50 Miles. 11k' of Elevation. And what appears to be the most competitive field at a trail run I have entered....
To say I am nervous about running smart is an understatement.
The Sean O'brien 50 Mile trail race is the 2nd event in the Montrail Ultra Cup, the most prestigious ultrarunning series in the nation, and offers entries to the Western States 100 for the top 3 overall m/f! There are some fast guys and gals heading to Mailbu for this one. The entry list on Ultrasignup will tell you all you need to know. Guys like Chris Vargo, Dylan Bowman and Timothy Olson...household names among the ultra crowd for sure. Add to that some of the fastest names from Southern California like Jorge Pacheco, Chris Price, and Dominic Grossman...well you get the point. Lots of fast guys.
To say I am excited about running with these guys is an understatement.
My game plan is simple. Climb hard, descend easy. Fuel and steady in-between. Don't try to be a hero until the last 15 miles and then go for broke. Above all else, have fun and don't quit.
Realistically I am shooting to run under 7hr 30min, which means I need to run an average pace of 9 minutes per mile, a pace I know from training I can hold. I also know that this course is going to be tough and that no matter what I am going to have to work to get to the finish. According to the RD, "Please note these are VERY tough courses, much tougher than the previous Ray Miller races. No exaggeration. Not at all recommended for a first 50-mile. All three race courses are extremely difficult. Absolutely no pacers allowed." This is my first 50-miler! I know there is a reasonable chance for a melt down somewhere out there...although I won't be thinking of that come race day. Instead I'll be focused on having an amazing day and squeaking in under the 7 hour mark.
So where will that put me among this crowd of ultra running greatness? After all, this is a race. My goal is to finish in the top 10, which means I will have to run smart and finish strong...and hope a couple of guys blow up along the way!
With just over a week left until the gun goes off I have resigned myself to the fact that I have done what I can to prepare for this race; actually I feel more prepared going into this run that any previous, and now it is time to rest. I've got a few short runs planned over the next week to keep things loose but will be mostly relaxing at home with our new baby Addie Jane and preparing myself for the epic adventure to come!
January Running Stats (1st - 20th)
15 runs over 18 hours
110 Miles
22k' of Elevation
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