I should record this as a RACE, though it wasn't. I entered the Antelope Island 50K, but the time conflicted with my tickets to the Elite 8 basketball NCAA, so I had to make up my own race. My route went up and back Millcreek canyon 3 times to the snow gate, which is 11 miles round, so I cut back my middle loop a mile to make it 31. I had to hide my aid bag, which some dog got into and ate my cookies. Starting out at 5:02 AM, I finished at 10:33 - running clock, for a total 5 hrs 31 min. It was slow, but it included about 20 minutes for changing socks, shedding some clothes (it warmed up from 30 degrees to 40 when the sun came out), and refueling. My route climbed 3,850', compared with 2,500' for Buffalo. The trail is probably a little slower than the road, but the road beats up the legs more. I also don't have the advantage of running along others who help motivate. I had to be my own support. Rosalie was silently encouraging me. She told clients this week why I couldn't work this Saturday, because I was running 31 miles. So I had to do it. I sure started out slow. Not running for three days, and having to fast yesterday for a physical exam cost me a little energy. |