running race 11:20:00 [3] 50.0 mi (13:36 / mi)
shoes: Brooks Cascadia 7
Bull Run Run. As usually I was not in shape for this race that I normally treat as a long training run. I know to ease off the pace around mile 9, settle into an easy comfortable pace and then see when my legs start to tire, usually before mile 28. The rest of the way is just a long slow slog. This year's slog was apparently much slower than my normal slog, and my normal sub-10 hours was not possible. With tired legs earlier than normal, and not having much energy all day, I stopped caring about my finish time, and once I got within 4 miles to finish, it turned into a leisurely hiking pace. I wanted to cross the finish line walking, but forced myself into a jog for the final 10-15 sec, which I immediately regretted as I felt cramps beginning to set in, but was able to deal with it. I carried tons of food but ate none of it, nor any electrolytes, though I ate pickles, chips, salsa, and pizza at aid stations. Used a new powdered drink mix and aid station food with soda, and no stomach problems, so I call this a win. Warmer temps than normal, but heat was not an issue. New personal record for number of runners who pass me after mile 9, but this was not too unexpected, given my lack of training again this year.
