A quick race report. My plan was to start slow. So slow that if I felt like I was working, slow down. This is hard for me because I am used to being up front. I was at the back of the pack for almost 18 miles. I came to the aid station, fueled and relaxed. I reloaded my vest and continued to a long section of climbing and rolling hills. I was feeling good and was able to run the sections that I needed to. At about 30 miles, I had passed a lot of the people that were flying in the beginning. There were sections of the course that I used other runners to help pace me. Running with others helped motivate me at times when I wanted to slow down, especially towards the end of the race. I was also able to help others when they weren't feeling their best. My fueling was good and my legs held up (I did fall twice). The majority of the course was single track and a lot of it was technical. There was a nice cold creek at the finish line that everybody soaked in. I was very happy with my 1st 50 miler. I placed 2nd in my division and 10th overall female!! Again, thanks to Eric and the running we did together to get me ready for this race. My BIG race is this September. So it doesn't look like I will be getting much rest.
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I was thinking about this past race and being patient. When I was racing Ironman, Eric would give me the same advice over and over- Be patient. I used to think that because I was in better shape that I could go faster and harder and sustain that effort longer. That never worked. My best races have been the ones where I stuck to my race plan which always required me to be patient and steady with my pace. In Ironman, I couldn't see my competition because we start with a mass swim. In trail racing you see your competition from the start which makes it even more challenging to go out easy. Honestly, this was the most difficult part of the race for me. It was harder then the mental and physical challenges but it was the most rewarding.
That's my top race tip - hang back a bit - and then pick 'em off one at a time :-)
She paced it perfectly. It takes a lot of patience to run back of the back for 18 miles - sticking to an appropriate pace.
Much reward though when passing everyone later.
Excellent job! Sounds like you had a great day, and a great finish indeed!
2nd in your first 50 - nice one!