Lou Joline 50/50 Race Report

OK…don’t let the title of the post fool you. This girl was not running the 50k or 50 miler…this year!!! I did however run the shortest distance offered which was the Half Marathon on Sunday, 10/31. Oh and picture ALERT!!! This was not one that I had planned to run. Gobbler Grind on 11/21 was to be my second HM. But my training plan called for 12, so heck why not add a little over another mile and get a my second HM under my belt. And it was only going to cost me $30 on race day!! So didn’t need to even register up front! Couldn't pass that up!

This was the 15th Annual Larry Mattonen Marathon (26.2-Mile) Run or Walk, Blue Springs 50-Mile Run, Blue Springs 50-Kilometer Run, 13.1-Mile Run, 26.2-Mile Racewalk, Six-Person Relay, and 50-Mile Relay aka Lou Joline 50/50 named for the chief organizer and runner Lou. It is a race geared toward Ultra Runners wanting to get Western States or another major Ultra qualifying times, so it is not your typical Marathon and/or Half Marathon race. The course was stated to be 99% on a scenic, flat, crushed gravel trail at the Little Blue Trace in Blue Springs, MO. With aid stations around every 4.5miles or so, this was a race where you did not see the large crowds, so it was all you, your pacer and whoever else you ran with. So for the most part, alone in your thoughts and testing and strengthening not only the physical, but the vital mental aspect of running!!

We got there really early for a 7am start. I love my hubby. he woke up on his day off and drove me to the race and then hung around until I got done. That’s love :)

Hanging on to the warmth!! It was around 43F at race start!

Around 6.40am or so at race HQ, restroom stop and then ready!!

Fellow Mudbabes and Trail Nerd. Two of us did the Half, while the rest went for 50miles!! Who knows maybe next year (wait..did I just say that out loud)!! Oh…I must still be asleep ;)

   A few pre race instructions before we go off!

I kept pace with the three ladies running the Ultra for a little while and then stuck my race along with another Mudbabe who ran around my pace. The first 2mi were rough, what else is new. Legs were tight, but once I stopped and stretched around 2.5 legs started to warm up. The race had several turn around points marked for the longer distances, but for the Half it was 4.5 out, aid station, 4.5 back to main aid station, then 2 out and back for the finish. The scenery was open trail and beautiful. It was still a little chilly and my hands were really cold. The rest of me was just fine! I had my new CW-X 3/4 tights with short sleeve shirt and Mizuno Breath Thermo arm warmers. Consider this a major thumbs up for the Mizuno arm warmers (thanks Sophia) and my new CW-X Stabilyx tights!! LOVED them Both!! The arm warmers kept my arms at the perfect temperature and was never too hot! The tights really provided that extra support for my core and knees which have been my trouble spot.

We kept a steady pace through the first 6-7miles. I took a GU after the first 45mins..but had some trouble getting it all down so didn’t take it all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hit the aid station at 4.5 and instead of trying GU, I grabbed a Fig Newton. I was going to give solid food a try. I was using Hammer HEED Strawberry and then used a little Hammer Perpetuam for the last few miles for a little extra caffeine. And..no potty stops at all!!

Ultra races have the greatest aid stations with the best volunteers!

Felt pretty good and kept moving steadily after the turn around at the aid station. Ok, gotta work on avoiding that heel strike Indi!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I decided to run this race, I mentally told myself I can PR! This meant coming in under 2:44:51 off OKC Half in April which was my first one. For some reason through the race, I had 2:40 on my head and was gunning for between 2:30-2:40. Once I hit the 9mi and main aid station, took another fig newton and decided to make it happen. I was running a pretty decent pace (for me :)) so far and knew I could do it. Headed toward the Half turn around point and the wind was really starting blow. It wasn’t pretty. But kept moving. Turned around and them wham straight into the wind and that really started to make me tired. I knew I get under 2:40 and kept moving. Final stretch….

And finished in 2:37:06 (unofficial time)!!!!

I’m all done and ready to get warm, cleaned up and get some grub!

Unfortunately I was not able to wait for my Mudbabes to finish their Ultra, but they did great!! Here is Sophia, Erin and Anne after their race! Awesome job ladies!

And Thanks to Dick Ross AGAIN for all the awesome pictures I keep using on my blog :) Post race waiting to see his great pics are the next best thing!!

While I didn’t quite get the 2:30 I really wanted..I did nab myself an almost 8min PR! Which means I’m getting a little faster and stronger! It must be all the trail runs!! And although it is still slow by most people’s standards, for me this is great! I know I can keep improving and just have to dig deep when the wind knocks me down :) As long as I’m growing as a runner..I will keep on!

This was a fantastic trail for a race! A great place to to try for your first Ultra for sure!! All in all a great race!!! Had a great time and really loved the scenery..despite the wind trying to suck it out of me:) This also mean I have a new mileage PR for this year. October just took over with 62.35mi from August!!

Next onto Gobbler Grind on 11/21. While I will try to cut some time, this one is tricky due to the rolling hills on the trail section and the pretty steady ones on the open road section which if the wind is blowing can really kick you!! But a girl can try right :)

Happy November!!!