In May I ran a virtual 50k with friends supporting me at the Poto. I got a shirt and a medal from the race that got cancelled due to Covid. (And a medal from Pat that was even better than the one from the race!) Now, it’s September 4th and I’m running a 50k to train up for my 42 mile run along Pictured Rocks that is planned for exactly 1 month later. I guess it’s a good marker of progress when what was worthy of support, a T-shirt and medals is now part of your training. But this doesn’t mean it was easy!
I decided to run at the Brighton Recreation area for a few reasons. It’s hilly, rocky, rooty and sandy the whole way. It’s really a terrible trail and no fun at all which is the exact challenge I needed to be ready. I wanted to practice on a tougher trail than the PRNL. It’s also a 5 mile loop. I added a little to each loop so I could do 5 laps instead of 6 because each lap was soul-sucking even though I reversed directions each time. I needed a loop like this so I could have my van be my aid station as I try to dial in my hydration and caloric needs for the big run. The aid station worked great and I had almost no stomach problems. My legs were another story.
My legs felt tired around mile 8 and the rest was a sore sufferfest. But, a sufferfest that I finished. My time was even a little faster than my first 50k (11 minute PR) and it was hillier than Pictured Rocks will be. I don’t think Pat was thrilled to hear how tough it was since he’ll be running the last 20 miles with me next month but it is what it is. Hopefully with a good taper I’ll feel better longer into the run but the reality is that the run along Pictured Rocks will be beautiful and painful. I can’t wait!
MI Trail Challenge 