Never try run a 50K sick

[Bateluer]

It goes poorly.

http://www.aravaiparunning.com/results/2013CRResults50k.htm

29th place out of 37 finishers. I did a lot of coughing for the first couple hours, but eventually, I think I got it all out of my lungs. These are the trails I train on several days a week, and I was scheduled to do the 50M and go for a PR. But, the crud I brought home from CES coupled with lackluster training over the past two weeks dashed those aspirations. I actually got almost no sleep Friday night, and woke up Saturday morning with a 31K mindset. Even skipped breakfast in a futile attempt to catch another 20 minutes of shut eye.

Got to the race start, had a cup a coffee and decided to do the 50K. This course has a lot of climbing and descents, with a a lot of rocks and sand. Aide stations are roughly 6-8 miles apart, depending on the loop.

Since I'd left my house with the intent to drop to the 31K, I neglected to bring more than one water bottle and neglected sunscreen of any kind. Two newb mistakes I don't make often. Always bring at least two water bottles for these desert trail races, always. The single 20oz handheld I brought wasn't anywhere near adequate, even with the weather peaking in the low 70s later in the day. Ended up rationing the water supply very aggressively, and after the first 20 miles, my cold and lack of sleep caught up with me. Walked out the bulk of the last 9-10 miles.

I gotta get back on the trolley, I've two more 50Ks and a 26.2 in Feb, plus a 26.2 and 50M in March. There's a 50K I want to do 3 weeks before the 100M I'm targeting in April, and I feel like I've fallen off the wagon.

 

[Azraele]

Well, you didn't finish last, and you DID finish. But no, you should not attempt something like that sick, and with not enough water to boot.

 

[Megatomic]

I wanted to admonish you for racing while sick, but I did the same thing back in October. It's hard when you've paid your fee and have months of hopes and aspirations tied up into the event. Good job on finishing. And remember, even if you HAD finished last, DFL>>>DNS.

 

[Bateluer]

I wanted to admonish you for racing while sick, but I did the same thing back in October. It's hard when you've paid your fee and have months of hopes and aspirations tied up into the event. Good job on finishing. And remember, even if you HAD finished last, DFL>>>DNS.

I wanted my shirt and finisher beer glass, dammit.
There were about 10 DNFs.

Edit - On another note, next year, they've added a full 100M distance to this course. 5x loops around the 20mi loop.

http://www.aravaiparunning.com/coldwater-rumble/