(click to enlarge)
This was intended to be our heat and altitude training run for TRT
100. Well, it wasn't hot. In fact, it snowed and many people weren't
able to get to the race due to the I-80 closure the night
before. After a 2 hour delay, we eventually got to Reno and stayed at
Harrah's and went to the race briefing on Friday.
The race organization was AMAZING. No details went overlooked. The course marking was the best I've ever seen. The aid stations were fantastic and run by some of the best volunteers I've seen. It was apparent that they are proud of Reno, Nevada, and sharing their trails with other ultrarunners.
The race itself was a learning experience. I had decided to carry water in my pack instead of Tailwind and supplement with a flask of whatever was at aid stations (Gu Brew and/or Gu Roctane and/or Coke). That was a bad idea. I tried to eat good amounts of real food, but I think the additional fructose in the Gu and Coke was not good for me. I felt lethargic for good portions of the race. I'll be switching back to Tailwind in my pack.
There was noticable difference in energy at the peak of 7800ft as well. During first climb through, it was dusted with snow and it was chilly. I wore a hat, gloves, and my windbreaker. On the way back, I opted to put on my windbreaker and gloves. Even though the snow was gone, the wind was still pretty significant. Based on this, I want to do the Lake Marlette loop (9000ft) for TRT a few more times as practice. We are also going to get up to elevation at least a few more times during the next two months.
In all, both Kristin and I survived. We had a similar performance compared to North Face 50 mile in 2014 and the course elevation is similar. I think we both finished solid running the last 6+ miles. The next day, my achilles is a bit sore and Kristin's knee is sore. I have self-diagnosed as midsubstance achilles tendinosis and prescribed some eccentric heel drops twice a day. I'll see how that goes. We are taking this week easy and going to do the WSER training runs (all three, 70 miles) next weekend. Maybe!
Chatting at the finish line:
A friendly dog at the mile 33 aid station:
We don't look bad after running 50 miles:
Coming into the mile 33 aid station:
Kristin had never eaten a Payday candy bar before:
Finishing the final meters:
Wondering where the finish line is:
