_goal
9:00/mile pace for 50k. Similar to my PR set at 2017 Hachie 50 when I traded my run fitness for a different lifestyle.
_COVID-19
I struggled when the US shut down. Mentally too weak to bike solo at needed intensity, weekly skate and daily run saved my fitness and sanity.
Working from home gave me extra 5 hours a week + schedule flexibility. I discovered morning runs helped w/ dinner and sleep.
_preparation
I prepared for the 50k using Stryd’s 18-week marathon training program, which estimated 8:00 pace for 42k.
I sought advice from Logan Sherman, who won 2015 Dallas Marathon.
10 weeks into the 18-week training, I ran 55 miles/week. Body protested as I replaced an easy 70-minute run by the Plano Pacer 15k race. Next day, my fatigued ankle failed to clear a curb and crashed. I started skipped/shortening sessions. Knee pain started. I integrated massage into routine.
Week 13. My weekly volume was reduced to 49 miles. Knee was less of a concern.
Week 16. 45 miles. Long run at 2-hour. Body back to equilibrium. Felt the load was low but still hopeful for 9:00 pace goal, which would be enough to win the undercard race in the past but not this year. Each distance was sold out.
I acquired Fenix 5 Plus to replace the FR 635 that always lost satellite signals during lap 3 at Hachie.
_feel-old trip
At check-in, multiple volunteers commented on how good I looked for my age. (~ you're tall for a midget)
I barely trained for the race in 2017. 4 years later, I worked my butt off, and ended up marginally faster.
_pre race
I missed the highway exit driving to pick up bib as I talked to Voon about lymphoma. Casey had big plans for long races just a month ago. Now pumping poison into body was the priority.
I was the only one wearing a mask at packet pick up.
Start time confusion in 2018 was a unique memory as I faced a small apology queue. 2021 I watched Director Paul Box going through a micro-panic over another time change due to weather.
Marriott did not have their shit together. I followed the emailed info to use the phone app. The physical hotel staff did not follow the chain’s protocols. I went with it, very glad being fully vaccinated.
_start
I asked the intimidating guy at the very front:
“how fast are u going?”
“6:30 pace.”
I ran with an overweight guy planning on 8:30 pace.
By mile 3 there were 9 racers in front. Half of them seemed incapable of holding their pace.
IRC Meghan wasn’t there due to sciatica.
[slippery road (photo off FB)]
Stretches of mud sections were fun: I raise the cadence and tiptoed through them, leaving my pack behind. Relatively low crash risk as long as no one was immediately in front.
_20k
Calves lost their bounce as expected. Something didn’t change. Mud felt slicker at normal cadence. I was mostly alone by this time. I ignored pace, focusing on holding 190~200 watts.
_mile 20
Weakening started but not intensely. I reduced wattage by 5, fearing bonk. Quads felt stiff but were cranking out reasonable pace.
The 6:30 guy no longer ran like a god for his final lap; his limping was still faster than my marathon pace. I laughed. I felt blessed for the event to utilize my modest talent. Everyone was positive.
Alex’s legs also lost their bounce but was holding steady for his 50-miler.
[couldn't believe Alex chose Alphaflies (photo off FB)]
[another dude ran 50 miles without carbon inserts (photo off FB)]
_mile 25
I was stoked to feel equally weak as mile 20. I experiment w/ little surges, no disaster. I pushed above 200w. Electronics working. Legs held. Relieved. Happy.
[sprint finish]
_result confusion
The timer told me I got second. That couldn’t be right. James joined the argument; he also disagreed 2 of us got the top 2 prizes.
[settled for 3rd and 4th (photo off FB)]
[few days later, this came in the mail]
I hung out with friends from WRCC and IRC afterward. Pizza, beer, mud, sweat, sunshine. Life was good.
_#
Distance: 30.72 mi
Time: 4:34:40
Pace: 8:56 min/mile
HR: 157/177 bpm (unreliable optical sensor)
Cadence: 181/232 avg/max spm
Stride length: 1.00 m
Power: 199w (Stryd)
Ground contact time: 252 ms
Distance: 50k; 31.07 mi
Time: 4:34:40.22
Pace: 8:50 min/mile
Place: 7th overall. 6th male.
