The elevation profile for OG50 - using his very accurate hand-held GPS, LT recorded 13400' of climb over the 50.1 mile course.
This was one of those days where it (mostly) came together and I had a great run. After DNFing Twin Peaks in December, staggering through 25 times the 2-mile loop at Big Cat Challenge and then going through a tough recovery after TCC including DNFing at San Juan Trail 50K two weeks ago, I was not very confident about even finishing this one. But I did!
I heeded the advice of ultra-runner and fellow TCC participant Kelly Ridgway and fueled throughout the race. A few bites of Shot Bloks or JustFruit Bar or #9 Chocolate Agave gel (low glycemic index and oh so yummy!) plus SaltStick Caps every hour and lots of fluids really helped. Ensure seems to be my magic fuel. I ran in the dark with my R2R2R friend Robbi Woolard and although I was around 30 mins slower than I had hoped at the 20-mile mark, I picked it up and never stopped moving. I even got to run the last 8 miles or so with Bill Ramsey who has such a wealth of experience and knowledge to share that it makes the miles fly by.
This was one of those races that was meticulously planned and executed by RDs Steve and Annie Harvey. The aid stations were frequent and well-stocked, the course well marked and the volunteers - well, what can I say! The Forestry guys were out patrolling on dirtbikes to ensure no runners were taken out by over-zealous motorbikes and Hummers. SoCal Trail Headz were out in force and dressed for the part - from cowgirls to pocahontas to the angels at the top of Santiago Peak. Everyone went the extra mile to make it a hugely successful event. Shelli and JD packed in supplies on horseback, Jean Ho played her harp at the top of Santiago Peak (BTW guys, the "Stairway to Heaven" signs made me laugh on the long climb up - thanks!).
Me and Bill at the finish.
2 comments:
Hi, we're revamping several of our subsections here at The Orange County Register, and I added One Mom's Descent Into Trail Running blog to our new Saddleback Valley section.
http://www.ocregister.com/sections/columnists-and-bloggers-2343290/
(See under "Local Voices," click on "More local bloggers and columnists.")
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sections/news/local/saddlebackvalley/
We are trying to showcase a variety of voices in our communities, and I think your blog is a good fit. Can you please let us know if this is not something you want and you would like your blog to be removed.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Jit Fong Chin
Web editor, The Orange County Register
jchin@ocregister.com
Hey Rachael, congrats on your race at OG50! I hope you are doing well. Tell everyone hi for me. I hope to see you out on the trails this summer. Take good care.
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