On Sunday, Christy, Barry, and I participated in the 4th annual Pineland Farms Trail Challenge, in the 25k, 50 mile, and 50k races, respectively. Amazingly enough, we were all able to finish (although I had had my doubts, considering that I'd sprained my ankle pretty badly five days prior to the race), and even do decently well. The human body is quite an amazing creation!
The course consisted of a 15.5 mile loop through woods and fields--quite a scenic trail. Barry started his 50 miles, or a little over three loops at 6:00 am, I started the two loop, 50k race at 8:00 am, and Christy ran the 25k loop once, starting at 10:00 am. The weather was about perfect, in the 60s and overcast most of the time, gradually turning into a drizzle, and then a decent rainstorm around 12:30, with the sun reappearing around 2:30.
Christy finished strongly in 2 hours 22 minutes, with a 9:10 mile pace, I staggered across the finish line about an hour later for a total time of 5 hours 20 minutes and a 10:20 pace, and Barry cruised across the finish line after a grueling 10 hours and 40 minutes, to finish 50 miles at an average pace of 12:49 per mile.
Although during the race I made several firm promises to myself never to attempt such a foolish venture again, I've since decided that it really was quite satisfying to run that far, and perhaps I I could even do better with more training. And that silver cowbell is pretty cool! Thanks to the Howes for their hospitality, Barry for your inspiration, and Christy for helping me walk back to the car!
Excelsior!!
Wow Joel! I'm still trying to figure out how you could even think about doing a 50k! I've been training for a half marathon, and think that 13.1 miles is pretty long! I hope that you'll be well recovered to run after the little kids at summer camp! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's quite the distance to run. I'm glad you all survived. Wish I'd be seeing you soon at camp, but maybe some other time.
ReplyDeleteActually, this run was just part of my training for kid-chasing this summer:)
ReplyDeleteTim, sorry to hear you won't be around this summer. We'll miss you! Good luck with your practicum.
Thanks for coming up to Maine to share the adventure with me. I'm glad to know you'd consider doing another ultra, because I'm absolutly hooked. Seen any 100 miler opportunities recently?
ReplyDelete:) just kidding, but only sort of
Guess I'm off the hook for now, because all 57 registered 100-milers in North America start on Friday or Sabbath. You know Barry, this is the second race you've talked me into registering for? This is getting to be a habit :)
ReplyDeleteWay to go Joel! It kind of dwarfs a marathon. lol.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteGood job Joel! So I completed my first marathon and you skipped that and did an Ultra Marathon instead. Though there was only 5 miles difference, I don't think I could have kept my pace for that much further. Why didn't John run? Well we are going to have to get in some good trail runs together up at camp.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's not too much farther, and it was a little easier some how, because it was just two loops of a 15.5 mile course. And because it wasn't on a hard surface, my joints didn't take quite as much of a pounding as your probably did.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm definitely looking forward to some good runs this summer!
That's pretty much amazing! I must admit that I can barely run a 5k without nearly collapsing at the finish line. I'm not much of a distance runner. Sprinting is more of my thing. But congratulations on completing such an awesome feat! Perhaps that's more of the thing that Paul was speaking about when he said to run with endurance the race set before us. A marathon just doesn't seem long enough to represent the race of life. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt does give you a different perspective on that verse!
ReplyDeleteThe amazing part is; just like in an ultramarathon, you don't have to be an incredible athlete to complete the race Paul was referring to; just be willing to train hard and have the determination not to quit when things get tough.
Wow, Joel that's quite a milestone for you! Keep I'm enjoying reading your posts although I don't always have time to reply. God bless. Maybe I'll be able to see you when I come back in December.
ReplyDelete