#98 - Wishbone Run 2010

DATE: Friday, November 26, 2010

LOCATION: Gig Harbor, Washington

Marathon #98 was not an easy one, but was a blast! Bill Barmore once again opened his house to the crazy people that can' get enough marathons. This race was on all trails (mostly single track), it was a figure eight loop that each runner ran four times. The total distance was 27.4 miles, this meant it was a trail ultra. While not quite a 50k it was longer than a marathon, therefore an ultra. Nevertheless it was to be treated like one.

I had to understand the nature of the run and therefpore did not expect a fast time. Like most trail runs and most ultras it was not about speed. I had to settle into a ultra pace for this one. I had planned to run between 4:00 (not likely) and 4:30. This would be about a 10:00 pace.

I arrived about an hour early and checked in at Bill's house. It was so great to see all the other runners and the other Quadzilla runners. They were like family. I felt pretty good although a little stiff at first in the morning.

The race started at 7:30 in the morning and the trail was a little muddy and there was still some frozen sections. It was about 40 degrees, which normally would have everyone complaining, but after running in 28 degree temps the day before, I think were all happy for the slightly warmer weather. Most importantly it was dry and would stay that way until the late afternoon.

Because it was 27.4 miles, means that each loop was 6.85 miles long. In the first loop I was just making sure I didn't get lost. The trail was marked very well, and it went off really well. I ran the first loop in about an hour, and realized I had to slow things down.

In the second loop I was happy to get into a groove I felt comfortable with. I ended up running that loop in 65 minutes giving me a irst half split of 2:05. I once again realized I had and was going to slow things down even more.

In the third loop I took a few walking breaks and just enjoyed the trail. At one point the sun even came up. In that loop I ran 66 minutes which was good for a 3:11 split. I felt pretty gpod, but was looking forward to the last loop.

In the final loop, I took a few more walking breaks and was counting down the mileage. I ended up running that one in 68 minutes. I felt really happy to be done, and enjoyed the moment. I ran a 2:05 first half and a 2:14 second half giving me a 4:19 time, good for 10th place out of about 55 finishers.

I hung out for about three hours greeting the other runners as they finished. I the drove to Seattle and got checked in to the hostel and eat some dinner. It feels good to be half way done with the Quadzilla, but I realize I'm only half way done and I still have another 52 miles left!