Originally published July 10, 2017

I ran this race last year, my first 12-hour endurance event, and completed 48.49 miles. Prior to that, the longest distance I had run was a 50K (31 miles), so this was a personal best, and I was very grateful and happy with it…

But somehow, falling shy of 50 miles made me wonder if I could run an official 50 miles in 12 hours. So going into this year’s race, that became my goal.

RACE

The race is at the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline and consists of running as many big loops (3.37 miles) as you can in 12 hours. In the final hour, they open a small loop (0.6 mile).

The course is pretty — you start under the Brazen Racing arch, running down Dirty Dozen Alley — a long row of runners’ pop up tents, then by the shoreline (warmest and most exposed section), then some small hills to get to Aid Station 2, then through eucalyptus groves, then downhill through a prairie, then back to the finish line/arch and Aid Station 1.

By ultramarathon standards, the course is relatively flat and very runnable. There are a few inclines, but they seem to get steeper and longer with each loop.

STRATEGY

My plan was to complete 15 big loops (50.55 miles). Alternatively, I could run 14 big loops and 5 small loops (50.18 miles). Either way, I figured I needed to run an avg pace of 14-min/mile (including aid station stops and potty breaks). I also set an intermediate goal of completing 8 big loops in 6 hours, the halfway mark.

Training has been a bit inconsistent lately, and temps were in the triple digits the day before the race, so I had some trepidation; but I was optimistic I could do it if I was having a good day.

RACE DAY

We arrived early and set up our canopy along Dirty Dozen Alley. The Weeples started arriving.

I saw a lot of my trail running friends. It definitely had a festive and party atmosphere. We got our bibs, took some pictures, went potty one more time, then we gathered under the arch as Sam sent us off on a full day of running.

FIRST SIX HOURS

I tried to run at a comfortable pace right from the start (10:30–11:30 min/mile pace) — except for a couple of inclines, which I walked. I told myself I was banking time because I knew I would walk more later as the temperature rose and I got tired. The first six hours went by quickly. Both the 6-Hour and 12-Hour runners were on the course. It was fun to catch up to friends and share some miles with them.

It was also cool to be lapped by the front pack every few loops — I was in awe of these runners who looked so strong. At the 6-hour mark, I was into loop 9, with 28.15 miles down. That was a good sign. 😊

HYDRATION and NUTRITION

If there is one thing I’ve learned from ultra running, it is that you must stay on top of your nutrition and hydration. Last year, I overhydrated and kept going to the bathroom. I’ve learned since then to drink to thirst. I use Tailwind with water.

I also took advantage of the aid stations — AS1 was at the festival area and AS2 was about halfway around the big loop. AS1 served all kinds of goodies throughout the day, including pancakes, bacon, nutella-and-banana crepes, bacon cheese quesadillas, and pizza, besides the usual aid station fare. Thank you to Karen, Erica, Janeth, Jay, Frida, and all the AS1 volunteers!

Aid Station 2 had more standard fare. Thank you, Ken and AS2 volunteers for your help and encouragement.

Whenever I was between aid stations and I could feel my energy level dipping, I would take a couple of Honey Stinger chews. I also took one salt stick per loop.

One word of warning though- it is very tempting to linger at the aid stations and our team’s tent in Dirty Dozen Alley. But those minutes add up and can spell the difference between reaching your goal and not. This is definitely an area of improvement for me.

HOT and TOASTY

It was warm when we started at 7am. I believe it got up to the low 90s. Thankfully, there was a cool breeze for most of the day. At both aid stations, I took advantage of buckets of water and sponges and doused myself. We also brought a cooler full of ice and each time I passed by our tent, I stuffed ice in my sports bra and under my hat, and filled my handheld water bottle.

About two hours into the race, I texted Paul and asked if he could bring my Kool Ties. I had left them soaking in water in the fridge. The water gets absorbed by these cooling gels and you tie it around your neck. Thankfully, he arrived just as the day started getting toasty. Seeing him and Katya lifted my spirits during the dreaded middle miles of the race.

HOURS 7–11

I ran-walked loop 9 with Jose. I caught up to Melvin on loop 10 — he had already run 45 miles (his first ultra) at that point and was feeling its effects. We ran-walked (at my pace 😊) the rest of the loop. (He finished the 12 Hour with 63 miles! That’s over 100K!)

Josam offered to pace me for loop 11 (he had already finished the 6 Hour event, racking up 31+miles). I was beginning to tire already — thankfully, he slowed our pace down ever so slightly to a nice, comfortable shuffle. I realized this was how I would need to run the remaining miles. I am so thankful for those loops shared with friends.

With the remaining runners spread throughout the course, I ran the last few loops by myself. I hadn’t used them to that point, but I finally put on my headphones and listened to podcasts and music while I ran-walked loops 12, 13, and 14. I needed to hunker down and just focus on moving. #focusdammit!

THE FINAL HOUR

I finished the 14th big loop just as they opened the small loop. I was in the final hour of the race, thankfully, and my goal was within reach as long as I kept moving.

I took a few minutes to refuel and get ready for my final loop. At the last minute, I decided to forego the big loop — I didn’t want to risk not finishing it within the remaining time — and decided to run the small loop, at least 5 times. Half of the small loop is uphill. Ugh! Each loop was agonizingly slow. I ran the first four small loops, and finally allowed myself to walk the 5th loop with ~20 minutes left on the clock. Then I saw Sandra, running past me with such focus. And I told myself, “if she’s still running at this point, I really have no excuse to be walking”. So I started running again. And because there was time for one more, I went for my 6th small loop. It just felt like the right thing to do.

RELIEF and GRATITUDE

I was exhausted — physically and mentally. I had been holding on to that goal all day, and I was grateful it was done.

One by one, the last of my friends crossed the finish line, each one accomplishing their goals, setting their personal bests, experiencing low moments and overcoming them. They inspire me and make me want to be better — or at least, try. I am so proud of every one of them and thankful for the loving and uplifting community that we’ve built.

My final results:

• 14 big loops, 6 small loops
• 50.78 miles
• 11:51:23
• 6th female overall
• 2nd F45–49

• Race Reports