I didn’t know what my legs would do at Blackfoot.
I have been running short distances since I have been cleared for running – nothing too hilly and nothing over 12K. While I was disappointed that I was not running 50K, the 25K would be a good test.
My goal was to simply finish sub-3. Although I was using this as a training/get back out there run, I didn’t want to completely suck. Often times as runners we say out loud “I just want to finish” but really we should be saying “I don’t want to suck.”
I was thrilled to hear Lorna and Robert would be running Blackfoot too. Robert was running the 100k while Lorna was running 25K with me. It’s always nice to see someone you know at these races. Lorna and I both had the same goals: not to completely suck and to finish under 3 hours. She hasn’t been running much either. Amanda, from Red Deer, was also running her first 50K.
My number was #405. I loved the “Impress Yourself” written on the bib. The race organizer gave us a run down of what to expect and warned us of the animals that we may see on the trail. There were less than 100 people running the 25K.
It was a chilly morning and I overdressed as usual. I lined myself up around the mid-front of the pack. Starting at 11 a.m. was different but I was happy to get some extra shut eye. The longer distance racers began at 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.
The Blackfoot organizers love to boast about the awesome grub at the aid stations. Because I was only running 25K and I just had breakfast, I didn’t need to supplement by Tailwind Nutrition. I loved coming around this one corner to see my friend Diane who was dressed as a cow (?). It was a welcome surprise. I stopped long enough to take a couple pictures.
I divided my 25K race into mini-goals. I knew this would keep my sanity in check. I had to take it easy on my foot or I would be hurting for weeks to come. First mini-goal: to be at the one hour mark at 10K. Done! Second mini-goal to reach 20K within an hour and 10 minutes. Check.
Blackfoot is a very runable course. There’s not a lot of climbing involved. I highly recommend this race for a first 25K or 50K. It is exposed but if you run fast enough you can beat the sun.
Okay there is one section of hills … here I remember talking to a 100Ker who was on his third loop. I didn’t speak to many people on the course. My leg started to bother me around the 15k or so mark. My trick was to start walking when someone became overly chatty. I don’t like to chat when I am trying to mentally get over the pain/discomfort. I was slightly irritated when a few women strode up and asked what distance I was running and which age group I was in. Lame, right?
Anyway I kept running and running. I was very happy to see this final aid station. I knew when I reached it I only had 4km left of my life. (Like my drive by photography? I wiped my iPhone out of front pocket and snapped.)
And I finished under 3-hours: My official time was 2:44. It’s not a great time but I am so thrilled with my finish. I was hurting but it was a good hurting. My legs felt strong on the climbs. My only issue was the nagging injury.
Lorna also rocked her 25K finishing sub-3 hours. (I think she’s now hooked on trail running. Whoo hooo!) Robert ran his 100K with little trouble and Amanda rocked her 50K. We were all Blackfoot rockstars that day!
I repeat this was a training run for me. (Remember the ultimate goal? Do not suck.) Like most runners, I can’t help but check out my stats compared to other runners. According to the preliminary results, I finished 24th overall out of 84 runners, (14th out of 65 women and 3rd out of 15 in my age group).
Give it up for not completely sucking! Bring on the 2015 race season.
Woo hoo for not completely sucking!! (kinda my motto, actually) Great pics and congrats on the run! Gotta love arrows in the dirt, there should be arrows in the dirt everywhere!
Ha ha agreed! To hell with GPS!
Glad I kept you 'mooooving' on the Grazing Reserve! 3:0
Lol you're crazy chica! 🙂 Great to see you on the course!
AG medalist!
Ha ha 🙂
Awesome write-up Crystal! 2:44 is a GREAT time, be proud!!
Thanks!
That's basically how I approach job interviews 'don't suck'! You did awesome!! I am impressed as always 🙂
That's my new motto: do not suck .. that much 🙂
Congratulations on a great race! You had a plan, you stayed smart and raced strong. That matters way more than the time on the clock. Well done!!