Chester Woods 50K

 I wasn't sure how the legs would feel for Chester Woods 50K after running Superior 50K only two short weeks prior. Luckily, I was feeling completely recovered and ready to roll!  

With a 600 AM start I set my alarm at 2AM so I could leave home by 3 and arrive to race site by 530. Everything went to plan. I pulled into the lot at 530, collected my number, packed my hydration vest, worried about the 98F heat forecasted and rolled out to the start line. It seemed that some participants had decided not to start, the group seemed pretty small. We didn't have a wave start nor did we wear masks. Covid was in the rear view mirror. I'm thankful to be vaccinated. 

I scouted out Amy and Steve, saw Carl and Dave, Lynn and began to run. Oh man. Hot. Amy and I ran together the first 8 miles or so, enjoying our conversation and the landscape. It felt pretty good so early in the day and there was a good stiff wind that didn't yet feel like a blow dryer to the face.

As I finished up the first loop in less than 2 hours I became disoriented as I saw so many people - like tons of people at the start. They then began to scream and cheer for me. It was crazy. I then realized that they were the 5K/10M racers. I quick went to my car to refill my bladder with tailwind, drank .25 can of ice cold coke and ventured on back to the course for loop 2. 

Dodging the runners waiting for the start was chaotic. They were so kind, cheering me on, yet I was being careful not to run into anyone. Sweat was rolling into my eyes, making it difficult to navigate! After running half a mile I could here them come upon me. It was nice to see new life, new legs, new energy running alongside of me.

Loop 2 was great!  I kept on keeping on, saw Jim and Bob, Carl, Lynn and Dave. I ran the loop solo, just kept chugging along. As I was finishing up a man caught up to me. When he told me he was running the 10 mile I commented that I was finishing up 20. He said 'oh, here I thought I was catching up to a fast person. I assumed you were running the 10. I looked at him like he was a nutball and apologized for not being a fast 10 miler as he wished. Good grief! Finished up in 2:14.

Running into the start / finish the second time was very quite. I didn't see a soul. I refilled my bladder again, finished off the can of coke, grabbed a few gels, a puff off of my inhaler..the heat and humidity was taking it's toll .. and moved on out of there.

I knew the last time I ran this I finished in 644 and I really had felt I could beat that time..until earlier in the week I saw how hot it was going to be. Running into loop 3 I was still feeling OK, thought it could still happen. I put some ice in my hat and bra at the aid station, lubed up my feet again and kept on pushing. There were wide open meadows where the heat was insane. I just put my head down and tried to jog on through. The shady wooded areas were amazing. 

Running past Jim again I gave him a hug, knowing that he'd be finishing up 50 miles soon after my 50K. I met Amy on her way back out as I was coming inbound. I was going to finish this in a PR course time. I reminded myself to take care of myself. Keep drinking, keep gelling, when dizzy slow down, keep pushing but don't push too hard!

I ran into the finish at 626. Yeah!  First GrandMaster Woman and a Course PR. Tough day in the heat, but I'll take it!

So much fun visiting after the race, watching my friends come in. Just like pre Covid times!

 I'm so grateful to be able to run again, to be free, uninjured. What a blessing. One I hope to continue.