Monday, March 3, 2008

MS50: Carl Touchstone 50



What a fantastic experience. This was my first 50 miler. I finished 15th overall with a time of 9:04. I was pleased to finish and finish in under 10 hours. This course is a great course for first timers because it is 4 loops of 12.5 miles each. So you pass by your vehicle between loops, which makes it really nice to have your supplies, etc. waiting on you. Almost like having a built-in crew meet you.

Although by 50 mile standards this is a relatively easy course, I'm not sure you can ever qualify running 50 miles as "easy." It was decidedly not easy for me. I am pleased that I was able to execute my pre-race plan of nutition, time, etc. My goals, in order, were: 1) finish, 2) 10:00 - 10:20; and 3) 8:50 - 9:20. I was fortunate to accomplish my top goal.

The race director, volunteers, and staff do a great job. It got really hot out there (around 80 degrees) and there is no running water at this location. Therefore, they have to truck in all of the supplies, including water. You would never know that because they do such a fantastic job.

Great event, guys!