Pass Mountain 50k, Mesa AZ
Just Before the Start |
Approaching mile 29, I was chasing a six hour finish, the
trail was weaving in and out of washes and I found myself being approached by two
riders on horseback. They yielded to me
so I pushed hard up the little hill were they waiting for me to pass. As I reached the top, muscle cramps in both my
calves involuntarily collapsed me to my butt.
My first instinct was to grab at my right calf, which was knotted up. I could not flex either of my feet without
pain. The two riders looked down at me
concerned, and asked if I was okay; I knew eventually the muscle cramps would
pass, but for the time being I was lying on the ground embarrassed. They stayed with me until I was able to get
up and hobble off to complete the last two miles of the race.
The Start of the Race:
It was chilly and breezy out, thick clouds covered the mountain
tops, and the sun was slowly making an appearance as we were minutes away from
the start of the race. I started a
little faster then planned but was feeling confident, even after pulling a cholla
cactus from my left calf a little over a mile into the run. I skipped the first aid station, but was sure
to stop at the second one to fill my water bottle before the climb up Usery Pass. The trail was run-able with some areas
requiring me to navigate around rocks, pools of water, and mud. This race
consisted of two loops, so I was taking mental notes and strategizing for my
second trip around.
The climb up Usery Pass was challenging. I hiked some, but for the most part kept a steady pace to save my legs, knowing I would face it again. I took in the view at the top and continued down the back side of the mountain. I reached the Blevins aid station around mile 15 feeling good and with the hope that maybe I could finish the run in less than 5 1/2 hours; which would be a personal best for me. I left the aid station knowing the next 7 miles were very run-able. I was averaging about a 9:30 pace while staying steady and relaxed as possible. About mile 18, I could feel my legs getting heavier with each step.
As I began the climb up Usery Pass for the second time, I focused
my energy on catching a runner I had just seen disappear on the other side of
first hill. I hiked that hill hard and
was met at the top by two women who clapped.
One said “I think its amazing that you guys run these trails." I smiled, thanked them and charged on down
the trail. Was it my second wind?
The next section was a net down hill, so I opened up my
stride as best as my tired legs would let me. Hearing the guns from the nearby
shooting range and being able to see the flags of the finish line about 2.5
miles away was a relief, but I could feel my muscles cramping. Now I was lying on my butt in front of the 2
horse riders, as embarrassed as one could be.
Once I was up and moving again I couldn’t help but laugh, and there was
more laughter to come.
About a quarter mile from the finish line, a group of twenty
or so teenage boys out hiking, interlocked there hands and I ran through the
tunnel they built. Were they laughing at
me or with me? I am pretty sure I was
not hallucinating. Either way I thought
it a good gesture and figured what a great ending to this run. What a day! 6 hour 14 minutes and some change.
Photo From Aravaipa's Photo Gallery |
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