]For the 50K, we would be running a 25K loop twice. It was a zig-zag loop that crossed some aid stations two or three times and we were never more than three or four miles from an aid station. This was a helpful reminder to eat and drink. It was also a great way for our spectator families and friends to cheer us on. It was a good feeling to see their smiling faces and hear their words of encouragement. It’s amazing what a hug can do for motivation! All three race distances were on the same course. This made it easy to see our fellow runners out there, too. We would run next to each other on the same trail, see each other through the trees or across the fields, and meet up at trail intersections. A high 5 can do wonders for motivation!

Boo Man, Iggy, Quiet Man and I started out together. After the first 5K or so, Boo Man had entered his zone and he slowly disappeared on the trail in front of us. We wouldn’t see him until the finish. We ran the first loop, walking the uphills, trying to conserve our energy for the second loop.

[singlepic=6193,280,200,,right]As I was running, Bounce’s wise advice in a previous race report was in my mind. “Eat early and eat often. Drink early and drink often.” With aid stations every three to four miles, the first one quickly appeared. I was so focused on taking my electrolyte tablet that I forgot to eat and I forgot to drink! Oh dear! I needed to get this nervous energy under control and focus. After that, I seemed to relax.

The course was clearly marked, so getting lost was not going to be a concern. The aid stations had themes and we had to vote on the best one. In particular, I liked the one with the live music! The local youth orchestra had kids playing violins, flutes and cellos out on the trails. Beautiful sound out there! Music to my ears! The aid stations were well stocked. I made sure to eat plenty of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, oranges, bananas, watermelon, pretzels and potatoes. It was quite a selection and helped keep me going.

We approached the 25K point much sooner than I expected. This really didn’t seem so bad! We came into the start/finish point and there was Frank! He was sitting in a chair after finishing his first loop. He was feeling nauseous and wasn’t sure about doing the second loop. We refilled our water bottles, applied more body glide, grabbed a snack and headed out for the second loop. My watch said 3:20. Frank decided to join us for a while and off we went. It was nice to have additional company.

I had heard about the highs and the lows that you can experience while running such a long distance. I was prepared for the low points, knowing they would pass and then lead to the high points. I was not prepared, however, for that low point to include tears. This came somewhere between 25K and 30K. I could not believe what was happening! Why was I crying? What was this about? This had never happened before. I got very quiet, which is very unlike me, and I didn’t know how to handle it. I still don’t understand it, but I guess it was from fatigue, from my aching IT band, from wanting to be done… I don’t think that Iggy, Quiet Man or Mayor knew what to do about it either. They were so supportive and kept me going. It was nice to listen to their stories. I now know that just because Boo Man isn’t talking doesn’t mean he’s not listening. That was what I was doing. I listened got lost in the stories and it was a good distraction.

The second loop we did a lot more walking. I kept thinking run when you can, walk when you have to. Half way through the second loop, there was no more running for me. My stiff legs would only allow for shuffling. So we shuffled and we walked. And everything seemed to resemble a hill. But we kept moving and with every step we were closer to the finish line.

With 15K left, my tears seemed to magically disappear. I was happy again and telling jokes. This was the high point I had long been waiting for! As we shuffled along, we saw the inspirational posters on the trees. A fantastic distraction. Big colorful signs on the trees: Pain is temporary but Pride is forever. That’s the one that really stands out for me. I love the message. It also was the one with the fewest words and my brain was tired, so was the easiest to remember. Then we saw the sign that there was only a 5K left. Thank goodness! We were almost there! Almost there except that this was the longest 5K I have ever run in my life!

[singlepic=6237,280,200,,left]We were getting closer and could hear the music. Around the field, across the road and through the finish line with all of our friends cheering us on. What a great sight! The four of us came across together. Seven hours and twelve minutes! We were awarded our silver cowbells and we rang them proudly!

As I came across the finish line, I could feel the return of the tears. Tears of joy and happiness. I had accomplished a huge goal that I set for myself. Tears of exhaustion. It was a long way to go! Tears of sadness that now it was over. It was a bittersweet moment for me. So awesome to have finished my first 50K. But now I had finished my first 50K. I am no longer an ultra-virgin.[singlepic=6198,280,200,,right]

This was the longest distance and the longest time I have ever run for. I wanted to jump for joy at the finish line, but there was no energy for jumping. My legs were very stiff and it was difficult to walk. I just wanted to lie down. That was easier said than done, though. It wasn’t easy to get down on the ground. But once I did, it felt so good. I was flat on my back looking up at the blue sky, taking it all in. I was enjoying this moment. Then it was time to get up. Another difficult maneuver. It was great fun to watch the rest of the Bimblers come across the finish line. I cheered from a sitting position.

[singlepic=6217,280,200,,left]When we had all finished, we headed back to the house. Time for showers, story telling and more food. We all told our tales of the trails. Remembering our journeys. We spent the evening on the porch enjoying the scenery and the company and our accomplishments. What an amazing experience to share with an amazing group of people. I am so fortunate to have you as friends. I am so fortunate to run with you. Thank you.

Allstate

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