The North Face Endurance Challenge #ECSWI 50 Mile

As mentioned in my previous post the 50k at Devils Lake was in the training plan for this event. My training went to plan, and I was able to do a few runs with my daughter which was fun, and great to be able to spend some time with her now she is off at college. Overall I feel ready for this event but have the normal pre race nerves of "Will I complete the race". However overall feeling good as I have ran part of this race last year and had an idea of what to expect. Whats new here is the extra hours of running, and what is the weather going to be like as last year it was around 91 degrees.

I stayed at the same hotel as last time, and went to Perkins for dinner ensuring to continue with my carb loading which I have done for the last three days. This time it was an earlier start as I wanted to make sure I had breakfast before and gave myself three hours before race time so I was up at 2am. Arrived at the site for 4:20am and prepared for the 5am start. Met a few people at the start and was making general conversation and wishing people luck with the race. The North Face Village at the event is set up really well, and friendly event staff and making sure you have what you need and also pointing out where the Mosquito spray is as they were out with a vengeance.

Here are some of the pictures from the morning prep, and getting ready for the long awaited start.

Now there was a great surprise to me that Dean Karnazes was there, and was going to participate in the run with us.

Dean got us set off with the run, and for the first few hours we were running with our head lights which was a new experience for me which went well, just had to focus on a few feet in front of me so I did not trip, and fall. Which went to plan and no falling this time What I find with trail running is that you need to provide extra focus to ensure you do not fall and trip. The longer you are running and the great scenery it is really easy to drift off and next thing you know you are on the floor, yep I have had this happen quite a few times.

What I really enjoy with the trail running is the friendships which are made during these event, and the camaraderie and support that everyone provides. It is really like a big family atmosphere and everyone is pushing everyone else to ensure all have a great race and reach their goals.

While running the course I was talking to someone for a few minutes, and then they said your doing great and proceeded to run past me. Then I suddenly realized that I was running, and talking to Dean. This was a fantastic experience and one I will not forget.

I got to one of the aid stations and while I was filling up my #orangemud bladder vest pack, and eating some of the great snacks which are laid out I noticed Curtis who I met on the 50k Devils Lake run, who helped with getting a sponge for the iced water bin so I could cool myself down from the heat, as yes it was another hot run getting close to 90 degrees again - Thanks for the assistance Curtis!

What I noticed while running and getting to those hills where I needed to going into power walking mode, I noticed that the bug spray would wear off and I would start getting attacked by the mosquitos which were relentless. The positive of this is that you would soon start moving faster to keep them away, and when you go to the next aid station the volunteers would be there with bug spray to spray you down - again thanks volunteers for your continued support!

Again I suffered from cramp and this time it took a long time to get over, I did have some salt tablets which I brought with me but the effects did not last long and I was soon back in cramp pain in my calfs. When I got to the next aid station they had salt in bowls and when I had a spoonful of this it took care of the cramps which did not come back, and then I was able to continue the race without any issues.

The run took me coming up for 11 hours, and was a great experience. I notice that the further you run the more ups, and downs you get and the long the run the more intense these emotions are.

At this event when you are coming up to the finish line there are so many people cheering you, and really helping you to make it over to the end. I remember running down the main road, and there were cars going a long where people were cheering, and honking their horns. The closer to the finish line you hear the music, and then your name is called out.

The whole experience is amazing, and you feel proud that you were able to cross that finish line. Now I feel like I can call myself an ultra runner!

Then to TOP this off I got an opportunity to meet up with Dean and have a conversation, and capture the memory.

Now what I have found after I complete these races I start to look at what I want to sign up for next, BUT you will need to wait for the next blog to see what event it will be.