The story starts a few months back, when I made a decision to sign up for my first 50 miler. I had a couple 50k's under my belt, and had never really followed a training plan. Just wingin' it, and it was working out ok! I knew it wouldn't be safe to 'just wing it' for a 50 miler, so I sought out coaching advice. I think trail running is largely about who can stay healthy the longest!
I started working with Jeffrey Kline at PRSfit in January, and subsequently got into the Mt. Hood 50 via the lottery. That race isn't until July, and I had the Orcas 50k, and Smith Rock 50k before that. I really dig Coach Jeff's philosophy with training and coaching; he's into effort based training and was already a big proponent of UCAN, which I swear by. My weekly schedules had me doing more strength training and yoga than I have ever done (consistently), and WAAAY more 'Zone 1 and 2' runs. I knew that the course at Orcas was going to be hilly, so I tried to run hills often, but if the trail goes up a few grades, my heart rate skyrockets! More work to do on that.
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| Just for the hill of it. |
Fast forward to race weekend! We had a pretty solid crew going up: my husband Brandon, who was running Orcas as his first 50k, Meahgan, who only runs the most difficult 50k's, James, who chose Orcas as his first race EVER, and his lovely wife Katie, who was an extraordinary crew member/ finish line volunteer. We met up in Portland, and began the drive north to Anacortes. We fueled up there, then hopped on a ferry to the island. It was pretty windy and a little rainy, but the greys in the San Juans are the most beautiful shades of color out there. Once on the island, we checked into our bunkhouses and ate dinner with the rest of the runners. Nerves were a little high, but it felt good to be there. I was still deliberating on which shoes to wear (I brought the Saucony Peregrine 6, and the Hoka Challenger). After dinner and a little shakeout walk on the course, an early bedtime was welcome.
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| On the ferry! |
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| This view!! |
Alarms went off just before 6 am, and we popped up pretty quick for breakfast and coffee. James and Katie are craft coffee wizards, and brewed us the most delicious coffee! I had my typical pre-race breakfast of overnight oats with UCAN, and we all headed back to the cabin to get dressed! Since the trails weren't super muddy (like they were in 2015!), I opted to run in the Challengers. Meaghan will tell you that I did freak out a little on what to wear apparel-wise, and she's right ;) We all got our packs filled with water, food, and electrolytes, and headed to the start line!
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| Coffee mixologists James and Katie! Thanks Water Ave! |
I love how low-key Rainshadow Running events are. James Varner, RD, hollered some instructions at us, and we were off! The first five miles starts on a paved hill, to a little summit on Constitution. I started towards the back of the pack, and ran a few miles with my friend Bushwacker. I had Brandon and James in my visual for about five miles, then they took off. Brandon slays at downhills. I ran relaxed at the start, just taking stock in how my body was feeling. My coach had said that he wanted to see who I was as a racer, so I had decided to push it a little. Still, I felt a little less than prepared, as I hadn't done much hiking in preparation.
Up the first hill, a faster than necessary descent, and then into the first aid station. Glen Tachiyama was hiding there, and got some sweet shots. I ran through this aid station, confident in my nutrition plan, and cruised on to the next portion, which was somewhat flat, with rolling hills. Picture perfect lakes and woods. A couple more hikes to smaller summits, and past the second aid station. I chatted with a couple people as we ran together, but by that point, runners were pretty strung out. Either I was getting passed, or passing someone, and we wouldn't cross paths again. A few people remarked at how, even by mile 18, anything could happen. Mentally, I was prepared to struggle significantly on the upcoming climbs. The last ten miles of this course are absolutely insane. I thought of the fact that I hadn't seen James or Brandon at all, so they were killing it!
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| Feeling spry! Photo by Glen Tachiyama |
The third aid station is at mile 20, right before the hill climb known as the Powerline Trail. The infamous Powerline Trail. I saw James as I entered the aid station, and he gave me an energizing high five and told me to "Kill the hill!" I prepared my mind for about 45 minutes of hiking this section, and it was easier to digest than two miles. I thought of the encouraging words of my friend Becky, who told me the climbs were her favorite part(!), and a reminder bracelet from Mary. I thought of my parents, in-laws, friends, co-workers, and everyone else who wished me well and believed in me. Just put one foot in front of the other. Yes, I sang the song from that Christmas movie. I prayed, ALOT. I thought of my two friends running the 100 miler on the same course in a couple weeks. If they were going to go up this hill four times, I could do it once. My trail name is Freight Train, and I just buckled down and got into a rhythm. Be a train!
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| Just put one foot, in front of the other.. |
Then, the top! The next descent was so welcome, and quite a bit longer than I anticipated. I went a little over a mile without seeing a confidence marker, and got a little spooked. Did I miss a turn? I figured I was off course, and decided to just keep running downhill until I found a found a road and could flag down a car. The single track was buttery smooth anyway. I caught a glimpse of another runner ahead! At first I thought 'He's lost too!' but then I saw that sweet, pink survey tape. The race is back on! A few hikers mentioned on how few women there were running, so I had a thought I might be higher up in placing. Cool! The climb up to the summit of Mount Constitution was one mile, so I gave myself twenty minutes to push it. The final aid station was at the top, and someone knew my name! Instantly encouraged, I ran past the aid station and began the final descent. Miles beeped by, and before I knew it, I could hear the finish line. I kept my effort high, and saw the colorful flags and cheering crowds marking the final stretch.
I'll be honest, one of the most rewarding things about running a Rainshadow race is that high-five from James Varner. BAM! Got it. I spread my arms wide, and spun a happy circle. Brandon had finished six minutes before I did, so we immediately held each other in a salty, exhausted embrace. We cheered on James and Meaghan's solid finishes, and resolved to spend the evening relaxing. Food, more food, water, more water. Nap. Repeat. Post-race music was lively, and provided the perfect ambiance. Those dudes rocked late into the night, even out by the bonfire!
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| Four finishers, four winners! |
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| Thanks for the tunes! |
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| Top ten males and females! |
All in all, a superb weekend. We made new friends with our bunkmates, and I connected with a fellow Runner of the Wild from LA! Our group had breakfast on the island, and then once again in Anacortes. We stopped a lot on the way home to stretch and eat. My folks' house provided food, water, and a hot tub! Memories made, friendships strengthened. Events like these are about just that. Camaraderie, fellowship, a deep appreciation for nature.
On to the next!
Enjoyed reading this before work today. Nice account of your orcas 50k adventure. Seems like all the training you were doing prior really paid off.
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