Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Afton 50K
For quite some time, state was preparing for a government shutdown and, indeed, growing concerns for such event became reality on June 30th. The shutdown affects so many people, businesses, and almost all government-regulated functions and areas. As a result, all the state parks are closed. Until the two political parties reach an agreement or come to a compromise, the situation continues to be pessimistic. You may wonder if perhaps I have shifted my interest to address political issues; this is not the case; however, they have inadvertently affected many races that would have been taken place at the state parks as Afton was one of them.
Due to Afton State Park being closed, the race took place in Afton Alps. Thanks to the experienced race director and his loyal crew who made it all possible for the Afton 50K to carry on.
As usual a few minutes before the race, we were informed of some details about the course, and that each lap was about 12.5K, which for the 50K runners that would be 4 times. The race started at 6:30 a.m.. I was probably in the first half of the group who quickly first got my 50 meters. We were expecting a small hill, and that was just the beginning. After that was a flat of 400 meters into the woods, followed by a large puddle of water, along with fun single track climbs and descents will come shortly. Then I came to the first aid station and refilled my water bottle. I took off again and kept running, battling this part of the trail since it was very very technical, so I decided to not turn on the mp3 and paid more attention instead.
Just before reaching the second aid station, I met Helen, who was taking pictures of and supporting the runners. It was then that I realized the electrolyte pills I kept in my shorts pocket were gone. Given the heat and the temperature of 80 F, I was fortunate to be able to stock up on the electrolytes, gels, and some snacks at the aid station; otherwise, I would be in trouble. Then I was right back on the trail once again. After a while, I finally crossed the first of 4 laps. As I continued on, I came across three MN pacers: Dan, Adam, and Tim. Overall, the course was very technical, yet it was also fun since it was my first time at Afton Alps. While I tried to maintain my pace, it was difficult since the heat was more intense, and some areas didn't have any trees; it felt like fire was coming from the ground.
But I kept battling and with ample water supply, I was still safe in the race. After 7 hours, I made it to the finish line. I removed the shoes and laid on the grass...relaxing. I chatted with other runners about races, gear, nutrition while I was enjoying a delicious burger and lemonade. When the race director said that the course was really hard, he was nowhere joking indeed because not only were there DNFs in the 50K but also the 25K. I felt lucky to have remembered to take the electrolyte pills every 20 minutes consistently and water constantly to help out with the terrible temperatures.
Well, I hope you enjoy reading about my racing experience as I do very much. As for the remainder of this month and August, I haven't scheduled any races; however, I will do something a little different even though it still involves the trail, of course. I will keep you posted, but until then I will simply let know that it has something to do with non-stop thru-hike of 1100 miles and self-support.
Due to Afton State Park being closed, the race took place in Afton Alps. Thanks to the experienced race director and his loyal crew who made it all possible for the Afton 50K to carry on.
As usual a few minutes before the race, we were informed of some details about the course, and that each lap was about 12.5K, which for the 50K runners that would be 4 times. The race started at 6:30 a.m.. I was probably in the first half of the group who quickly first got my 50 meters. We were expecting a small hill, and that was just the beginning. After that was a flat of 400 meters into the woods, followed by a large puddle of water, along with fun single track climbs and descents will come shortly. Then I came to the first aid station and refilled my water bottle. I took off again and kept running, battling this part of the trail since it was very very technical, so I decided to not turn on the mp3 and paid more attention instead.
Just before reaching the second aid station, I met Helen, who was taking pictures of and supporting the runners. It was then that I realized the electrolyte pills I kept in my shorts pocket were gone. Given the heat and the temperature of 80 F, I was fortunate to be able to stock up on the electrolytes, gels, and some snacks at the aid station; otherwise, I would be in trouble. Then I was right back on the trail once again. After a while, I finally crossed the first of 4 laps. As I continued on, I came across three MN pacers: Dan, Adam, and Tim. Overall, the course was very technical, yet it was also fun since it was my first time at Afton Alps. While I tried to maintain my pace, it was difficult since the heat was more intense, and some areas didn't have any trees; it felt like fire was coming from the ground.
But I kept battling and with ample water supply, I was still safe in the race. After 7 hours, I made it to the finish line. I removed the shoes and laid on the grass...relaxing. I chatted with other runners about races, gear, nutrition while I was enjoying a delicious burger and lemonade. When the race director said that the course was really hard, he was nowhere joking indeed because not only were there DNFs in the 50K but also the 25K. I felt lucky to have remembered to take the electrolyte pills every 20 minutes consistently and water constantly to help out with the terrible temperatures.
Well, I hope you enjoy reading about my racing experience as I do very much. As for the remainder of this month and August, I haven't scheduled any races; however, I will do something a little different even though it still involves the trail, of course. I will keep you posted, but until then I will simply let know that it has something to do with non-stop thru-hike of 1100 miles and self-support.
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